Empowering underprivileged children through innovative education and holistic development.
The Happy Place: A Beacon of Learning and Opportunity
The Happy Place
At a
Glance
11
acre property donated by a local philanthropist
4
hour drive from Nairobi, safely distant from negative influences
Holistic CBC curriculum for Junior & Senior Secondary
Vocational Training in carpentry, sustainable agriculture, culinary arts, IT, renewable energy, and more
Program
Overview
At Beyond the Vision Initiative (BVI), we see firsthand the challenges teens face in Nairobi’s informal settlements—substance abuse, school dropouts, and a lack of positive role models. The Happy Place is our bold response: a boarding school where disadvantaged youth gain academic excellence, practical employability skills, and a safe space for emotional growth.
A Haven for Holistic Development
Built on an 11-acre site in Laikipia County, THP will serve as a comprehensive refuge—removing students from harmful environments and immersing them in a campus culture that nurtures resilience, leadership, and community-mindedness. By aligning with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and introducing modern workshops, THP empowers learners to forge sustainable futures.
Objectives
- Secure, Self-Contained Campus
Create a protected environment free from drugs, violence, and other harmful influences. - Robust Mentorship & Role Modeling
Pair students with professionals from similar backgrounds to encourage personal growth and long-term aspiration. - Vocational Excellence
Integrate intensive training in carpentry, agriculture, renewable energy, and more, preparing learners for both employment and entrepreneurship. - Entrepreneurship Education
Equip teens with vital skills—financial literacy, market research, and practical business planning—to cultivate a new generation of job creators. - Mental & Emotional Wellness
Establish a dedicated counseling center that addresses trauma, offers psychological support, and builds emotional resilience. - Practical Work Experience
Foster partnerships with local businesses and artisans, facilitating in-field apprenticeships and real-world learning. - Positive Code of Conduct
Reinforce respect and responsibility, fostering a distinctly uplifting school culture that contrasts prior exposure to negative environments. - Family & Guardian Engagement
Offer regular forums for parents, ensuring the supportive campus ethos extends into students’ home lives.
Activities & Implementation Approach
Comprehensive Academic Pathways
Following Kenya’s CBC for Junior and Senior Secondary, THP balances core subjects with practical workshops, ensuring students leave equipped for the modern world. These workshops emphasize hands-on learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship—key drivers for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Mentorship & Entrepreneurship Integration
Through guided mentorship, students learn from accomplished professionals who understand their struggles firsthand. Meanwhile, entrepreneurship modules encourage teens to identify local market opportunities, plan small ventures, and hone leadership skills.
Wellness & Emotional Support
A dedicated Wellness Center will offer trauma-informed counseling, group therapy sessions, and day-to-day emotional support. By prioritizing mental health, THP aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)—a critical component of holistic development.
Technology Adoption
Given Laikipia’s limited infrastructure, innovative ICT solutions and clean energy (e.g., solar power) will feature prominently. Students gain digital literacy and a deeper understanding of sustainable practices, reinforcing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Current
Reach
200
- 200+ marginalized teens will benefit each year, gaining personal and professional skills to break cycles of poverty.
- Reduced dropout rates as learners thrive in a structured, supportive environment, far from daily risks.
- Bridging class and workforce gaps by merging formal academics with hands-on vocational training.
“We’ve witnessed how holistic learning can transform communities. With The Happy Place, we’re giving teenagers in tough environments a genuine shot at success and self-reliance.”
Local Community Leader, Laikipia County
Our Partners
- Ministry of Education: Ensures CBC compliance and academic oversight
- Beyond Vision Foundation: Provides strategic guidance and supplementary program support
- HNA Mental Wellness Program Inc.: Offers counseling services and trauma-informed care strategies
- Local Businesses & Artisans: Enabling real-world apprenticeships and skill application
These synergistic collaborations ensure THP stands on a strong, sustainable foundation.
Future
Plans
Expanded Reach: Increase the number of scholarships to serve more students annually
Professional Development Workshops: Offer career mentorship, internship placements, and leadership training for scholarship beneficiaries
Alumni Network: Develop a formal structure for graduates to mentor incoming scholars and contribute to BVI’s broader community initiatives
Needs
(Funding & Support)
To bring The Happy Place to life and maintain its core programs, we invite support for:
- Construction & Equipment: Classrooms, dormitories, workshops, and renewable energy systems
- Vocational Tools & Supplies: Carpentry equipment, IT labs, and modern kitchen facilities for culinary training
- Mental Health Resources: Professional counselors, therapy materials, and ongoing training for staff
- Volunteer Expertise: Architects, educators, psychologists, and entrepreneurs who can help build a campus of sustainable impact
Every contribution ensures more teens can unlock their potential and unleash their futures.
Your support of The Happy Place creates life-changing opportunities for teens to transcend poverty, embrace their worth, and emerge as leaders in their communities.