What is our purporse?
We focus on Environmental protection and restoration, Youth and Women empowerment, Reproductive and Mental Health advocacy.
Be The You Foundation is a registered organization in
Kenya, founded in 2018. We are dedicated to promoting environmental
protection and restoration, ocean and rivers clean ups, youth,
women and community empowerment. We recognize the
urgent need to address the environmental
challenges facing our planet and believe that by working together,
we can create a more sustainable and just future for all.
Our efforts to protect and restore the environment
began back in 2018 including clean up
campaigns to remove waste from oceans and
rivers , as well as initiatives to plant trees and
promote sustainable land use practices . We also
recognize the critical role that community
empowerment plays in achieving our goals, and
we work to empower young people, women, and
other community members through education and
training programs focused on environmental
awareness, sustainable livelihoods, and leadership
development.
At our core, we believe that
environmental
protection and community empowerment are
deeply interconnected. By working together to
protect the environment, we can create more
sustainable and resilient communities , where
everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The team's mission is to make a positive
difference in our environment by working towards
a sustainable future for all.
Our mission is to create positive and lasting change by promoting environmental restoration, community empowerment, and the well-being of girls and women. We are committed to leaving a legacy of a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world for present and future generations.
Our vision is to create a sustainable and inclusive world, where the interconnections between the environment, communities, and individuals are recognized and respected.
Environmental pollution
in Nairobi's slums is a
significant issue that poses a threat to the health
and well being of the residents. One of the major
sources of pollution is the lack of proper waste
management systems , which results in the
accumulation of garbage in the streets and open
areas.
Additionally, many residents in these slums rely
on burning solid fuels such as charcoal and
firewood for cooking and heating , which
releases harmful pollutants into the air . The
combination of poor waste management and the
use of solid fuels contributes to air pollution,
which can cause respiratory problems , heart
disease, and other health issues.
Along the riverbanks of slum areas, river
pollution is also a severe problem. Many residents
use these rivers for washing clothes , bathing , and
even drinking water , which leads to the
accumulation of waste, sewage, and other
pollutants. The pollution of these rivers can cause
waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery,
and typhoid fever, which are particularly
dangerous for children and elderly people.
Waste pollution
is another significant problem in
Nairobi's slums, where the lack of proper waste
management systems means that garbage
accumulates in the streets and open areas. This
waste pollution not only causes a foul odor and an
unsightly appearance but also attracts rodents
and insects that spread diseases
Environmental pollution
in the Indian Ocean
has significant effects on both the marine life and
the ecosystems surrounding it. One of the main
sources of pollution is waste dumped into the
ocean from various sources, including ships, oil
rigs, and coastal communities.
This pollution affects
marine life and fishers who
rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. The
pollution leads to the accumulation of toxins in
the water, which can harm or kill marine
organisms . This, in turn, can reduce the fish
population and make it difficult for fishers to make
a living. Additionally, the pollution can lead to the
loss of biodiversity and the destruction of
habitats , including coral reefs and mangrove
forests.
Mangrove forests, in particular, are crucial
ecosystems that support a diverse range of marine
life, including fish and shellfish. They also act as a
natural barrier to coastal erosion and protect
against storm surges . However, pollution from
the Indian Ocean, including oil spills and waste
dumping, can harm these ecosystems and
threaten the livelihoods of those who depend on
them.
Waste management
is another significant problem in the
region, with many coastal communities lacking proper waste
management systems . As a result, waste often ends up in the
ocean, leading to pollution and harm to marine life.
Pollution in the Indian Ocean has significant effects on marine life, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of those who depend on them, such as fishers and mangrove forests. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts from governments, organizations , and communities to implement proper waste management practices and prevent further pollution
The
rural communities in Kenya face numerous
dangers related to climate change , environmental
pollution , lack of tree planting , and lack of
awareness and education . Climate change has
continuously led to increased temperatures,
droughts, and flooding, which has negatively
impacted agricultural production and food
security in most rural areas in Kenya .
Environmental pollution
, such as water and air
pollution, has led to health problems for rural
communities, including respiratory illnesses and
water borne diseases . The lack of tree planting
has led to deforestation, which has resulted in soil
erosion and loss of biodiversity .
Additionally, the
lack of awareness and
education on environmental issues has prevented
rural communities from adopting sustainable land
use practices and engaging in environmental
conservation activities. This has led to further
degradation of natural resources and exacerbate
the impacts of climate change.
The dangers facing rural communities in
Kenya
highlight the urgent need for interventions that
address climate change, environmental pollution,
and lack of awareness and education .
By promoting sustainable land use practices,
supporting tree planting, and offering educational
programs on environmental issues, we can help to
mitigate the dangers facing rural communities in
the country and support sustainable development
in these areas.
Since we initiated this project,
improvements in
waste management has led to improved
environmental quality, reduced health hazards, and
increased quality of life for underserved residents
in both Nairobi and Mombasa regions.
Our community empowerment initiatives has
helped to build the capacity of local communities
to manage their natural resources , engage in
sustainable land use practices, and promote
environmental conservation . This has led to
long term sustainability of natural resources and
support economic development in these peri
urban centres .
Waste management and community
empowerment are critical interventions for
promoting sustainable development and
addressing environmental challenges in peri urban
and rural areas in Kenya. Be The You
Foundation's supporting these initiatives, we
have helped to build resilient and sustainable
communities , protect natural resources, and
promote economic development in these areas.
Ocean cleanup
efforts have a positive significant impact on
marine life , to coastal fishers , on mangrove cover , to
coastal communities and to both local and international
tourists. The accumulation of plastic waste in Indian
Ocean has become a significant problem, with devastating
impacts on marine ecosystems .
Marine animals, such as sea turtles, fish, and birds, often
mistake plastic debris for food, leading to injury, illness,
and death. Additionally, plastic waste can cause
entanglement and suffocation, further impacting marine life.
By partnering with various organizations in Coastal
region in removing plastic waste from the ocean, these
cleanup efforts has helped to reduce these negative impacts
and support the health and well being of marine
ecosystems.
Coastal fishers
have also been impacted by plastic waste in
Indian Ocean. Fishing gear and other plastic debris have
entangled and damaged fishing equipment, leading to loss
of income and reduced productivity . Additionally, plastic
waste harm fish populations, reducing the availability of
fish for fishing communities. Indi a n Ocean cle a nup by our
formid able team have helped to support the livelihoods and
well being of fishing communities in Kenya’s coastal
region.
Mangrove forests, which are vital ecosystems for coastal
communities, have also been impacted by plastic waste.
Mangroves provide habitat for a variety of marine
species, protect coastlines from erosion , and support local
economies through fishing and tourism. Plastic waste
can smother mangrove roots, reducing their ability to
provide these vital ecosystem services. The effort made
by our team has helped to support the health and well
being of mangrove forests and the communities that rely
on them.
Coastal communities
and both local and international
tourists have been impacted by plastic waste on beaches
and in coastal waters. Plastic debris have reduced the
aesthetics of beaches, impacted human health, and
harmed tourism, which has been a significant source of
income for many coastal communities.
Waste management and community
empowerment are critical interventions for
promoting sustainable development and
addressing environmental challenges in peri urban
and rural areas in Kenya. Be The You
Foundation's supporting these initiatives, we
have helped to build resilient and sustainable
communities , protect natural resources, and
promote economic development in these areas.
Today, Be The You Foundation’s efforts and partnering
organizations have laid a better foundation for Coastal
region economic growth due to influx of both local and
international tourists
The Foundation’s e nvironment protectio n and
restoration efforts in Nairobi and Mombasa have
had significant impacts on the environment,
communities, and the economy. In Nairobi, our
tree planting initiatives have been implemented
in various parts of the city, including 22 primary
and secondary schools and along the banks of
Nairobi river . These initiatives aim to increase
the city’s tree cover, improve air quality, and
mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Similarly, in
Mombasa , tree planting initiatives
have been implemented in various underserved
slum areas and along the coast. These initiatives
aim to protect coastal ecosystems
Additionally,
community awareness programs
initiated by our organization have been
implemented to raise awareness on the importance
of environmental conservation and promote
sustainable useful environment practices . These
efforts have led to improved environmental
quality , increased biodiversity , and enhanced
aesthetics in the urban centres .
These initiatives also have significant
social and economic impacts .
Improved environmental quality has led to improved health
outcomes, reduced health care costs , and increased productivity.
Additionally, increased biodiversity and enhanced aesthetics has
attracted tourists and promote economic development in the
regions.
Be The You Foundation’s community clean up
efforts in Nairobi's slum areas, such as Dandora ,
have had a significant impact on the health and well
being of residents. Most peri urban centres have
inadequate waste management and poor sanitation
infrastructure leading to the accumulation of
garbage, sewage, and other waste materials, causing
health hazards and environmental pollution.
Our clean up efforts, such as clearing trenches ,
cleaning drainage systems , and sweeping roads ,
help to reduce the accumulation of waste, improving
environmental hygiene and reducing the risk of
disease transmission.
Through our activities, community members have
collaborated and worked together with us to tackle
issues affecting their community, creating a more
cohesive and resilient community.
Waste management and community
empowerment are critical interventions for
promoting sustainable development and
addressing environmental challenges in peri urban
and rural areas in Kenya. Be The You
Foundation's supporting these initiatives, we
have helped to build resilient and sustainable
communities , protect natural resources, and
promote economic development in these areas.
Today, Be The You Foundation’s efforts and partnering
organizations have laid a better foundation for Coastal
region economic growth due to influx of both local and
international tourists.
The foundation’s r eproductive and mental health sessions have had a significant impact on young girls living in
Nairobi’s slum areas . These sessions provide critical information and education on reproductive health , including
menstrual hygiene , family planning, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs ), which have empowered young girls
to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures.
In slum areas, where access to
health services is often limited , reproductive and mental health sessions can fill a
critical gap in healthcare provision. Through our programs, young girls have access to accurate and reliable
information on reproductive health, and helped to reduce the prevalence of STIs , unwanted pregnancies , and unsafe
abortions , improving the health and well being of girls and their communities