Mahali Pa Usalama” (MPU) is a rescue centre. It was founded in 2008 by late archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa Archdiocese. The idea was conceived when it became apparent that many children were being abused at home, streets, beaches by people that were supposed to provide care and protection. It is located in Tudor Mombasa town in Mombasa County and is the only referral healing centre for the abused children in the coastal region.
Mahali Pa Usalama belongs to Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, under Caritas Mombasa, entrusted to Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd to manage the Centre, helped by other members of different professionals who support in decision making and evaluation. MPU is also a registered member of Association of Charitable Children Institution of Kenya (ACCIK) and with Children’s Department. It 100% depend on donation both locally and international.
The Centre target the rescued children both boys and girls aged five to seventeen years who are traumatized after suffering any form of abuse. The Centre also target the parents and families of the rescued children who lack information on child protection. Therefor the case referred to MPU are:
Sexual abuse cases: defilement, sodomy attempted rape.
Physical abuse: harmful beatings.
Psychological abuse: abusive words, bulling.
Drugs addicted children.
Children rescued from early and forced marriage.
Children are only referred to the Centre by: children’s Court, children’s Officer and/or police through Gender Based Violence Desk.
The mission of MPU is to provide safe place, care and protection to children that are abused or trafficked to Mombasa for commercial sex or child labour, the neglect, children who suffer from family disputes or from other social problems; and also to provide counselling, psycho social support and the necessary space to enable the children to grow and develop into mature individuals able to fend for themselves.
The activities of the rescue center are guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ: “let the children to me and do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18: 16), and also other core values: uphold the rights of a child; do No Harm approach; reconciliation, hospitality, mercy and compassion.
The aim of Mahali Pa Usalama is to take care and protect the children through provision of: food, safe accommodation, security and friendly home. Hence the professional staff offer also psychosocial counseling, in house schooling and play therapy activities to help children express pain and improve their emotional wellbeing. Medical care is also provided to ensuring every child is in good health and attend clinics. Other important activities are: home visits, family counseling and legal advice, like accompanying children to the Court. After six to nine months of admission the children are successfully reintegrated back to their families, according to the advice of the Children Department.