​Supporting Youths transition from care to self reliance  

About US

Bridge to Independence (BIE) is a dedicated non-governmental organization in Nairobi, focused on empowering youths aged 18 to 25 who are transitioning from care to self-reliance. Our mission is to provide essential support and resources to help these young individuals build a stable and independent future. Through various programs and initiatives, we aim equip them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in society. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these youths as they embark on their journey to independence. 

Our Approach (4 Integrated Pillars) 

1. Psychosocial support  

Our psychosocial support is the foundation of the transition process. We recognize that leaving institutional care is a major life shift that requires emotional resilience. BIE provides:

• Counseling: Individual and group counseling sessions to process the transition.

• Mental Health Care: Specialized, trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of care-leavers.

• Emotional Support: A safe space for youth to build the confidence needed for a dignified life.

2. ​Mentorship and Social capital  

No one succeeds in isolation. We help youth build "social capital" by connecting them with stable, supportive networks.

• One-on-One Mentorship: Every youth is paired with a positive adult role model.

• Career Guidance: Professional mentors provide insights into various industries and career paths.

• Networking: We create opportunities for youth to form lasting social and professional connections.

3. Life Skills for independence  

We equip our participants with the essential life skills required to navigate adulthood successfully and avoid social exclusion.

• Financial Literacy: Intensive training in budgeting, saving, and managing personal finances.

• Communication Skills: Training in decision-making, healthy relationships, and conflict resolution.

• Self-Leadership: Empowering youth to take ownership of their future and live self-reliantly.

4. ​Entrepreneurship and Livelihood  

Our final pillar ensures that every young person has a sustainable way to earn a living and contribute to the economy.

• Vocational Training: Practical business and vocational skills training tailored to the local market.

• Micro-Enterprise Incubation: Support for those starting their own small businesses or social enterprises.

• Job Placement: Clear pathways to apprenticeships and employment opportunities in Nairobi.

The Challenge and Our Impact 

Addressing transition gap for youths exiting institutional care 

1. The Reality of Aging out 

Every Year, thousands of young people exit children's home and institutional care with no structured support system. At age 18,they face abrupt independence without adequate Psychosocial, social, or economic preparations. This leaves them at a high risk of;

• Homelessness and housing instability​

• Unemployment and lack of vocational skills

• Exploitation and lack of a safety net

2.  Who we Serve 

BIE is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable care-experienced young people in our community.

• Age Group: Youth aged between 18 - 25 years

• Background: Individuals exiting children's home or institutional care

• Priority: Orphaned, Vulnerable, and care-experienced young people with no family or financial safety net

3.  Global Impact( SDG Alignment) 

Our model is youth centered, dignity driven, and sustainable. We address a critical but underfunded transitiongap, ensuring that our work aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

• No Poverty

• Good Health and well being

• Quality education

• Decent work and economic Growth

• Reduced Inequalities

Community Engagement & Activities

Empowering youth through consistent, dignity-driven intervention and partnership. 

1. Empowerment Workshops 

Our workshops are designed to bridge the gap between institutional care and independent living. We provide a safe space for youth aged 18–25 to engage in:

• Vocational Training: Practical business and vocational skills.

• Life Skills: Financial literacy, budgeting, and healthy relationship building.

• Self-Leadership: Tools to foster confidence and take ownership of their future.

2. Mentorship Sessions 

We facilitate one-on-one mentorship that pairs our participants with positive adult role models. These activities focus on:

• Career Guidance: Helping youth navigate job markets and professional networks.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Providing individual and group counseling for emotional healing.

• Safe Networking: Connecting youth to community safety nets they may otherwise lack

3.  Livelihood Incubation 

BIE actively works to ensure economic empowerment through structured livelihood pathways:

• Micro-Enterprise: Supporting youth as they pilot and grow their own business ideas.

• Apprenticeships: Creating direct links between vocational training and job placements in Nairobi.

Partner With Us 

We seek partnerships with donors, foundations, and institutions to pilot, scale, and sustain a model that addresses a critical but underfunded transition gap. Your investment helps provide:

• Dignity-Driven Support: Grounded in psychosocial and economic empowerment.

• Sustainable Solutions: Youth-centered programs aligned with SDGs 1, 3, 4, 8, and 10.

• Proven Pathways: From vocational training to successful job placements and micro-enterprise incubation.

Get in Touch

If you are interested in partnership, volunteering, or learning more about our initiative in Nairobi, please reach out to us directly.

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya.

• Email: belyaok@gmail.com.

• Inquiries: For partnership and general enquiries, please use the form below.