Program Background
The St. John Eudes Rehabilitation Centre was established in 2001 by the Catholic Diocese of Kitui as a temporary residential home for the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children in need of care and protection, especially street children and youth (both boys and girls) in Kitui County.
Since 2022, the program has hosted an average of 70 children annually. In 2024, a total of 78 children and youth were accommodated at the Centre: 52 were enrolled in primary school, 24 in secondary school, and 2 in tertiary vocational training and college, all sponsored by the Diocese. Thirteen children were in their first year of rehabilitation and are expected to join school in 2025.
In addition, there were 7 care leavers in 2024 — youth who had successfully gone through the program and transitioned from the home.
Key Achievements
- At-risk children successfully rescued, rehabilitated and reintegrated back to school, tertiary institutions, and to their respective families
- Positive collaboration with Government agencies and other non-state actors to facilitate staff capacity development in care reforms, protection, and access to justice for children in need of care and protection.