Volume 1. Issue 1 / 20 September, 2026
Why name the newsletter LAWARIDI?
Lawaridi is a rose flower in Swahili. The Rose Foundation is named after the founder’s mom, Peninah Rose Wali, who was a teacher and community activist.
A Historical Perspective
TheFounderof TheRose Foundation put together a team of like-minded people in 2015, and launched the organization at the Nairobi BaptistChurch. The launch was presided by Rev. Majid Ochieng and the guest of honor was Johnson Mwakazi, former broadcaster at Citizen TV. The organization was duly registered in the same year as a faith-based charitable organization. The board and trustees immediately came on board to help with the activities of the domestic violence prevention and intervention organization. Soon after the launch, a committee of twelve was set up to organize a 485 kilometres walk to raise awareness. We held meetings three times a week (after work) for four months at the Nairobi Baptist Church, Ngong road. ( Insert pic 1 )
The walk was a huge success. Pre-walk studio engagement with radio sensation Uncle Fred Machoka, at his Roga Roga Show, had a reach of 6 million listeners, live and streaming. Ian, TJ and founder print media interview with the Daily Nation, had a reach of approximately four million readers. The walk stops at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, ACK Voi Cathedral, Machakos Junction ( with Hon. Susan Musyoka) and the final walk to Supreme Court garned an audience of approximately 1000 people.( Insertpic2)
Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, 2016
From the very beginning, the Rose Foundation, was passionate about raising awareness on the troubling domestic violence epidemic in Kenya. From the very start our organization sought to make a big statement in its first public action against domestic violence. Two determined, remarkable men, Ian (NBC) and TJ ( Our Lady of Mercy), volunteered to walk from the coastal Kenyan city of Mombasa to the capital Nairobi for the foundation’s “De-Feet Domestic Violence” walk. Many described such a mission as impossible, and both the men and organization faced many challenges. Motorists were a real threat to the safety of the men and financing a new non-profit especially during such an event proved challenging. However, on March 12, 2016 the men arrived safely in Nairobi where they met with Supreme Court Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga. The Justice aptly commended the organization for creating an event that showed how men must also be on the forefront in the fight against the abuse of women and children. (Insert pic 3, 4)
Survivor Support Group
From the beginning we strongly believed that working with survivors of domestic violence who live in informal settlements is key to helping them transition to violence-free lives. ( Insert pic 5, 6)
Social Education
Primary approach is about interventions at the population level before violence occurs. We believe prevention of violence is possible and an it is an integral part of dealing with domestic violence. It has been proved that early prevention that targets teenagers is effective in mitigating adult relationship violence. We are targeting informal settlements teenagers in Nairobi Metropolis and at the Coast Province. In addition, we equip religious leaders with information and tools that help them respond to victims appropriately and effectively. We are also targeting the general population using the church platform. Currently, we are working with the ACK church in Taita-Taveta County. (Insert Pics 7,8,9,10)
Income Generating Project
We are helping low-income women from informal settlements and rural Kenya, with tools and equipment to start small income generating projects. The projects include food, and cereals businesses.
Speaking Engagements
The founder travels to Tanzania and the USA numerous times for speaking engagements to raise awareness. Some of the organizations that she has collaborated with are; Transition House, Cambridge Women’s Commission, The Haven Project, Cape Ann Bible Church, Cape Ann, Green Baptist Church, Melrose, First Baptist Church, Medford and Washington Street Baptist Church, Lynn. (Insert pic 11)
Save the Family Fun Day
This is an annual family event that takes place at PSTA Karen. The day starts at 9am with games, obstacles challenges and music/dancing. Then we have a plenary session talking about domestic violence. After that we have break-out sessions where each age group is reached appropriately. We then reconvene to share the group knowledge and insights about domestic violence. The day ends at 2pm. There are drinks and snacks available at a fair price. (Insert pic 12).
Coming soon
RF is currently fundraising and searching for land to build a National Emergency Shelter at the Coast. We are looking for donors to help in this noble project.
To our donors, thank you for taking this journey with us. God bless you all.
