Empowering Children: How Pendo’s Power Teaches Body Safety & Child Protection

how freely in hope protects and equips children from abuse

At Freely in Hope, we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment. Yet, one in five girls and one in eleven boys experience sexual violence before turning 18 (UNICEF). Body safety education is key to prevention, and equipping children and caregivers with tools to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.

Our Child Protection Program is designed to educate, train, and empower children, caregivers, and faith leaders to create safer environments for children. Through workshops and community engagement, we help families and organizations recognize the signs of abuse, start conversations about body safety, and develop trauma-informed support systems. One of our key resources in this effort is Pendo’s Power, a comprehensive body safety education tool that equips children, parents, and educators with the skills to prevent abuse and advocate for safe spaces.

WHAT IS PENDO'S POWER & how does it help?

Pendo’s Power is more than just a children’s book, it’s an interactive, age-appropriate body safety learning resource that teaches children consent, boundaries, and self-advocacy.

The Pendo’s Power Products Include:

By using storytelling, music, and interactive discussions, Pendo’s Power creates a comfortable and empowering space for children to learn about their rights, recognize unsafe situations, and confidently seek help when needed.

how pendo's power supports child protection & body safety education

  1. Encourages Open Conversations. Many children lack the language to talk about unsafe situations. Pendo’s Power Introduces age-appropriate language around safe and unsafe touch, consent, and boundaries, making it easier for children to communicate their experiences.
  2. Empowers Caregivers and Educators. The Caregivers Companion Guide equip adults with the knowledge and tools to protect children from harm, ensuring they feel safe in their homes, schools, and communities.
  3. Builds Confidence in Children. Pendo, the main character teaches children how to say “no” to uncomfortable situations and seek help from trusted adults—critical skills in preventing abuse.

the impact of our child protection work

At Freely in Hope, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing abuse and empowering children. Through Pendo’s Power, we have provided child protection workshops in schools,churches, and community centers, reaching thousands of children and caregivers across Kenya, Zambia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve seen firsthand how access to knowledge changes lives. Children who have engaged with Pendo’s Power have demonstrated a greater confidence in discussing body safety, and caregivers have reported feeling more equipped to protect their children from harm.

get a copy of pendo's power!

We invite you to join us in creating safer environments for children by using Pendo’s Power in your home, school, or community! See more Pendo’s Power products. 

Every purchase from our store helps expand child protection programs in underserved communities.

By supporting Pendo’s Power, you are helping to build a future where children grow up with confidence to protect themselves and thrive in safe, nurturing environments!

Download the FREE Caregiver Guide and start the conversation about body safety with your child today!

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Partnering with Together Women Rise to Expand Survivor-Led Child Protection in Kenya

We are proud to announce a new partnership between Freely in Hope and Together Women Rise, a global community of women and allies advancing gender equality worldwide in the Global South.
Through this partnership, Together Women Rise is investing $50,000 over two years to support the expansion of Pendo’s Power, Freely in Hope’s trauma-informed, play-based program designed to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in under-resourced communities.
This funding marks a significant milestone in our journey to create safer schools and stronger protection systems for children, led by those who understand the realities of violence most deeply: survivors themselves.

How Maryanne’s Story Became Her Strength

The weight of my community’s silence was heavy. Growing up, I didn’t just witness violence; I lived in its shadow, watching as systems and customs quietly expected women to remain small, silenced, and in servitude. I saw women I admired trapped in cycles of abuse, their dignity chipped away until their dreams seemed impossible.

When Believing in Others Becomes Your Purpose

The weight of my community’s silence was heavy. Growing up, I didn’t just witness violence; I lived in its shadow, watching as systems and customs quietly expected women to remain small, silenced, and in servitude. I saw women I admired trapped in cycles of abuse, their dignity chipped away until their dreams seemed impossible.

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