Pendo’s Power is a children’s book that empowers children to protect themselves and their friends! Geared toward children ages 4-10, Pendo’s Power teaches age-appropriate concepts about consent, body safety, and the power of their voice!
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DOWNLOAD THE FREE CAREGIVER COMPANION GUIDe
Pendo’s Power is written with the hope that through open, consistent, and transparent conversations, children will be able to understand and articulate the concepts of consent, bodily integrity, and trust. We wrote this companion guide to help parents and caregivers have open conversations with children and explore the key messages of Pendo’s story.
PRAISE FOR PENDO’S POWER
The Pendo’s Power children’s book teaches kids about body boundaries, consent, and sexual abuse. The new children’s book aims to equip kids and their families with the necessary language and tools to navigate sensitive conversations surrounding body autonomy and sexual violence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After giving birth to her daughter, Lydia Matioli wanted to ensure her daughter grew up in a world that was safe. As a survivor of child sexual assault, Lydia was terrified that her daughter could be vulnerable to the same harm she experienced. As a child-protection advocate, Lydia wanted to educate children to be aware of what abuse looks like, and to empower parents to build trust and establish safety measures with their children. This vision birthed Pendo’s Power, her first children’s book! Born and raised in Kibera, East Africa’s largest slum, Lydia has experienced the effects of sexual violence, lack of education, and poverty firsthand. Now serving as Freely in Hope’s Program & Partnerships Director, Lydia coordinates, designs, and implements programs that exemplify best practices on ending the cycle of sexual violence. She is passionate about seeing survivors unlock and fully live out their potential. Through the launch of Pendo’s Power, Lydia hopes that children around the world will discover the power of their voices and utilize it to call out sexual abuse and build a safer world for generations to come.
FAQ’s:
1 in 9 children worldwide have experienced child sexual abuse. 95% of child abuse happens by someone known to the child, often a trusted friend or family member. Research shows that teaching children about body safety:
- Reduces the likelihood of a child entering into an unsafe situation
- Increases the likelihood that the child will speak out if they feel unsafe and tell someone they trust
- Helps prevent grooming and child sexual abuse
Yes! This is a family-friendly event focused on children 4-10 years old. We will be sharing age-appropriate education for children on topics of consent, body autonomy, safe touch, and reporting. Little kids 12 and under join for free!
Yes! Teens often take care of their younger siblings and children in their community. Teenagers need to understand these important concepts of consent, body autonomy, and safe touch for themselves and for the children they encounter. To be aware of how they can also report red flags and protect children from sexual abuse.
Yes! Adults are responsible for protecting children in our communities. Often, adults do not have the skills to notice signs of sexual abuse. At the book launch, we’ll be addressing practical ways adults can engage by providing educational resources, practical tools, and referrals for support.
Yes! You can buy the book online on November 4. Author, Lydia Matioli, will be coming all the way from Nairobi, Kenya to sign books in person! Pre-order today!
Want to bring pendo's power to your community?
Freely in Hope conducts workshops to help parents, teachers, and organizational leaders protect children from sexual abuse.
Through the Workshop, parents, teachers and leaders will:
Gain awareness on what sexual abuse is and how they can prevent it in their communities.
Learn how to initiate conversations around sexuality and sexual abuse with their children.
Know how to respond to child sexual abuse cases and utilize local resources to support survivors of sexual abuse.
To learn more and schedule, contact: nikole@freelyinhope.org