Founded in 2001, Miss Koch provides a platform for young people in the Korogocho area, in particular women and girls, to participate in Kenya's political and economic development.
Miss Koch arranges girls' sports tournaments, talent and skills development training, and workshops on reproductive health. It has also directly funded some children's secondary school fees, and established a resource centre for those seeking information.
Programmes
Miss Koch has four major initiatives:
Daraja (Bridge) - this programme works on human rights and good governance. Creating a strong and health community is not just about micro-level activities, but influencing the debate on general development policy. The programme organises forums discussing the Kenyan constitution, mobilises community political representatives, and provides education and training in human rights and peacebuilding activities.
Badilika (change) - this initiative works to change risk-taking behaviour and attitudes in young people towards reproductive health and HIV/Aids.
Wadada (Women) - the goal of this programme it empower and provide education for women and girls. By arranging forums and other events where women can meet to learn about and discuss their rights, the programme aims to increase political participation among and the potential to create change of women. It also helps provide for children who are unable to attend secondary school. .
Burudika - (Enjoy and have fun) - this stands for the empowerment and development of young people's talent and skills, in sport, music, dance and art. The resource centre, established in order to ensure that young people have a chance to discover new talents, has become a key community meeting place.