Tree of Smiles

We are a Child focused civil society organization working to provide hope to every child for a holistic most fulfilling life respectfully.

[Children and Armed Conflict 📍 #ProveItMatters @childreninwar]

30 years ago, Graça Machel warned the int. community that children had become deliberate targets of wars. Her report shone a spotlight on the plight of children affected by armed conflict. Three decades later, her words resonate more than ever & continue to inspire & guide us.

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

Let's protect our children. #ChildrenSafety# #ChildProtection#

[ACERWC @acerwc]

🧵Although #Africa is endowed with significant water 🌊resources, the continent is facing increasing and interconnected water security challenges that threaten sustainable development, human well-being and the realization of children’s rights.

As we gear towards #DAC2026

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

Mental Health month.Let’s nurture young hearts, listen without judgment, and create safe spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. 🌱💚
Because healthy minds grow brighter futures.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #TreeOfSmiles #ChildMentalHealth #EveryChildMatters

[UN Peacekeeping @UNPeacekeeping]

The @UN Security Council briefing on #DRC highlighted the disproportionate toll of war on #Congo's women & girls: abductions, arbitrary killings & conflict-related sexual violence.

For @MONUSCO chief a.i., this is only the tip of the iceberg:
Watch ➡️ https://t.co/joXHpn0GiX

[African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security @AUC_PAPS]

Closing and Way Forward | #APCAAC

Day 3⃣ of the AP-CAAC Capacity Building Session focused on work planning and child-rights advocacy priorities for 2026, with Session 10 on AP-CAAC work planning and advocacy opportunities led by Ms. Yvonne Tagwireyi and Dr. Ntando Ndhlovu, followed by group presentations facilitated by Dr. Kijala Shako.

The Session officially concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Isabela Moses Warioba, and final remarks by Advocate Ishmael Sefeane, Representative of the Vice Co-Chair of #AP_CAAC and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of #Lesotho to the @_AfricanUnion, reaffirming strong continental commitment to protecting children affected by conflict.

[African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security @AUC_PAPS]

Day 2⃣ – #APCAAC Capacity Building | Technical and Advocacy Core

Day 2 began with a recap of Day 1 by Dr. Kijala Shako, recognising participants' contributions and setting a positive tone for ongoing collaboration.

This was followed by in-depth technical engagements including “Situating the #VancouverPrinciples within the #CAAC Agenda” by Mr John Kelei (@DallaireInst); a session on Mainstreaming Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (#MHPSS) into Child Protection Systems in Conflict-Affected Contexts led by Ms Ruth Maina and Ms Evelyn Matu (@treeofsmilesKe); and a critical discussion on Engaging Children from Conflict Settings, covering child participation and safeguarding within AU processes, facilitated by Ms. Yvonne Tagwireyi.

The morning concluded with Child Protection Advocacy and strategic mapping of advocacy entry points at the @_AfricanUnion , #RECs/#RMs, and #MemberStates, led by Dr Kijala Shako, emphasizing stakeholders' vital role in shaping coordinated continental action for children in situations of conflict.

[ACERWC @acerwc]

#KnowYourCharter | #ACRWC35 highlights Article 25: Separation from Parents

Children deprived of their family environment—temporarily or permanently—must receive special protection and assistance.

#AfricaFit4Children

[Africa CDC @AfricaCDC]

At the 7th Global Mental Health Summit in Cape Town, @AfricaCDC hosted a powerful symposium that highlighted a story of transformation.

Through the #MHLP, what began as a continental strategy has grown into a vibrant, living movement.

In just two years, the programme has:
✅ Trained 250+ professionals
✅ Integrated mental health into FETPs in four countries
✅ Empowered Kofi Annan Fellows to lead reform
✅ Built a network of 448 organizations

Africa CDC will expand and institutionalize #MHLP to make #MentalHealth leadership a pillar of Africa’s #NewPublicHealthOrder.

#AfricaCDC

[Children and Armed Conflict 📍 #ProveItMatters @childreninwar]

#Gaza: "I echo the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the killing of #children in Israeli airstrikes. Children’s rights & special protections, including the right to safety & security, must be protected at all times, & International Law must be respected."

#ProveItMatters

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

✨ Empowered girls, transforming crises into change. 💪🌍
#DayOfTheGirl #TheGirlIAmTheChangeILead #GirlsOnTheFrontline #TreeOfSmiles

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

Every child deserves safety, care, love, and a chance to simply be a child. 💚
This World Mental Health Day, we stand for every child whose voice went unheard, whose tears were unseen, and whose safety was overlooked.Protect children’s mental health, protect the future#mhpss#

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

Act now for a peaceful world! #InternationalDayofPeace2025

[Children and Armed Conflict 📍 #ProveItMatters @childreninwar]

When war is prioritised, #children are paying the highest price as they remain the most affected by conflict.

#Peace is the best way to protect children.

#ProveItMatters 🕊️ #PeaceDay

[The KAIPTC @KaiptcGh]

We’ve commenced the 2025 Swiss sponsored Multidimensional Peace Operations Course 🎓🌍.

30 participants from 13 African countries are being equipped with the skills to plan & execute modern peace operations.

@SwissEmbAccra

#MDPO2025 #PeaceOperations #PeaceAndSecurity

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

Empowering young women & girls is part of our advocacy! At Tree of Smiles, we're proud of the She Leads program, advancing their rights & creating a brighter future. #Advocacy#GirlsEmpowerment #sheleadsafricasummit

[Horn of Africa Youth Network @HornofAYN]

Educating a girl is educating a family & a community,” says @ZainabHawa a reminder that investing in girls’ education not only transforms individual lives but uplifts entire societies. It strengthens families, fuels economies, & builds the foundation for a prosperous future.

[Horn of Africa Youth Network @HornofAYN]

“When girls lead, communities recover faster, businesses grow stronger, peace holds longer.”
At #SheLeadsAfricaSummit, Mrs. Amina Farah, IGAD’s Manager of Gender Affairs, urged shifting power, financing leadership, protecting civic space & ensuring accountability.

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

"At Tree of Smiles, our hearts are heavy for the children of Gaza who are facing immense struggles. We stand in solidarity with them, advocating for their mental health and well-being. Let's spread love, kindness, and support. #TreeOfSmiles #GazaSystematicsStarvation #Mhpss

[Tree of Smiles @treeofsmilesKe]

Children's mental health is a vital yet often overlooked area in child well being and protection especially for those in vulnerable situations. At Tree of Smiles, we believe that every child deserves to grow up emotionally strong & mentally healthy.
#Advocacy#MHForChildren#MHPSS