At Ocean Sole, our mission goes beyond transforming flip-flops into art. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. That’s why we support the Children’s Safe House & Upskilling Centre in Kilifi, a lifeline for 104 orphans and vulnerable children.
Why the Safe House Matters
Growing up without security or opportunity can trap children in cycles of poverty and vulnerability. In Kilifi, these children face an additional challenge: their home sits on a former coral mine wasteland, where growing food is nearly impossible. Without intervention, they face chronic hunger, unsafe living conditions, and a lack of access to education and basic health resources.
Ocean Sole’s Safe House & Upskilling Centre changes that by providing:
- Sanitary towels for 40+ girls every month to support health, dignity, and education.
- Clean water and weekly meals, ensuring children can learn and grow without hunger.
- A kitchen garden that turns barren land into a place of nourishment and resilience.
- Art supplies and creative workshops, empowering children with self-expression and healing.
- Upskilling programs, equipping youth with practical skills to transition into brighter futures.
Our Impact in 2025 & What’s Next
So far this year, Ocean Sole has:
- Supplied sanitary towels, clean water, and meals for all 104 children
- Established a thriving garden to supplement nutrition
- Delivered art supplies and creative learning workshops
- Begun vocational training programs for older youth
Our next goal is to expand the Upskilling Centre with new vocational programs, from computer literacy to sustainable farming techniques, creating pathways to independence for every child.
Every child deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity. With your support, we can make this a reality.
Ocean Sole’s Nonprofit Commitment
Ocean Sole is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to supporting community, conservation, and creative impact in Kenya. Through funding, partnerships, and global awareness campaigns, the U.S. nonprofit empowers our Kenyan social enterprise to turn ocean waste into opportunity through art, dignified jobs, and environmental action. We don’t just create upcycled sculptures, we support a wide range of impact initiatives that uplift communities, protect marine life, and inspire global change.
✨ Every time you shop with Ocean Sole, you’re not just buying art, you’re helping protect sea turtles, clean beaches, and support livelihoods in Kenya. Click here to view our Shop
🌍 Ocean Sole Programs at a Glance
At Ocean Sole, we don’t just make art from recycled flip-flops; we invest in people, planet, and purpose. Here’s how your support makes a difference across Kenya:
🐢 TurtleSafe Project: Protecting endangered sea turtles by hiring local rangers to safeguard nests, prevent poaching, and educate communities.
🌊 Coastal Cleanups: Removing tonnes of plastic and flip-flops from beaches and rivers before they reach the Indian Ocean.
🌱 Mangrove Planting: Partnering with The Leaf Charity to restore coastal forests, protect biodiversity, and fight climate change.
🌾 Community Garden (Ocean Mamaz): Empowering the Ocean Mamaz with food security, permaculture training, and sustainable income through Mama’s Miracle Grow compost.
Children’s Safe House & Upskilling Centre: Supporting 104 orphans and vulnerable children in Kilifi with vital resources. We provide sanitary towels for 40+ girls, clean water, weekly meals, art supplies, and a kitchen garden to grow vegetables, transforming a coral mine wasteland into a place of nourishment. This initiative builds dignity, health, and hope for children who need it most.
📚 Marine Education Outreach Program: Launched in 2024, this program partners with schools and the Safe House to embed ocean literacy, conservation skills, and creative recycling for children aged 5–12. Through storytelling, games, and hands-on activities, we nurture the next generation of ocean guardians.
💙 Ocean Sole CARES: Supporting our artisans and staff with healthcare, education, fair pay, and essential resources for their families.
✨ Every donation and every purchase fuels these programs, helping us clean oceans, protect wildlife, and create dignified jobs in Kenya.
