#66 | *Revisiting* Empowering Children To Fight Injustice Worldwide: The Inspiring Work Of ‘Many Hopes’
Fifteen years ago, Thomas Keown embarked on a transformative journey from journalism to founding Many Hopes, inspired by the resilience and spirit of children living in the Kenyan slums. Witnessing firsthand the harsh realities of injustice, poverty, and indignity, he was driven to seek systemic solutions, not just temporary relief. Today, his mission has taken a global turn, spreading hope and igniting change across continents.
At the core of Many Hopes is the conviction that children, once trapped in cycles of abuse, trafficking, and destitution, can emerge as powerful catalysts for change. With this belief, Thomas and his team have sculpted an organization that doesn't just aim to alleviate suffering momentarily but to eradicate the root causes of systemic issues worldwide.
“Many Hopes exists in the world for one reason and one reason only: To rescue children from situations of injustice and equip them to become the adults who can do that for other people if they choose to.” Thomas Keown
In our conversation, Thomas delves into the unique approach of Many Hopes, highlighting its reliance on a robust 6-stage child development framework. This method, crafted to rescue, nurture, educate, inspire, empower, and support children through crisis, has already marked numerous triumphs. By partnering with local individuals who themselves have overcome adversity, Many Hopes ensures that its efforts are grounded, genuine, and transformative.
Confronting the inadequacies of traditional charity, Thomas and his team dare to reimagine a world where childhood suffering and abuse are eradicated through systemic change. They challenge the status quo with a poignant question: If over a trillion dollars in charity hasn't made a significant dent, what will? This episode is more than just a story; it's a call to action. It's about acknowledging the long road ahead, committing to a vision of lasting change, and nurturing the bravery, perseverance, and compassion required to realize that vision.
In this episode, Thomas explains how his team works with carefully chosen local individuals in Guatemala, Bolivia, Peru, Malawi, Ghana, and Kenya who have experienced hardship themselves and are passionate about creating a better world for children. Using a 6-stage child development framework that rescues, nurtures, educates, inspires, empowers, and supports children in crisis, they have already seen many successes that prove their plan is working.
Watch and Share “The Rising”: A powerful film that Brings Many Hopes’ Mission to Life.
Thomas Keown with Jean, one of the first students rescued graduating from college in Nairobi. 2023
In this episode we discuss:
• Thomas’s childhood in Northern Ireland
• His opportunity to work in the Parliament on Irish Peace Negotiations
• Thomas’s trip to Kenya that inspired him to found Many Hopes
• Many Hopes long term goals and strategies
• The key components needed for Many Hopes success
• Many Hopes expansion to six countries
• The promise of survivor-led change
• Many Hopes success stories
• “The Rising” - a film to spur future success
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