Virginia Teen’s Volunteer Work in Kenya’s Juvenile Facility Sparks Gratitude for U.S.
MCLEAN, Va. — Tess Emanuel, a high school senior from McLean, Virginia, spent two summers volunteering at a children’s correctional facility in Kisumu, Kenya, an experience that profoundly reshaped her understanding of justice and gratitude for her home country. Emanuel’s work took place at the Kisumu Children’s Remand Home, a remote facility where young offenders face harsh conditions and limited resources.
Motivated by a desire to serve others, Emanuel connected with Better Me, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, training, and life skills to children and youth striving to rebuild their lives in challenging environments. Through this partnership, she taught lessons to children of various ages, gaining firsthand insight into the realities faced by juvenile offenders in a system far different from that of the United States.
“I grew up being told that I needed to do things to help others and serve others,” Emanuel told Fox News Digital. Her experience volunteering abroad illuminated stark contrasts in sentencing practices and rehabilitation efforts compared to those in the U.S., deepening her appreciation for the opportunities and protections afforded to American youth.
The Kisumu Children’s Remand Home operates under conditions that highlight the challenges of juvenile justice in many parts of the world. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, juvenile justice systems vary widely globally, with some countries struggling to provide adequate rehabilitation and education for young offenders.
Emanuel’s reflections echo broader conversations about juvenile justice reform in the United States, where agencies like the National Criminal Justice Reference Service emphasize the importance of balancing accountability with rehabilitation. While the U.S. system is not without its flaws, Emanuel’s experience abroad underscored the relative advantages American youth have in terms of legal protections and access to educational programs.
Her volunteer work also aligns with initiatives supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds programs aimed at improving juvenile justice and child protection worldwide. Emanuel’s involvement with Better Me contributes to these global efforts by directly supporting vulnerable youth in Kenya.
Returning to the United States, Emanuel expressed a profound sense of gratitude. “After seeing the conditions and the struggles these young people face, I feel very, very grateful to live in a country where there are more resources and opportunities to help young offenders turn their lives around,” she said.
Her story highlights the impact of volunteerism and international service in broadening perspectives and fostering empathy. As more young Americans seek to engage with global challenges, Emanuel’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding diverse justice systems and the value of compassion in addressing youth crime.
For those interested in learning more about juvenile justice and volunteer opportunities, resources are available through the Administration for Children and Families and other federal agencies dedicated to child welfare and rehabilitation.
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