Naapu Loloolki

Naapu (14), is from Kenya. Living in Wamba, a town in Samburu, Kenya, Naapu grew up in a community where cultural traditions often clash with children’s rights — early marriage is common and seen as a rite of passage, and school dropout rates are high as a result.

Naapu organized peer-to-peer discussions to teach other children about the dangers of early marriage and FGM, and the long-term benefits of staying in school. She personally identified 6 children who had dropped out and advocated for their return, and created an informal study and support circle for girls and boys at risk of leaving school or facing early marriage.

She also brought creativity into her advocacy, performing poems and writing songs focused on child protection and the right to education.

Through her peer mentorship, songwriting, and workshops, Naapu has helped build a stronger, more confident network of informed children in her community — one where awareness of children’s legal protections under the Kenyan Constitution continues to grow.