Our Story
We will give 10,000 vulnerable children and women in Kenyan slums access to empowerment and brighter futures by 2030
We give children and women in poverty the tools they need to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. With the support of our donors and sponsors, children and women gain the skills and confidence they need to create promising futures free from poverty.
Our Story
Our story is one of redemption and shared purpose. Born from the crucible of Mathare valley, Kenya, Zuma Cosmas and Kenneth Akal, once street children themselves, were lifted from the abyss of the streets by a benevolent soul who recognized their potential. This single act of compassion ignited the spark that would set the course for Light and Hope Initiative.
Their narrative is one of resilience and resolve, woven with threads of shared experiences. Together, as steadfast comrades, they emerged from the shadows of adversity with a shared commitment to rewrite the community’s story. They set out to untangle the complex web of poverty, driven by the desire to translate their experiences into impactful change.
Our story is not just an account of an organization’s founding; it’s an embodiment of a promise Zuma and Akal made to themselves and to Mathare valley. The halls of Light and Hope resonate with echoes of their collective past and with a fervent belief that every child, every woman, and every corner of Mathare valley community deserves transformation.
2019
Akal and Zuma started supporting the education of four of the most needy children in Mathare Valley using their own Salaries from other jobs. Along with quality education, they conducted regular home visits to these families, sharing Christ's love and offering guidance for healthier homes.
2020
We established the Light and Hope center as a vital resource hub during the COVID-19 pandemic. This center provided a safe daycare space for single mothers to leave their children while seeking limited job opportunities, offered a haven for counseling and mental health support, and featured a computer library for students to engage in research and study.
Additionally, we utilized the center to distribute food donations to the most vulnerable community members, extending crucial assistance during these trying times.
2021
We started the Light and Hope school for 21 of the most vulnerable children in the community.
We also started the child sponsorship program to enroll more kids in school and support their education.
2022
Our students enrolment grew to 105 children. Even more children were put on waiting list to join school because we did not have available resources to accommodate them.
Initiating our mentorship program aimed at the youth in Mathare Valley, we embarked on a transformative journey to empower them with the skills and guidance they need to become responsible and engaged members of the community.
We also started a job skills training program for parents of our students to better support their families
STAY CONNECTED
Keep in touch with regular updates
Newsletter