FOUNDING STORY

When the AIDS pandemic made its way to Kisii, Kenya, sisters Kwamboka and Margaret Okari began taking in orphaned children, finding schools for them, and providing them with necessary financial support. They knew that with an education, advocacy, and love these children could grow and thrive.

Recognizing the importance of Okari sisters’ work, the Town Elders of Kisii donated five acres of land in the community to build a boarding school for vulnerable children in the area.

in January 2009 we opened the doors of our school for years 1-8 in the community of Gotichaki, a 5-6 hour drive west of Nairobi, with approximately 60 students. In the 10 years since, we have:

  • Quadrupled in size to support over 220 orphans and vulnerable children each year

  • Expanded to include a preschool and kindergarten in order to reach marginalized children at the youngest age possible

  • Built a team of more than 20 local teachers and support staff, including some of the best teachers in the area

  • Established and secured our reputation as one of the very best schools in the region: each year since opening, we’ve ranked among the top schools in our district on national exams, and in 2017 and 2018 we ranked #1 out of 140 schools! In 2018, 20% of our 8th graders scored in the top 1% nationwide on national exams and all scored in the top 25%

  • Raised the funding and coordinated a project to bring a reliable source of pumped water to the community, helping locals, particularly women, avoid long treks to fetch water, providing the local health clinic and a secondary boarding school with regular access to water, and improving water security for all during dry seasons

There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly—go alone; but if you want to go far—bring everyone.” We have big plans and a vision to go very far in supporting at-risk children in Kisii and we know we can’t do it alone.

THE FOUNDERS

Margaret Okari:

She was the beloved sister of Kwamboka Okari, the School’s Founder and Executive Director. Originally, Margaret Okari took in the first children after their parents died from AIDS. She and Kwamboka cared for them and found boarding schools and sponsors until the numbers grew beyond their capabilities. Sadly, Margaret died of hepatitis and was not there for the ground breaking of the school in 2009; Kwamboka named the school in Margaret’s memory.

Kwamboka Okari:

Kwamboka imported soapstone from Kenya to the U.S. and sold it in upscale shops and boutiques throughout the United States. When the AIDS pandemic struck Africa, many of the carvers died, leaving these orphans behind. Kwamboka was well acquainted with their families and worked within her network in the United States to help her sister Margaret—back in Kenya—support these children. Kwamboka has a powerful vision for the children of the Okari School. Her sentiments are simply spoken: “We believe that educating our orphans has the power to shape not only their destinies, but that the collective power of educated individuals can influence the destiny of Africa herself.” Kwamboka is a relentless advocate who knows and proves that education is the cornerstone to a healthy and productive life.