As a young child, May was sponsored by Dave and Kathryn from Florida, a connection that helped him survive the challenges of growing up in the Nairobi slums.

Now, at 17, he’s finally getting the chance to meet them face to face – and share how he wants to pay their kindness forward.

Growing up in the vast plains of Kajiado County, young Joseph Ole Lenku spent his days herding goats and cows. His childhood was defined by the rhythms of pastoral life, where tending to livestock was a way of life.

Amidst the expansive landscapes and traditional Maasai practices, access to modern education was a distant dream for many, including Lenku. “Us Maasai were among the last communities to accept modern education in Kenya. In fact, my father allowed me to go to school only because someone else (ChildFund) would pay my fee and upkeep,” recalls Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku.

But for Ole Lenku, the path to a brighter future began with an opportunity that would change his life forever—ChildFund’s sponsorship program.

Hope in Maasai land

In the early 1970s, ChildFund arrived in Kajiado, bringing with it a sponsorship program aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable children in the community. The program provided more than just financial support; it offered a chance for children to pursue education, gain life skills, and grow in safe and nurturing environments. Ole Lenku was one of the first beneficiaries of this initiative. Sponsored by a compassionate donor from abroad, he was able to access quality education and healthcare services, which were out of reach for many children in his community.

“I remember receiving my first letter from my sponsor,” recalls Governor Lenku. “It was more than just a letter; it was a symbol of hope, a promise that someone cared about my future.”

Education as a pathway to leadership

With the support of ChildFund’s sponsorship program, Ole Lenku attended primary and secondary school, where he excelled academically. He was an eager learner, driven by a desire to bring positive change to his community. His sponsors’ letters, filled with words of encouragement, fueled his ambition and inspired him to dream beyond the constraints of his environment.

The financial support from ChildFund covered his school fees, uniforms, and learning materials, and general upkeep, allowing him to focus on his studies. He went on to attend the prestigious Utalii College, where he pursued a degree in Hotel Management. With education as his stepping stone, Ole Lenku developed a keen interest in leadership and governance, recognizing the importance of inclusive development and community-centered policies.

Rising to Leadership

After his university education, Ole Lenku’s career took off as he ventured into public administration and later served as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government. Throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to his roots in Kajiado. His experiences growing up in a community supported by ChildFund shaped his vision of leadership—one focused on social equity, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

In 2017, Joseph Ole Lenku was elected as the Governor of Kajiado County. His journey from a sponsored child to a renowned leader shows the transformative impact of ChildFund’s sponsorship program. Under his leadership, Kajiado has seen remarkable progress in education, healthcare, water access, and infrastructure development.

Transforming Kajiado through compassion and vision

Governor Ole Lenku’s administration has prioritized education by improving school infrastructure, increasing access to learning materials, school feeding programs and financing livelihood progams. He is passionate about replicating the opportunities he received, ensuring every child in Kajiado has access to quality education and healthcare.

“Many children are born into difficult circumstances, where their families struggle to provide even the basics—food, clothing, shelter, and education. For these children, hope for a better life can feel out of reach, leaving them trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair.

This was my reality, alongside my siblings. Our father had to retire from his job as a welder and fabricator in his mid-thirties due to health issues, and life quickly became a struggle. But thanks to sponsorship programs from the Rang’ala Family Helper Project, run by the Kisumu Development Programme in partnership with ChildFund, and later through the Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, my life took a different path.

I lost my father when I was just four years old, and two years later, my mother passed away. Our family disintegrated, and my siblings and I were sent to live with various relatives. We never got to share our childhood together. Life was incredibly tough without the love and care of my parents.

For a time, I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, even imagining myself playing in Europe. I tried to join the military six times, but each attempt failed. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I discovered my true passion—communication.

I often wonder what my life would have been like without the chance to go to school, a chance I received through the Rang’ala Family Helper Project. With their help, I joined Standard One at the prestigious Starehe Boys’ Centre and School in Nairobi. Over the next 12 years, I completed both my primary and secondary education there, without ever paying a single shilling in school fees. All of this was possible because of the sponsorship I received through the school. Meanwhile, my aunt, who took care of me after my mother’s death, continued to receive financial and material support from my ChildFund sponsor.

What amazed me most was that my sponsors were not wealthy. They sacrificed the little they had just to ensure that a boy like me got a second chance at life.

These interactions sparked in me a deep curiosity and a desire to see the world beyond my circumstances. Today, I am blessed to have visited at least 24 countries around the globe. Looking back, I am profoundly grateful for the life-changing opportunities I received through these sponsorship programs. They helped me reclaim my life and rise above the difficult circumstances of my childhood.

It is truly in giving that we receive. I hope you will find it in your heart to be a cheerful giver and change someone’s life, just as mine was.”

~ Nelson Opany, Manager, Communications and Partnerships, World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

From doctors to humanitarian workers, get to know 10 inspiring ChildFund alumni.

Have you ever imagined what a sponsored child could achieve in the future? Across Kenya, and beyond, there are countless inspiring stories of ChildFund graduates who have broken the cycle of poverty. Here are just 10 remarkable individuals who, thanks to their generous sponsors, have been empowered to reach their full potential.

Julius – a journalist on a mission

Julius, 29, was enrolled with his local ChildFund center at the age of 2. He remembers many unique experiences that changed his life including the numerous photographs that were taken of him. 

As a young man, he was camera-shy and soft-spoken. He never spoke much either. He was a reserved man. 

“The sponsorship offer that I got catered for textbooks, exercise books and pens. Later, ChildFund paid for a portion of my school fees. It was a very humbling experience for me because my parents could focus on paying the remaining part of my fees and support my siblings.” 

“ChildFund gave me a chance to complete my primary and secondary school education and although the scholarship did not continue to University, I don’t take it for granted.” 

After primary school, Julius went through secondary school where his relationship with the camera grew, and he was introduced to journalism. This time of his life rubber-stamped his career. Julius completed a diploma in mass communication and journalism and was employed at a local radio station as a presenter. His morning radio show focuses on strengthening the family unit and addressing the social vices in the community. 

“ChildFund got me more motivated and inspired to devote my career and skills to hosting a radio show focused on strengthening the family unit by combating and addressing the prevalent issues affecting families such as poverty and malnutrition with all my heart. This was a way of giving back to ChildFund and the community at large.”

Humphrey – the dentist who is brightening smiles

Humphrey, a young dentist with his own practice, believes that humanity is what drives the world.

Humphrey was registered at his local ChildFund center when he was 4 years old. The sponsor relations volunteers remembered him as an active and tenacious child who persevered through hardships. For instance, he had to miss school for half a year due to an injury he sustained in the head from a home accident. Though he considered himself not as bright as his siblings, he had to work extra hard to make up for the lost time while recuperating.

During his sponsorship period, he experienced many important and unique events that marked his life. One of these was sponsorship by Belinda R. His commitment to performing well in school was driven by the constant encouragement by his sponsor who engulfed him with love. “I always wondered why so much love was shown to me. This gesture motivated me to work hard and not let down my sponsor.”
His sponsor supported him through his education until he obtained his bachelor’s degree in medicine. Today, Humphrey, a dentist in Maua, owns two dental clinics on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. He says that it was during his internship at a national government hospital that the drive to start his own practice and serve the community began. “Most of my patients are referred by other patients or have heard about my dental services. My joy comes from my patients’ smile after a successful dental procedure that might have cost them more than their income.”

“Belinda and her family played a key role in my life. One of my fondest memories is a bible she sent me as a gift that I cherish and use to this day. I credit my work and success to Belinda my sponsor, ChildFund for identifying and willingness to support me and above all God.”

Mercy – a grants officer working with one of the world’s largest professional services networks, Deloitte

For children to grow up healthy, strong, and confident, they require parental care and love. But when this is cut short by the hand of death, the chances of survival for those children are minimal. However, with the intervention of ChildFund, Mercy beat the odds.

Mercy, the youngest of three children, was orphaned at birth. The only mother she knew, besides her grandmother, was ChildFund.

“Being orphaned at birth, the only mother I knew besides my grandmother was ChildFund. Through the support of ChildFund, I was fed, had an opportunity to play with other children, and was educated until I attained my first degree in Business Studies.” Now 25, she works for Deloitte and Touche as a Grants and Compliance Officer, helping improve the lives of vulnerable individuals who remind her of her own past.

Growing up without her biological mother, the fireplace became a sacred place for Mercy—a place where ancient stories and history were recounted by her grandmother, who stepped in to fill her mother’s shoes. This was a common occurrence for many families in her village and neighboring communities, but her grandmother never gave up, ensuring that Mercy had a good upbringing.

When Mercy’s siblings moved away from home, she was deeply saddened as she no longer had anyone to play with. But being enrolled in the ChildFund sponsorship program changed her life. She had playmates, something she had longed for, and the program provided her the nurturing environment she needed as a child.

As a Grants and Compliance Officer, Mercy frequently visits communities, encouraging and educating young mothers on the role of play in child development and the importance of education for all children, irrespective of gender.

Fatuma – the teacher and advocate for girls education

When constantly faced with challenges, you are bound to give up in life if there is no support system to encourage you. Fatuma, got her support system when she was enrolled as a sponsored child and was admitted at the local catholic school in Loima, Turkana. She vividly remembers how she narrowly escaped early marriage. The lessons she received from the nuns in the school gave her the confidence to stand up for herself and refused to be married off. 

“As a sponsored child, I was able to attend school, and this was the first place I encountered mentorship. I lived in an area where girls were only considered to be wives and homemakers at an early age. At the age of 7 a man came to my home to ask for my hand in marriage. I stood my ground and refused. My teachers in school constantly reminded us of the value of education and womanhood.”

As the Principal at Lodwar Girls, Fatuma takes the burden to mentor her students and the Turkana girls and be each other’s support system. She says she has seen a positive attitude change as many girls who would probably have dropped out of school have improved their academic achievements, increased their attendance and stayed in school longer—often because they delayed marriage. 

Stella – an anti-FGM champion

Stella’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit. Growing up in a community where female genital mutilation (FGM) is a pervasive tradition, Stella narrowly escaped this harmful practice. Today, she dedicates her life to helping others and advocating for the rights of girls and women.

Stella grew up in a small village in Baringo County, an area known for its beautiful landscapes and deep-rooted cultural traditions. From a young age, she was aware of the traditional practices that shaped the lives of women in her community. One such practice was FGM, a ritual that many girls underwent as a rite of passage.

Stella’s family, however, held progressive views on this issue. Her parents, particularly his father, were staunch opponents of FGM. They understood the physical and psychological harm it caused and were determined to protect Stella from this fate. Despite their stance, the pressure from the community was immense.

As a young girl, she recalls the tense atmosphere at home and the fear that gripped her family. Her parents decided to send her to a relative’s home in a neighboring town where she would be safe and far from the harmful practices. 

Stella spent several months away from her family, during which she missed them dearly but understood the necessity of the separation. Her parents’ bravery and the support of their extended family shielded her from undergoing FGM. This experience left a lasting impression on Stella, shaping her views on women’s rights and the importance of standing up against harmful traditions.

Saved from FGM, Stella was able to continue her education uninterrupted when she was enrolled a sponsored child. She excelled in her studies, driven by a desire to make a difference in her community. After completing her secondary education, Stella pursued higher education in social work and community development. 

After graduating, Stella joined Compassion International, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in vulnerable communities. Working in Marigat, Baringo County, Stella found her calling. She was involved in various programs aimed at providing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to those in need.

Stella’s work at Compassion International goes beyond her professional duties. She is a vocal advocate against FGM, using her platform to raise awareness and educate others about its dangers. She often shares her own story, hoping to inspire other girls and women to resist this harmful practices.

Agnes – the nurse who is saving lives in Makueni

ChildFund recognized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and made significant investments in the local school. They provided school supplies, and uniforms to children from low-income families, ensuring that they could attend school regularly. Agnes was one of the beneficiaries of this support. The scholarship relieved her family of the financial burden of school fees, allowing her to focus on her studies. 

Agnes was a bright and ambitious student, determined to pursue her education. However, frequent absences due to illness and the need to help her family with farming duties often interrupted her schooling. Agnes was born into a humble family in a rural village in Makueni County. Her parents were small-scale farmers who struggled to provide for their six children. The family’s meager income was often insufficient to cover basic needs, including food, healthcare, and education. As a sponsored child, Agnes encouraged herself and pushed herself to become a nurse. Her frequent visits to the local hospital drew a passion in her to become a nurse and help others.

As a general nurse, Agnes provides essential care to a diverse range of patients, from newborns to the elderly. Her duties included administering medication, monitoring patient health, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. Her ability to connect with patients and provide high-quality care made her an invaluable member of the hospital staff.

Agnes is committed to pursue further studies and professional development to specialize in maternal and child health. She frequently takes additional courses and participates in workshops to enhance her skills and knowledge, enabling her to provide even better care for her patients.

Evans- a priest after young hearts.

Evans, an Anglican priest with a fervent dedication to youth ministry, has a remarkable story of resilience and faith. Raised in a challenging environment after his father abandoned the family, Evans and his nine brothers were brought up by their mother and grandmother. Despite facing severe hardships, including losing their home twice to fires, Evans emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Evans was born into a large family in a small village. His early years were marked by the departure of his father, who walked out on the family, leaving his mother and grandmother to raise him and his eight brothers. The absence of a father figure placed immense pressure on the family, both emotionally and financially. The situation worsened when their modest shanty home burned down twice, leaving the family homeless and desperate. These devastating events forced them to rely on the generosity of neighbors and the community. Despite these challenges, Evans’ mother and grandmother remained pillars of strength, instilling in him the values of perseverance, faith, and compassion.

Evans’ grandmother heard from the local community about the help ChildFund would give to support vulnerable children and families. Evans was enrolled in the sponsorship program. ChildFund offered a strong support system to Evans. He did not despair, nor did he give up hope.  

Additionally, amidst the turmoil, Evans found solace in the local Anglican church. The church became a sanctuary where he could escape his troubles and find a sense of peace. The community and the clergy provided support and encouragement, helping Evans to see beyond his immediate struggles

His involvement in church activities grew, and he began to feel a calling to serve God and his community. The church’s youth programs particularly resonated with him, and he became actively involved in mentoring and supporting younger members of the congregation.

Determined to follow his calling, Evans pursued theological studies after completing his secondary education. His journey to becoming a priest was filled with challenges, but his unwavering faith and commitment saw him through. He was ordained as an Anglican priest and assigned to a parish where his passion for youth ministry could flourish.

Evans dedicated himself to assisting the community he is serving and through collaborations with partners he managed to have a water borehole drilled. He also created programs that addressed the needs of the youth in his community. He recognized the struggles many young people faced, from lack of education and employment opportunities to the dangers of substance abuse and crime. Drawing from his own experiences, he aimed to provide guidance, support, and hope. 

Despite the hardships he faced growing up, Evans has remained close to his family. His mother and grandmother’s strength and resilience are central to his story, and he credits them for shaping his character and faith. Not forgetting ChildFund and his sponsor for standing with him during his hardest times. 

Boniface – the food security champion who wanted to be an engineer

Bonface, 28, currently works as an Assistant Project Coordinator with International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), overseeing the plant health initiative project working closely with farmers in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Born in Kisumu County, Bonface relocated to Kisii County with his mother and sister after his father’s death, facing significant challenges due to poverty. These hardships led to his enrollment as a sponsored child by ChildFund when he was 10.

Despite the difficulties, Boniface’s childhood dream was to become an engineer. He fondly recalls his talent for building toy cars, with one of his creations even making a teacher’s child cry out of admiration. Although Boniface’s childhood dream was to become an engineer, his experiences with ChildFund ignited a passion for the development sector. He found fulfillment in making a tangible impact on people’s lives, guiding him to his current role.

Boniface’s academic excellence was evident early on, as he emerged as the top student in his primary school, earning admission to a national school. His involvement with ChildFund was pivotal; a visit to the Kisii Training Center introduced him to advanced agricultural technologies, and mentorship programs provided guidance and inspiration.

Grateful for the opportunities ChildFund provided, Bonface attributes much of his success to the organization’s support. He views ChildFund as a family for educating, nurturing, and feeding him, and for instilling in him the dream of contributing to society. His sponsor, Theresa from the USA, played a crucial role with her consistent support and personal updates, which Bonface fondly recalls as a significant influence.

A critical turning point in Boniface’s life came when ChildFund staff recommended him for the prestigious MasterCard Foundation youth program. This opportunity expanded his horizons and further fueled his passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Although Bonface’s childhood dream was to become an engineer, his experiences with ChildFund ignited a passion for the development sector. He found fulfillment in making a tangible impact on people’s lives, guiding him to his current role.

Living by the mantra “Trajectory is more important than absolute position,” Boniface aims to give back by becoming a sponsor to a child, just as he was supported through his journey.

Dr. Jacob Lolelea – the herdsboy who is now a University professor

Dr. Jacob Lolelea was born in the arid region of Turkana County where life was a daily struggle against the harsh environment. 

His family, like many others, depended on pastoralism for their livelihood. The cyclical droughts that plagued the region severely affected their ability to sustain their livestock and secure food and water. 

The devastating drought that hit Turkana when Jacob was a young boy brought his family to the brink of survival, making access to necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare incredibly challenging.

The massive drought prompted ChildFund to intensify its efforts in Turkana, aiming to provide immediate relief and long-term support to the affected communities. Jacob’s family was among those identified for assistance and Jacob was enrolled as a sponsored child.  The comprehensive approach of ChildFund focused on meeting urgent needs while also creating sustainable opportunities for the future.

His love for education encouraged him to pursue his studies and not let down his sponsor who frequently encouraged him through the letters he wrote. He says that humanity drives economies, living by this mantra, he attributes the support given to him as an act of Humanity. He extends the same hand to vulnerable children who require the same assistance as he did some time back.

Dr. Jacob is an avid reader, an author and is renowned for his contribution to the current syllabus in the Kenyan education system – the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He is a source of inspiration and openly shares his journey with his students highlighting the power of education and humanity.

Gideon – Brand new school uniform signaled a brighter future

Gideon grew up in a community in Kenya with no mentors and little hope for his future. He remembers that his options in life were slim. 

“As a boy you knew, you either became a farmer or a drunk.” But the day he was enrolled as a sponsored child, he began to imagine another way. 

On the first day he went to the local ChildFund office he was fitted with a new uniform and at that moment he caught a glimpse of a better future. He was no longer a little boy who believed poverty’s lie that he was without hope.

While as a sponsored child Gideon built strong friendships and particularly with his sponsor who used to write to him frequently. They corresponded frequently and one thing that was striking in all letters, was his sponsor’s words of encouragement as a footnote “Believe in yourself as I believe in you. I pray for you.”

Gideon excelled in his studies, completing his primary education with top marks and securing a place at a reputable secondary school. His passion for leadership and community development became more pronounced during these years. 

Upon graduating with a diploma in community development and management, Gideon secured a position at his local childfund center where he dedicated his time serving the vulnerable children.  He has served in various capacities for different child-focused organisations and overtime gained expertise in program management, community engagement, and organizational leadership. It is because of this experience that Gideon furthered his studies and now holds a Masters in Project Management from Nairobi University.

Gideon’s breakthrough came when he was appointed the CEO of Nawiri Children’s Development Program. In this role, he led numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and families in vulnerable communities. His work involves designing and implementing programs that focused on education, health, and economic empowerment, significantly improving the quality of life for many.

Gideon has mentored many individuals, especially young men who have gone through the initiation process helping them navigate the challenges of their roles and empowering them to make a positive impact.

Gideon Kimosop is not only a successful CEO but also a mentor and role model for many young people in his community.