Unlocking Potential, One Child at a Time.
There is no mission more rewarding than to open up the world to a young life.
OUR MISSION —
Empowering minds & transforming futures through education.
The Nyakim Project is a non-profit collective that believes every child has the right to education. We reach remote areas in Kenya where access to education is extremely challenging, working alongside local administrators and educators who have a deep knowledge of their communities. We are dedicated to raising public awareness of the critical challenges on the ground and opening opportunities for like minded people who believe the gift of learning can transform a young life, support a family, impact a community and change a nation. This is an opportunity every child deserves.
In the regions that we work, a holistic approach to supporting a child's education is important. Therefore, for each child we fund the following, school placement, food security, emergency healthcare and emotional and practical support.
WHO IT’S ALL FOR —
Our Focus.
The Team on the Ground.
The Nyakim project partners with DORCAS, a group of committed individuals led by Rhoda Mumo. Rhoda is an educator, humanitarian and unsung hero whose life work has been to raise young people out of the harshest living conditions through the gift of education. Rhoda has transformed thousands of young lives over the last 35 years. Her commitment to children and impact in Kenya have been felt far and wide and featured many times over the years.
Location of Focus: Kilifi, Kenya.
Kilifi township resides along the Mombasa coastline. It is one of the most economically challenged regions in East Africa, making it an exceptionally vulnerable area for young girls and women.
In Kilifi only 52% of children are enrolled in primary school
47% of the population are between the ages of 0-14 years old
36% of residents in Killifi have no education at all - we are committed to changing this number.
The Dorcas team address these issues every day in Kilifi. They have developed a gifted team of administrators, international aid specialists and caregivers who work tirelessly to register (gather necessary documentation) children, place them into schools and manage their education, which includes ensuring they are given proper nutritional meals each day. Currently DORCAS has 50 children under their care.
The Girls.
Photographed below are the first girls, Selma and her sisters that have received support as part of the Nyakim Project.
Founding Story
In 2019, founder Karen Francis met a young girl named Nyakim in Kakuma Refugee Camp located in the north east of Kenya
Nyakim, just 10 years old at the time, approached Karen each day with a simple yet profound request: "Please ma'am, I want to go to school." Initially believing that Nyakim was already enrolled in a program within the camp, Karen later discovered the harsh reality—Nyakim had no access to proper education.
Determined to make a difference, Karen embarked on a mission to locate Nyakim in a refugee camp housing over 250,000 people. Against all odds, she found her. Thus began a transformative five-year journey that would change both of their lives. Nyakim is now completing grade 6, fluent in three languages and excelling in school. Her dream is to become a doctor, support her single mom and sisters and give back to her home country of South Sudan.
Inspired by this one young girl's determination and potential, Karen realized that Nyakim's story was just the beginning.
Karen founded The Nyakim Project with a vision to expand her reach beyond one child to many more young girls, opening doors to education that were previously closed. This initiative isn't just about providing schooling; it's about igniting dreams, fostering resilience, and creating a ripple effect of positive change in communities.
Make an impact today
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We’re always available to discuss, answer your questions or provide more information about our work. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Email
karen@kairosway.ca