Our Story
The Umoja Foundation's journey began in 2006 with the founding of the Global Interfaith Partnership (GIP) in Indiana, driven by the vision of fostering connections and support between communities in the U.S. and Kenya. Ellen Daniels-Howell was selected as GIP's first Executive Director, and the project quickly gained momentum with the goal of supporting vulnerable children in Kenya.
In 2007, the Umoja Project officially launched in the Chulaimbo area of Kisumu West, Kenya. The project initially partnered with ten primary schools, providing uniforms and tuition support for students, many of whom had lost one or both parents. A group of guardians in Kenya came together to further support these children, laying the foundation for a long-lasting community effort.
By 2008, the Umoja Project expanded its efforts by introducing a school lunch program in ten primary schools, aimed at tackling hunger and keeping children in school. This marked a significant milestone, with the first Umoja student, Barack Juma, completing secondary school and being hired as an administrative assistant the following year.
The project continued to grow steadily, adding more schools and expanding its support network. In 2010, economic empowerment programs were introduced to help guardians create sustainable livelihoods. The following year, four Umoja students excelled in national exams, gaining direct admission to universities, showcasing the program's positive impact on educational outcomes.
In 2012, the Girls Empowerment Team (GET UP) was launched to address the specific challenges faced by young girls in the community, focusing on reducing dropout rates and improving academic performance. This was followed by the formation of the Umoja Project Alumni Association in 2013, a testament to the long-lasting influence of the project.
The Umoja Project made history in 2015 with its first university graduate, Winnie Amollo, who earned a degree in Business Marketing. The project continued to strengthen its programs, including the school lunch program, and by 2017, over 1,050 students had benefited from the Umoja secondary school scholarship program.
In 2018, the Umoja Project became the Umoja Foundation, reflecting its growing role and impact in the community. That year, the Boys Empowerment Team (BET UP) was launched, complementing the GET UP initiative and expanding the organization's focus on holistic youth development. Under the leadership of Leonard Otieno, who was promoted to Director, the foundation continued to thrive, partnering with 19 schools and extending support to even more students.
The Umoja Foundation's resilience shone through during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as the organization provided emergency food support to over 3,000 families in Kisumu West while continuing its educational programs. In 2022, the school lunch program reached over 5,000 students, and scholarship support grew to include 500 secondary school students.
Today, the Umoja Foundation supports 21 partner schools, with its programs benefiting thousands of children and their families. The foundation's focus on education, empowerment, and community building remains steadfast as it continues to transform lives, one child at a time.