Current Project
From Childhood Memories to a Mission: Interview with Fatuma on Her Vision for Lekiji
When Fatuma recently returned to Lekiji, the village where she grew up, she was welcomed by the vibrant energy and smiles of the local school children. But behind the warmth, she also witnessed the severe daily struggles that pupils and teachers face. Moved by her experiences, she didn't just look away—she founded a Community-Based Organization (CBO) to bring lasting change.
In this personal interview, Fatuma opens up about her emotional journey, the critical challenges inside the classrooms, and how a budget of 800,000 KES (~ €5,600 / $6,200) can completely transform the learning environment for these children.
Below, you will find impressions of our recent visit. Scroll down to read the full interview and see how you can make a difference.
Interviewer: Fatuma, your current project supports school children in Lekiji. It is also the debut project for your Community-Based Organization (CBO). The desire to help these children and their primary school was the exact inspiration behind founding your organization during your recent visit. Can you describe your impressions and emotions during your stay?
Fatuma Maigua: During my stay in Lekiji, I was deeply moved by what I witnessed. Having been brought up there myself, returning to the school and seeing the children triggered a flood of memories. The children were incredibly welcoming and full of energy, but at the same time, the severe challenges they face both at school and at home were undeniable. It was a very emotional experience, but it also left me highly motivated. That visit truly opened my eyes and inspired me to establish this foundation so we can support them in a sustainable, consistent way.
Interviewer: You took several photos of a classroom. While the lack of infrastructure is striking and far below European standards, there are even more pressing issues that pupils and teachers have to cope with daily. What are the main challenges that need to be solved first, and what budget are you aiming for?
Fatuma Maigua: Yes, the classroom conditions are very basic. But as striking as that is, the underlying issues run much deeper. There is a severe lack of learning materials like books and stationery, classes are overcrowded, and teachers receive far too little support. I was shocked to see that some teachers are living in dilapidated mud houses, which highlights just how difficult their situation is.
Basic necessities like proper desks, sanitation, and even regular school meals play a huge role in whether children can attend school and actually learn. For instance, in the PP1 class (Pre-Primary 1), parents are required to buy plastic chairs for their children. Families who cannot afford them have no choice but to let their children sit on the bare, dusty floor during lessons. They are exposed to dust and insects—things that might seem small to outsiders, but heavily impact the children's health, concentration, and ability to learn.
At the moment, I estimate that around 800,000 KES (Kenyan Shillings) would allow us to make a meaningful start. This budget would address the most urgent needs, including learning materials, essential classroom support, and improving the general learning environment.
Interviewer: 800,000 KES is roughly equivalent to €5,600 or $6,200. This is a significant amount for a young organization. How can people from Europe or around the world support your project right now?
Fatuma Maigua: Every donation, no matter how small, makes a direct impact in Lekiji. Since we are a registered Community-Based Organization (CBO), 100% of the funds go directly into purchasing materials and supporting the school. People can support us via PayPal, Bank Transfer or M-Pesa. You can also follow our journey on our website and social media, where we will share regular updates and photos of the progress we are making together.
What your donation can achieve / Was Ihre Spende bewirkt:
Donation Amount (KES) |
Equivalent (EUR / USD)*
|
Direct Impact in Lekiji / Direkte Wirkung
|
1,500 KES |
~ 10 € / $11 |
Buys a sturdy plastic chair so a PP1 child no longer has to sit on the dusty floor.
|
3,000 KES |
~ 20 € / $23 |
Provides a complete package of textbooks and stationery for one student for the entire school year.
|
7,000 KES |
~ 50 € / $55 |
Purchases a proper wooden desk for two students to share.
|
28,000 KES |
~ 200 € / $220 |
Funds essential repair work for a teacher's damaged mud house to ensure safe living conditions.
|
70,000 KES |
~ 500 € / $550 |
Co-funds the installation of clean sanitation facilities or educational school meals. |
*Note: Currency conversions are approximate and subject to market fluctuations.
