About US
Hongera Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Kenya, specifically focusing on uplifting communities in Western Kenya. Our core mission is to improve the quality of life for local residents by addressing key challenges and barriers they face, with a particular emphasis on enhancing educational opportunities.
Established with a vision for sustainable development, Hongera Foundation collaborates closely with local stakeholders, including community leaders, educators, and government agencies, to identify and implement impactful projects. These initiatives aim to empower individuals and families, promote social inclusion, and foster economic growth within the region.
Our History
Having completed his studies, Roel Meijers worked as a teacher of mathematics and physics at a secondary school in Kimilili, a village in Western Kenya. He did this from 1974 till the end of 1976 within the framework of development cooperation. In 1998 and 2001 Roel and his family, together with a group of English people, went to Kenya to help build some classrooms for his former school. Other schools too, especially primary schools, were in dire need of money. The aid started with completing the building of a classroom for a primary school nearby; and more and more schools asked for support. Thus, a growing need arose for financial means to help schools to renovate and build classrooms, to provide educational and sanitary facilities, school desks and more. This led to the erecting of the Harambee Foundation Holland on 21st June 2001.
Over the years, the Harambee Foundation Holland supported countless projects in Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya and Trans-Nzoia county. These projects have increased the level and quality of education through both infrastructural projects, as well as skills- and capacity building projects.
In 2018, the Hongera Foundation Kenya was founded. This was born from Harambe foundation holand Now, the way of working of the Harambee Foundation Holland is steadily and systematically being adopted by the Hongera Foundation Kenya. Hongera foundation is now stable and is now stable and now responsible for the day to day execution of its local projects.
Strategy
We empower the children and communities through improved access to quality education and capacity building. We promote entrepreneurial activities that will increase job opportunities particularly to the youth. We empower women and provide access to basic services.
Hongera Foundation Kenya is committed to uplifting the standards of living for communities in Western Kenya by catalyzing significant improvements in educational access and quality. Through our grassroots initiatives, we align our efforts with the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Eradicating poverty in all its dimensions and manifestations.
Ensuring inclusive and equitable access to high-quality education, fostering continuous learning opportunities for everyone.
Advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls to realize their full potential.
Through targeted interventions and partnerships, we aim to create lasting positive change and foster sustainable development in the region.
Our mission is broken down in the following strategic pillars:
Improve the infrastructure and learning environment
Support for initiatives that promote expertise
Promote education for vulnerable groups
Involve parents and the community in the school
Maintain good contacts with the government and various agencies, including the sponsoring church
Values
Integrity
Transparency and accountability: Public mindedness where stakeholders are accountable and transparent in the use of resources for development
Teamwork: Working together with the partners and community towards a common goal
Visionary leadership: Possession of a vision and ability to articulate it
Shared commitment: To serve with dedication for the benefit of the community
Respect and pleasure at work