It is estimated that an African child is orphaned every 2.2 seconds, leaving 2.5 million in Kenya alone. These children are the tragic legacy of the AIDS pandemic exacerbated by poverty, drought, and tribal warfare. One woman’s compassionate response to this crisis led to the founding of Tumaini (Swahili
for “hope”).

 

In Denver in the 1990’s, Eunice Kariuki began rebuilding her life after journeying through homelessness and despair. With inspiration and assistance from both the Denver Rescue Mission and Issachar student leadership program, she recognized a burgeoning sense of life purpose expanding in her heart. Eunice knew she must take action on behalf of the millions orphaned in her homeland. In 2003, she returned to Kenya with two of her children to establish Tumaini.

 

Eunice has exceeded her initial dream of housing 40 orphaned children. Today, Tumaini is home to 56 children, ranging in age from newborn to college students. Our property includes a bountiful 52-acre farm (“Shamba”) which generates surplus income in addition to self-sustaining food provision for the organization. Further, our new Noah’s Ark Rescue Centre is dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned babies with the hope of securing permanent homes for them. Our goal is to serve 200 Tumaini children by 2020.

 

Tumaini is a pillar of hope throughout the community. With Denver Mile High Rotary’s generosity, Eunice provided clean drinking water for the entire surrounding village in 2004. Eunice shares all her volunteers with schools and other children’s homes. Through hiring local staff, Tumaini supports a circle of 200 individuals in the community.

 

With her deep passion and keen entrepreneurial acumen, Eunice has created a unique home of hope. Quite unlike an institution for orphans, Tumaini provides a nurturing environment and functions as an enormous, loving family where the children call her “Mum.” As one visitor observed, “The children are not just healthy; they are thriving.” We are preparing Tumaini’s children to become future leaders for their own families and communities, bringing hope to generations beyond their own.