From Hanne Howard Fund Lenana to Female Fusion: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

From Hanne Howard Fund Lenana to Female Fusion: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Post Date February 27, 2025
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Written by Lydiah Maingi, an almunus of HHFL

Growing up at Hanne Howard Fund Lenana (HHFL), I was surrounded by people who believed in me, nurtured my potential, and provided me with opportunities that changed my early life. The unwavering support from Mama Hanne, Baba Ted, the HHFL management team, and generous donors shaped the person I am today. They instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and gratitude – lessons I carry with me in every step of my journey.

One of those life-changing opportunities for me came in January 2025, when I received an incredible job offer from Jennifer Blandos, the CEO of Female Fusion. Jennifer has been one of HHFL’s donors and ambassadors for more than 20 years, and to my surprise, she reached out to me on the 22nd of January to discuss a role at Female Fusion. We scheduled a Zoom meeting on the 23rd, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer and her amazing personal assistant, Candace. During our conversation, they walked me through the tasks I would be handling if I chose to join their team.

After the meeting, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. The fact that Jennifer saw my potential and wanted me on her team was beyond anything I had ever imagined. She not only offered me the job but also arranged for my travel to Dubai, covering all expenses. To top it off, she welcomed me into her home with open arms. I must say, it felt like being in my mother’s house – the warmth, hospitality, and kindness were overwhelming. I was surrounded by wonderful people, including her lovely daughter Eva and Tendai, the best chef ever!

Before my travel, Isaiah gave me hands-on training to help me use all the tools we need at Female Fusion. While I was familiar with Microsoft computers, at Female Fusion we use Apple MacBooks and lots of helpful tools that make our work easier and faster. I learned how to use AI tools that help us support our members better – from writing posts to creating images and managing our community. The training covered everything from the basics of using my MacBook to working with our member platform, scheduling tools, and podcast equipment. I also learned how we use AI to help our members grow their businesses, like creating content, analyzing data, and automating routine tasks. What impressed me most was seeing how Female Fusion uses technology to make running a business simpler for women around the world. By the end of the training, I felt confident and excited to help other women entrepreneurs use these tools too.

Joining Female Fusion

My travel date was set for February 8th, and the purpose of my trip was to undergo training for two weeks with the incredible Female Fusion team, led by Candace, Tamsin, and Katherine. During my time there, I learned about the impactful work Female Fusion does and what my role would entail.

About Female Fusion

Female Fusion is a global professional network dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to build profitable and impactful businesses. With an international community of over 60,000 women, including more than 1,000 paid members, Female Fusion provides resources, expert masterclasses, and a strong support system to help women turn their business aspirations into reality.

The organization offers various programs and events, such as the Growth Mastermind, designed to support women in starting, building, growing, and scaling their businesses. Additionally, Female Fusion produces a podcast titled “Women on the Rise,” featuring discussions on business topics and interviews with top female entrepreneurs worldwide.

While specific mission and vision statements are not explicitly detailed in the available sources, Female Fusion’s overarching goal is to create a community where women support each other and grow together, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and mutual success.

A Full-Circle Moment

Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the foundation HHFL provided me. The lessons I learned, the support I received, and the opportunities that came my way have led me to this new and exciting chapter with Female Fusion. This experience is a testament to the power of mentorship, opportunity, and unwavering belief in one’s potential.

To Mama Hanne, Baba Ted, HHFL’s management, and all the donors – thank you for believing in me. Your impact is immeasurable, and I hope to continue making you proud. To Jen and the Female Fusion trailblazers, thank you for believing in me, training me and entrusting me to deliver within your mission.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Technology

Breaking Barriers for Women in Technology
Post Date December 06, 2024
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Written by Michelle, HHFL University Student

My name is Michelle Otieno, a first year student at Moi University pursuing a degree in Computer Science. I hail from a family of seven children. I only live with my father in Lenana Slum. I therefore grew up around my father who is also the sole breadwinner. I may say that growing up in a slum has not been easy.

Nevertheless, it has required self-discipline all through. There are tons of destructive activities that the youth engage in yet they are uncalled for. People my age have either indulged in drug abuse, early pregnancies or marriage. I consider myself lucky as I got shelter under the Hanne Howard Fund and
that salvaged me from such situations.

Where I come from education is valued yet hindered by many factors, the main one being fees. I’ll forever remain grateful to donors that come and help us unlock our hidden potential. I am determined to change the situation at home and my community at large.

Fifteen years ago, I didn’t see myself making it this far. After all the much needed support I have received, I have an obligation to also give back to society in future. My inspiration comes from the HHFL donors; they believe in us so much that they choose to spend their resources to support our dreams. Below, is one of those nostalgic pics of me in 2013 when I was getting introduced to the world of tech at HHFL.

In addition to that, I am inspired by the fact that I am the only child in my family that has managed to secure a spot in the university. To me, this is a huge milestone and it means a lot.

I am a badminton player. I first engaged with badminton in HHF and ever since I have developed a great liking for the sport. I also sing and like listening to music.

Music is considered therapy as it speaks to the soul. I also love making new friends. I do voluntary tutoring in HHF which is mainly to help my younger siblings in the organization with their studies. At times I offer words of encouragement because many times we find ourselves down emotionally and all it
takes is a sister to help with the situation.

I particularly enjoy spending time with family. I’ve learned that family is not just about blood relation. It’s about who is willing to hold your hand when you need itthe most. Family is the people that are always present in one’s life showing immense support even if they are not from the same kin. They show genuine care.

My family is my anchor in life, providing a sense of stability and security. They are my safe haven, a place where I can express myself, without judgment or reservation. In my eyes, family is the epitome of unconditional love. In HHF, I have not only found a home, but also a family. It is within its walls that I find
solace.

School has always been my fondest place. It is where education serves as a great equalizer, where everyone is given equal opportunities, regardless of their background. A school provides an environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Moreover, it acts as a stepping stone for individuals to shape their future, as it offers the necessary tools and resources for personal gowth and development


At school, I have had the privilege to learn and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which has allowed me to broaden my perspective and understanding of the world. The knowledgeable and dedicated have instilled in me a love for learning and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided me with.

To give an insight as to why I particularly chose to pursue Computer Science; it has become a rapidly evolving field with limitless opportunities for innovation and progress. I am driven by a passion for developing new and effective ways of recycling waste from technology devices.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, am inspired to break down the stereotypes and show that anyone can succeed in STEM. I believe that my presence in this field will help to inspire other girls and young women to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

I believe the best way to predict the future is to invent it. There is limitless potential that computer science offers for shaping the future and solving real-world problems. I am confident that I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world. I am elated to be a part of this exciting field and to work towards finding sustainable solutions for electronic waste.

Upon completion of my studies and of course after gaining stability in the field, I
plan to hold a seminar where 1 can share my story and inspire students not to give up on their dreams, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. I believe that my story may be someone else’s survival guide. Many of life’s greatest successes are achieved through perseverance, determination, and resilience.

In addition to sharing my own story, I am particularly passionate about encouraging more girls to enter the field of technology, which has been traditionally dominated by men. Through my seminar and advocacy efforts, I hope to dispel any myths or misconceptions about this exciting and a rapidly growing field and inspire more young women to pursue careers in technology.

Finally, I am committed to promoting access to education and technology for all students, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. By advocating for affordable computer classes and other opportunities for computer literacy, I hope to empower students to develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly technological world.

I have also developed interest in the field of Child Protection particularly Caring for Vulnerable Children which I may study later in life. In places where human rights are neglected, children suffer the most. I’d wish to bring to attention this particular group of kids who really need assistance. I also see myself as a
motivational speaker particularly to the young people in the society.

Sometimes we have the will to do something but lack the drive which shouldn’t be the case. These talks should act as a motivation towards achieving something better. A country’s future is dependent on children and therefore their development is essential.

I feel the future has a lot in store for me. There are paths that I am yet to take so as to unleash my full potential. All I can wish for is the Almighty’s favor and grace in all that I do. His time is always the best! I am excited to begin this journey of being a part of your lives. I am thankful for the support you give me.

Sending you lots of love and hugs.
Warmest, Michelle

Turning Passion for Design and Film into Success

Turning Passion for Design and Film into Success
Post Date December 02, 2024
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Written by John Mutahi, an alumnus of HHFL

For a while now, I haven’t shared an update of my whereabouts, and I think this is the perfect moment as we close the year.

I am still deeply immersed into my passion for art, design, photography and all manner of creative arts. This year has come with a special milestone in my life, where after trying for quite sometime to make a hack into the animation industry, I finally got my foot in by being featured in a kids project.

Uli and Tata African nursery rhymes is an animation series that follows the extra ordinary adventures of two siblings in search of Africa’s nursery rhymes. Through song and story, they learn important life lessons while celebrating the rich cultural and natural biodiversity we have in Africa. By sharing these videos, we get to share with the world what it looks like to be a child in an African setup in the tropical savanna, as well as helping African children appreciate how lucky and blessed we are to in this side of the world – from the beautiful cities, to the countryside landscapes, all the way to the coastal lands with the sea and sandy beaches.

I have been featured as a compositor, whose work is to put together all the components of the production to make an exciting meaningful piece of an animation video. It is very gratifying to me to finally use my skills to do something I am in love with, something that brings out my values, and in a way give back to my African community.

At Cisty Media, my very own startup, it is a beehive of activity. This is where I do all the work behind the scenes. I celebrate this milestone, and I am thankful for the exposure that HHFL gave me which has enabled me reach where I am. I hope to continue being an inspiration to not just HHFL children, but to many other African children who may feel obstructed by the many challenges we face when growing up. Passion, focus and dedication is the way to go.

Here is a link to one of the videos featured in my animation project:

https://youtu.be/5VatlqYzOgQ

Such wins motivate me to even sharpen my skills and stretch myself beyond my comfort zone. There is so much to be experienced across the world to an open mind that grabs opportunities when they come.

Caring For Future Generations As a Nurse

Caring For Future Generations As a Nurse
Post Date November 28, 2024
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Written by Albanus, Nursing Graduate 

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous support, which has made my study program possible. You have opened a door to a wealth of educational and cultural experiences that I could only have dreamed of. 

Your belief in my potential and investment in my future has been incredibly motivating. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and to making you proud of me.

A flashback about my Nursing decision and career — I feel like everyone has their own reasons as to why they wanted to start nursing in the first place. Mine was definitely because when my best friend was really sick when I think I was about 13 or 14 years old. I found it really difficult to just watch him be sick and for me to be able to do absolutely nothing. I wasn’t allowed to go and visit him because he was in ICU and for some reason they wouldn’t let me in.

I think because of my age, there were too many people, and also maybe because of the healthcare system setting in our public hospitals. This just really affected me because although I was quite young at the time I think it stayed with me as I wanted to be able to do something if one of my loved ones ever gets sick again. I think that was the main thing from an early age, why I wanted to do nursing and I think I’ve always been a very outgoing person.

I’ve always loved being around people, always being an outgoing person, so an office job never seemed like something I would do. It’s just not in my nature to be sitting at a desk all day in the same office, in the same space; I love a variety of jobs.

The other thing is being busy – I hate doing nothing. I would rather be on my feet than be sitting in the same spot all day. So I think that’s also what appealed to me about nursing and just how diverse it is. I think people sometimes don’t realize how many opportunities that actually lie within the nursing umbrella.

I didn’t even realize how many jobs there is! I used to think a nurse was just a nurse, but that’s completely wrong. There’s your basic staff nurse on a ward, but then there’s also so many other jobs available as well.

You’re more than likely to start on a ward and build up your experience, then you can apply to other roles such as advanced nurse practitioners, you can work in theaters, you can work in the community, you can work in outpatients – there’s just a crazy amount of opportunities which I really like.

In a job – let’s say a teacher – you’re a teacher and then you may become a principal, and apart from that there’s not much else you can do, so I think with nursing it’s just so diverse. That really, really appeals to me, so that definitely inspired me. Also, helping people, as generic as it sounds.

Coming home from placement, getting home and having all these crazy stories about what you’ve done and who you’ve helped, and seen people go from completely bad to being able to walk again – it’s just incredible!

My Interest after nursing is taking a specialty in theater as an anesthetist since I have been working in theater as a scrub nurse/ runner nurse most of the time and I love it so much. 

I am happy and excited to be a beneficiary of Hanne Howard fund and my promise has always been giving back in all ways possible, this was a chance that occupies the biggest part of my heart and I remain truly grateful.

At the HHFL project now, I am an active player for guiding the young ones in career selection as to their performance and talents. It makes me feel great to be part of the alumni where the staff can entrust me with that huge responsibility. 

Some of the skills entailed during my training were, assessing patient, obtaining vital sign measurements, giving injections, assisting with exams and treatment, understanding medical terminology, tracheostomy care, wound care, catheter care, dialysis, central line dressing and care, antibiotic therapy, gastrostomy (feeding) tube care , explaining treatment, educating about disease, illness or trauma, explaining prescriptions and when to take medicine, alerting patient or caregiver to watch for infection or side-effects, sharing information about infection control, ophthalmology care, Oncology care, outlining pain management measures, the list is long it can go on for days. 

My promise to the community is that I care about the wellbeing of future generations. Their needs are just as important as those of today. 

When I am making a major choice in my own life, when I am facing a significant ethical or moral question, and when I am involved in policy-making or decision making, I take into account the needs of the next two or three generations. 

No short-term or narrow goal should be allowed to jeopardize humanity’s long-term future. My choices support the principle of equal opportunity for each future generation. We should not cause their opportunities and well-being to be less than ours. I promise to abide by The Nurses Oath that I will take during my graduation scheduled at the end of the year. 

Thank you for the continued support. I will drop another email soon keeping you aware of my next step after graduation.

Lots of love, 

Albanus The Nurse

HHFL’s New Lawyer in the Making

HHFL’s New Lawyer in the Making
Post Date October 11, 2024
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Written by Nicholas Mutuku, HHFL’s university Student

My name is Nicholas Muli, a beneficiary of Hanne Howard Fund and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity HHFL has given me to grow, study and make a career. I am a first-year student at the Egerton University pursuing a 3yr diploma in legal studies.

From a young age, I have been passionate about justice and the power of the law to create equitable societies. Enrolling at Egerton University is the realization of a long-held dream, as it provides me with the opportunity to equip myself with the skills, knowledge and ethical foundation necessary to advocate for fairness and protect the rights of others.

Since the beginning of this academic year, I have been immersed in a rigorous academic program, taking courses in Contract law, Constitutional law, Human rights and Legal research and writing. I have found these subjects to be both challenging and intellectually stimulating. I am particularly passionate about all these units but more biased towards Human rights and Constitutional law. In my upbringing I have seen many people be denied their constitutional rights and their human rights. I believe I can reduce these scenarios if not eliminate them.

I was born and brought up in the streets of Lenana and cases of abuse of rights are common. From Killings to unfair trials and delayed judgments in the legal system. These are just some of the reasons why my thirst to bring justice and fairness to the society became unquenchable. I thought that by studying hard maybe it would quench it but I have come to realize that it is only increasing it, I like it this way, the determination to broaden my view of the legal system, its strengths and weaknesses.

Egerton is a great university, starting with the modern library, unlimited sources of information to the internal moot competitions which allow us to moot against each other and have a grasp of what an actual court room looks and feels like. These competitions enabled our University to emerge victorious in The East Africa Moot competitions where our faculty was represented by a group of three students.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in co-curricular activities. I am a member of the university’s debating club and have participated in several moot court competitions. These experiences have not only honed my public speaking and critical thinking skills but have also allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the law.

I am confident that with continued support from HHFL, I will be able to excel academically and make a positive impact on my community. I am eager to pursue a career in law and contribute to the development of a just and equitable society.

Thank you once again for your generosity and support. I am truly honored to be part of The HHFL family.

Yours Sincerely,

Nicholas Muli.

Leah’s Dare into a ‘Special’ Care-Giving Mission

Leah’s Dare into a ‘Special’ Care-Giving Mission
Post Date July 17, 2024
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Written by Isaiah and Leah

This is a brief background about the developing success story of Leah, one of the HHFL’s post secondary students. I have considered sharing this to bring to perspective what she is currently studying. I have personally known her since 2012 when I joined HHFL, and it was about 3yrs since she joined the HHFL pre school program then known as Tiny Tots. I have known Leah to be a soft spoken girl and a bit shy. She has grown through school under my watch and like all the other HHFL chaperons I have been keen to see what kind of an adult she grows into. In her early years she wanted to be many things when she grows up, and she worked indeed very hard with the support we give to her and to all the rest.

At the end of high school about a year ago, Leah had really wanted to study medicine as her life career. She however did not meet the cut-off grades to study medicine as she had always dreamt, and this bothered her for some days.

She however shocked us when she presented to us her post-secondary proposal about studying mortician science. It is a career not many people would dare venture into, leave alone it being for a young lady as this. She knew and we too knew that she would be handling the dead before their internment for burial, and this, coupled with a number of traditional African beliefs about corpses, would take such a toll on her. Her determination was however the one thing that got us interested in supporting her dream.

One year later, Leah is going unbelievably strong in her studies. She has turned out to be a very sought after intern in a number of morgues around Nairobi, and this is why we would only do her justice by sharing her success with our donor network and friends. She is an inspiration to many (especially young women) who need to rise against their fears and odds to elk their pathway through life and careers.

Here below is an update letter she shared with us recently:

“Hi, it’s Leah. You are still going to wonder why I became a mortician? Throughout my life I wanted to work in a hospital and become a doctor. I would always be looking for skills for first aid from the internet during the activities in the project.

Unfortunately, after high school my grades did not allow me to do medicine. After some time I learnt about Mortuary Science as a course. So I enrolled after learning about it and here I am right now as a continuing student.

My first time handling a body was very scary since we were taken for practicals in a real mortuary. But during learning, the whole process would take place in a lab called a gross lab where we use cadavers for learning.

I wouldn’t say they were scary but a little bit weird since their organs were the ones we were using for learning e.g. the kidney, heart , lungs and also bones. For the bones, one was required to learn by heart, all the bones of a human skeleton in order to qualify for the whole course. Immediately after finishing everything in the gross lab we were then taken to a funeral home for practicals.

That is when I saw my first body. I was taught how to embalm (of which I have become a good embalmer), do postmortems and dress bodies. I found everything interesting, especially the postmortems since I saw how organs are in a human body, how to remove organs from the body without destroying them and also giving a report about the body.

So far I have dealt with bodies from murder cases, suicidal cases, drowning cases, maternal cases, burns cases, RTA( road traffic accidents), poisoning, sudden death and others. I have learnt on a more deeper understanding that life is precious and short , one should enjoy everything.

Being a mortician is very interesting and really enjoyable in some way. I have a desire to help bring people comfort at their most vulnerable and lowest point in their lives by making sure their loved one(s) looks as if they are sleeping. Death is not pretty, we make it look beautiful and peaceful. When family members tell me their stories of their loved ones after they see them in the casket, it means their loved one’s appearance brought about positive memories and emotions. THAT is why I do this.

I’m so happy you gave me an opportunity to pursue the course. I’m really happy and contented about the whole course. I’m hoping to work outside Kenya as an embalmer and mortician  in the mortuary set up. I have attached photos with uniforms after work and during the day.

Regards, Leah

Our Kenyan Family Lunch at HHFL

Our Kenyan Family Lunch at HHFL
Post Date March 25, 2024
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Category Letters from Kenya

Written by Ted Horton,LLB – Co-founder and Chairman of HHF

“Mama Hanna and I spent an enjoyable few hours over the weekend not only with some of our own family but also in the company of about 20+ members of our HHFL family. Some of them have been in our lives since 2005. It was a time to reflect and to celebrate. Each of their journeys is unique. What isn’t unique is that each of their lives has been irrevocably changed by the opportunity of a good education coupled with the love and attention that our Project has provided to so many over the years. There is no question that Kenyan life is still very hard for many of them, and we continue to challenge each of them to stay focused and committed to succeed using their skills and talents in the best and smartest ways possible. 

Our alums who have established careers are wonderful role models for their younger brothers and sisters.  With 56 kids still enrolled in the Project ( 25 in Secondary school, 5 Secondary graduates from the class of 2023 preparing for their post Secondary education and 26 who are enrolled in colleges and universities) there is still lots of work to do. Occasions like this reaffirm the special effects and rewards of our collective journey.” 

International Women’s Day Dinner

International Women’s Day Dinner
Post Date March 11, 2024
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Written by Mary Wairimu – HHFL Alumnus

On international women’s day that was on Friday of 8th March 2024, Jennifer invited us(HHFL’S project manager Lucy Njeri, HHFL Alumni including Mercy Kangwato, Alice Kangwato , Sharon Akinyi and Lydia Gachanja and I) to a special ladies’ diner. It was held at The Karen Country Club from 7pm till 11:30pm. Jennifer, the founder and CEO of Female Fusion Network, has been a friend and supporter of HHFL for close to twenty years, and we have lots of stories about our encounter with her. During the dinner, she engaged us in interactive and uplifting activities that made us get to know each other better and feel inspired. The networking allowed us to share different ideas relevant to our different career paths. 

Through the networking on Friday night’s dinner, Jenifer took interest in my career path in Media and production. She then set up a meeting on Sunday evening same week where I was to meet one of her friends called Reim, who is a producer from Dubai. 

On Sunday of 10th March, Lucy and Lydia escorted me to the meeting with Reim and her friends at Karen countryclub. The meeting started at 6:30pm to 7:30pm. I interacted with Reim & Deborah Owens and got to be inspired by their journeys in their career paths in production.

I got to understand more about hacks in Television production such as incorporating Artificial Intelligence in video editing, scripting and the entire production process. Reim and I also discussed on the possibility of me joining her media/production team at her TV station in Dubai. We exchanged contacts with Deborah and Reim to discuss further on that new possibility. I really enjoyed networking with Reim and Deborah whilst listening in through their career advice and general life advice.

Lucy and Lydia also networked with Reim’s friends and discussed relevant topics related to their career paths. It was a delightful night radiating women empowerment and I absolutely loved it.

“Parental Blessings – Lydiah’s Family Event”

“Parental Blessings – Lydiah’s Family Event”
Post Date January 21, 2024
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Category Letters from Kenya

Written by Ted Horton, HHFL Co-founder

Lydia invited Hanne and I to a “parental blessing” on Saturday afternoon at the home of Mama Margaret (her adoptive mother and our retired house mother/cook for 14 yrs at the Project).

Esther, Alice and Faith now all mums in their own right and Lydia’s project sisters joined in the celebration.

Lydia’s lady’s group the Diamond Divas (in uniform) celebrate these blessings at the homes of their respective parents and today it was Mama Margaret‘s turn to be honoured —prayers, speeches, presents for mama Margaret and us with some lively music and a catered lunch for 60.

The occasion was luckily almost completed before a torrential downpour. We laughed and reminisced with our girls on the way home. Priceless memories. Hugs all round

The Future Belongs to Those who Believe in the Beauty of their Dreams

The Future Belongs to Those who Believe in the Beauty of their Dreams
Post Date December 08, 2023
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Written by Muli, HHFL Post Sec

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. For me Agriculture has been more than a dream. It’s the one thing that has always given me a purpose to live for and stay positive about my future. Most of us struggle a lot before realizing what we really love to do. For me it began with a 75 square foot garden at HHFL where we planted one type of vegetable, spinach, with teacher Isaiah. I was so mesmerized watching the spinach grow and to realize that if you take care and water it, by the end of a month you will get your reward- a delicious yield. 

When I joined high school and realized that there was a subject called Agriculture, I knew at that moment I must take it seriously and for sure I did.  After high school my passion grew stronger and I decided to take a 3 year Diploma in Agricultural Science made possible by HHFL with the help of Baba Ted and Mama Hanne. Earlier this year in April I got an email from father Ted. He had secured an internship for me at Lewa Wilderness Farm for one month. He, Mama Hanne and I drove to Lewa. I was astonished to learn that I was on a farm where everything is grown organically. It would be a great learning opportunity for me. I think organic farms are still quite rare in Kenya, and I was sure that I was one of the very few first -year students in my course, actually I think the only one, who had an internship on an organic farm. 

In August, with the help of both Mama Hanne, Baba Ted and the HHFL staff I was able to extend my internship from 3 to 5 months. It was truly worth it. I have learned lots of things and have been exposed to areas beyond agriculture that some of my fellow HHFL brothers and sisters have studied. Tourism was one of them. I have been trained on bird watching and got to learn about many types of birds. I have also had almost 25 outings with tourists staying at Lewa Wilderness from all over the world. I got to interact with them and explain what Lewa farming is about and how the organic gardens are managed. 

I have also worked in the workshop sector where they make all kinds of furniture, windows, doors mostly from acacia trees.  I have worked in animal and farm management, learned about tractors and machinery, fishing farming and greenhouse management.

The past five months that I have been at Lewa have been many of the best moments of my life.

 Luckily this month I met one of the specialists in vineyards and wine processing.  She owns an organic vineyard just near Lewa farm and had come to do some grape pruning at the farm and when I saw her, I remembered some words from Mama Hanne as we were driving to Lewa in April. She said “if opportunities don’t knock, build a door” and guess what.  I went ahead and built the door and asked her if she would teach me about grape farming. She was very excited that I had the fire in my belly to learn.  I am currently doing two weeks of training in the vineyard. It is so fascinating to learn how to plant, maintain, harvest and make wine from grapes. There’s also the wine tasting process where we get to taste the different types of wine: the red and white, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. Tasting must be done before bottling to know if the wine is ready for the market. I have been here for three days and I already feel like Naboth, the man who owned a vineyard in the Bible. 

I am grateful to both Baba Ted, Mama Hanne and the HHFL staff for enabling me to live this dream. I know that this wonderful experience will lead to a brighter future in Agriculture.

I hope my story will encourage my younger siblings at HHFL to have the same “fire in their belly” as Baba Ted has been telling us all along. My message to each of you: you must work hard and smart, and focus moving forward to build your own doors to opportunity; stay positive no matter what obstacles you may encounter along the way. Merry Christmas to all.

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