In a world of survival ... overcoming adversity was already written in Aswani's destiny.
Humble Beginnings in Rural Kenya
Born in the rural village of Kakamega, Kenya, Aswani Kizito was the eldest of seven siblings. His family, belonging to the Luhya tribe, relied on subsistence farming, growing maize, sorghum, millet, arrowroot, yams, and bananas to survive. With no formal employment or steady income, his parents struggled to provide even the basics—food, clean water, and shelter.
Life was unforgiving. During the rainy season, the children used metal sheets to channel rainwater into buckets—their only source of drinking water. They often went to bed hungry, their clothes drenched from the downpour, hoping the morning sun would dry them.
At a young age, Aswani’s father remarried and left, placing the responsibility of his family on his small shoulders. Education seemed like an impossible dream—there was no money for school fees, uniforms, or books. But Aswani was determined.
At just ten years old, he begged his father for a chance to go to school. One day, his father relented, and together, they walked 20 kilometers barefoot to the nearest primary school, carrying just $4. The school director, seeing Aswani’s potential, waived the fees temporarily, allowing him to enroll.
The Fight for an Education
Every day, Aswani woke at 5 a.m. for the three-hour trek to school. Without books or pencils, he listened intently in class, borrowing materials when he could. He was a bright student—always at the top of his class. But staying in school required more than good grades.
To earn his place, Aswani took on cleaning and gardening tasks at school. On days when heavy rains made the journey home impossible, he slept on the classroom floor. To support his family, he worked on a teacher’s farm, planting pineapples and bananas. Whatever he earned, he used to buy food for his siblings. School supplies and even a uniform remained out of reach.
When it was time for secondary school, Aswani faced the same obstacles—no money, no uniform, no books. But he refused to give up. He waited outside the headteacher’s office for eight hours. His persistence paid off—he was allowed to enroll.
To pay his fees, he did whatever work he could find: clearing sewage lines, cleaning bathrooms, construction work, and even serving as a security guard. By 15, he received his first uniform and his first pair of shoes. He graduated as the top student in his school, but university remained out of reach due to financial constraints.
A leap of faith in Nairobi
Determined to build a better future, Aswani moved to Nairobi. He found work as a security guard, laboring 12-hour night shifts. By day, he studied social work and community development at a local college.His life changed when he secured a job with the Sisters of Charity, working in the Kawangware slums. There, he witnessed children living in unimaginable conditions—homeless, hungry, vulnerable to abuse. Their struggles reminded him of his own childhood, igniting a deep desire to help.
The Birth of a Son and a Project
Aswani’s path took another turn when his son, Prince, was born with cerebral palsy. Caring for Prince meant leaving his full-time job, forcing him to take up boda boda (motorbike taxi) riding to make ends meet. It was during this time that his mission became clear—he wanted to create a safe space for children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He started by taking in a few abandoned and orphaned children, offering them shelter, food, and education. His small home became a sanctuary. As word spread, more children arrived, and soon, Aswani was running an informal shelter with dozens of children.
A Life-Changing Encounter
In 2016, fate brought Aswani into contact with Sonal and Mebs Tejpar, founding members of the Board of Trustees for what would become Aswani Kizito’s Project of Hope. Their daughter, who frequently hired Aswani for deliveries in her start-up business, was moved by his story and introduced him to her parents. Recognizing his dedication, they helped establish the NGO to support his growing mission.
A Dream for the Future: The Capital Project & Ongoing Support
Today, Aswani Kizito’s Project of Hope houses 83 children aged 2 to 17 and provides daycare and basic education for over 200 more. But the current living conditions are far from ideal. The makeshift shelter lacks proper facilities, and resources are stretched thin.
A permanent home
To provide a lasting solution, Aswani and his team have launched a capital project: a permanent Children’s Centre outside Kawangware. This facility will include:
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Classrooms for formal education
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Dormitories for safe shelter
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Special needs facilities for children like Prince
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A playground and therapy rooms
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A self-sustaining farm to provide food and income
The project is now in the fundraising stage, with a goal of raising Ksh 30 million (approximately USD 300,000) to build and furnish the center, with construction set to begin in mid-2026.
However, beyond the capital project, the center requires ongoing operational support to provide food, medical care, clothing, school uniforms, special needs equipment, textbooks, and other essentials. The estimated annual operating cost is $65,000, and we are seeking partners and donors who can contribute in various ways—whether through financial assistance, in-kind donations, or professional services.
300k
Required to build and furnish the center
65k
Annual operating cost
Be Part of the Story
Aswani Kizito’s journey—from a barefoot village boy to a beacon of hope for hundreds of children—is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of kindness. He once walked miles with an empty stomach, uncertain of his future. Today, he walks with purpose, determined to change the futures of those who, like him, only need one chance.
Through Project of Hope, Aswani is not just providing food and shelter. He is giving these children dignity, education, and the belief that they can rise above their circumstances.
With your support, we can make this dream a reality.
How You Can Help
Your contributions can make a tangible difference. Here’s how you can be part of this life-changing mission:
Donate
Help fund the construction of the Children’s Centre or contribute towards our annual operating costs
sponsor
Provide direct support for food, education, and healthcare.
in-kind
School supplies, uniforms, medical equipment, and other essentials are always needed.
volunteer
If you're in Nairobi, lend a helping hand in education, mentorship, or therapy services.
Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to transforming the lives of these children.
