In May 2022, Tunji shared a story from his childhood with me. As we sat at the Common House, he recounted his experiences with diseases like cholera due to a lack of clean water. He described how he and other children in his area had to wake up early in the morning to fetch water, often traveling many miles from home before going to school. As a Kenyan, I could empathize with his experiences, as they mirrored stories I had heard in my own country. Furthermore, with my experience in founding non-profits and my passion for improving education in Kenya, his story resonated strongly with my philanthropic focus.
Tunji and Zikki sandwiching "‘Hydro’ a Painting Up for Auction to Raise Funds for Just Help Africa | Photo Credit: Natalie Batman
Inspired by this conversation, we saw an opportunity for change. Within a few weeks, we established Just Help Africa, a non-profit organization aimed at assisting these communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We embraced the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together," and expanded our team.
In our first year, we collectively volunteered our time and raised enough funds to build our first well in Nigeria. This well now provides water to a community of over 7,000 people.
Children Fetching Water at a Well Location Completed by Just Help Africa in Nigeria.
Tank for Water Storage installed by Just Help Africa at the Well Location in Nigeria.
Now in our second year, we are finalizing a building renovation at Mbaikini Girls High School in Wamunyu, Kenya. This building will serve as a laboratory and teachers' office. In Nigeria, we are preparing to start another well project that will serve a community of over 10,000 people. For updates, follow us on Instagram or check our website.
Zikki & Remy Advising and Learning from the Students at Mbaikini Girls High School | Wamunyu, Kenya
We are fortunate to have a robust donor support system in Charlottesville, VA. I would like to personally acknowledge Eddie Karouliussen of Four Corners Real Estate and Ben Thomas of NWG Solutions. Both have offered invaluable advice, hosted the Just Help team, and contributed significantly towards our mission.
Ben and Eddie engaging the Crowd at a Hosted Just Help Africa Fundraiser | Photo Credit: Natalie Batman
We also have several other notable donors who have worked closely with us and continue to support our cause. You can find some of them listed on our website https://justhelpafrica.org.
If you are interested in learning more or contributing to our work in sub-Saharan Africa, please reach out to us through our website, justhelpafrica.org. You are always welcome to support by clicking the Donate button below: