From Eight Students to National Champions: The Inspiring Journey of Mbaikini Girls Secondary School

Mbaikini Girls Secondary School has grown tremendously since its founding around 2020. When my family and I were there for the launch, the school had just one classroom and eight students, filled with hope and ambition. Fast forward to today, the school has grown to accommodate 86 students, and this year marks the graduation of its first class. It has been a journey of perseverance, hard work, and community support.

My family and I, along with Tunji Soroye, the founder of Just Help Africa, have been fortunate to be involved from the beginning, witnessing the school’s remarkable transformation. We’ve visited every year, encouraging the students to pursue their dreams and take full advantage of the educational opportunities they’ve been given. Now, with the school’s recent win in the national robotics competition, we are thrilled to see their talents recognized on a national stage, preparing them to compete in the World Robotics Olympiad in Turkey.

Being there every year and witnessing the students' growth has been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family. It’s not just about seeing the school expand physically, but also watching the girls gain confidence, dream bigger, and now, take their education global.

We’re excited for what’s next and look forward to sharing more stories of empowerment, education, and the impact art can have on our world.

Image Credit: Standard Media, and other Independent Photographers

Uniting for Change: The Journey of Just Help Africa

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: