Building brighter futures and improving the quality of life for children and their families in Kenya and north-east Scotland.

Gathimba Edwards Foundation's (GEF) approach to tackling the challenges which hold back the communities we serve is centred around the 3 pillars of Education, Shelter and Wellbeing.

The nature of support under each pillar varies in each country according to need.

Education

To provide children with an education by supporting primary, secondary and tertiary fees and supplying uniforms and necessities.

To enhance access to education and learning materials for children with disabilities by providing specialised equipment, communication devices, and developmentally supportive toys.

Shelter

To give children and their families a safe place of shelter by building new homes or improving existing ones.

To increase comfort, accessibility and enjoyment for disabled children through specialist home adaptations, modifications and equipment.

 

Wellbeing

To support the wellbeing of children and their families through counselling, seminars, farming, and food programs.

To support the unique needs of disabled children and their families, ease symptoms, and enable them to enjoy the outdoors by funding specialist therapies and equipment, whilst also connecting them to other relevant services.

 

 

Since we began

669

CHILDREN SUPPORTED THROUGH EDUCATION

62

NEW HOMES BUILT FOR 276 CHILDREN

3000

WELLBEING SEMINAR ATTENDEES

50000

(£) WORTH OF SUPPORT AND EQUIPMENT DELIVERED TO CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

72

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY GRADUATIONS

Brilyn Lewinsky

Brilyn Lewinsky

Before GEF support, Brilyn lived with her mum and brother in a single rented room without electricity. She shared a bed with her mum and her brother slept on a basic couch and was often sent home from school due to unpaid fees, which meant she missed many crucial classes and her grades suffered. Through […]
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Evie

Evie

Evie suffered from cerebral palsy, severe dystonia and resistant epilepsy which brought huge challenges to her and her family. We have had the pleasure of getting to know them since first meeting in 2018. The love, patience, happiness and reluctance to ask anyone for help humbled and inspired us to do something to make their […]
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John Gachemi

John Gachemi

John is the perfect example of both determination and the power of education. With GEF support he recently completed a BSC in Clinical Medicine at Jomo Kenyatta University and is working as a Doctor in Karatina. His journey was not easy. John’s mum and dad work hard as coffee farmers but struggled to earn enough […]
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But there is still more that needs to be done.

47%

OF CHILDREN IN KENYA DO NOT ENROL IN SECONDARY SCHOOL.

20%

OF SCOTTISH FAMILIES CARING FOR A DISABLED CHILD LIVE IN POVERTY.

1 in 2

CHILDREN IN KENYA WERE SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR PRIOR TO RECEIVING GEF SUPPORT.

50 hours

TIME SPENT PER WEEK BY CAREGIVERS OF DISABLED CHILDREN ON CARE-RELATED TASKS.

1 million

GIRLS IN KENYA MISS AN AVERAGE OF 4 SCHOOL DAYS EVERY MONTH BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ACCESS TO SANITARY PADS

How you can help

Sponsor a child in Kenya

In Kenya a little can go a long way. £35 per month supports the education of one of the children we are helping. This covers the cost of their primary, secondary and tertiary fees, uniform, shoes and books, and menstrual care products for girls.

 

Support a child in Scotland

Improve the lives of disabled children and their families in north-east Scotland by providing specialist equipment, access to therapies, signposting to relevant services, and improving accessibility at home and in the community.

 

Fundraising

Why not register now to run, jog, walk or cycle in an event to support the Gathimba Edwards Foundation? Throughout the year we are involved in a number of local runs and can offer charity spots.

Housebuilding

We believe that every child deserves to have a water-tight roof over their head, a comfortable bed to sleep on and a safe place of shelter in which they can also study. Without this, it is impossible for them to focus and engage fully during their education.

Events

We have a variety of events in Aberdeen each year. From our Safari Series runs to getting together with friends, family or colleagues for a quiz or fundraising lunch or dinner, we have something for everyone.

Volunteering

GEF hold numerous events in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire throughout the year. We couldn't do this without our wonderful volunteers who give up their time to support these fundraising events. Get in touch to see how you can help.

Meet some of the children we have supported

It's great fun working with GEF and I get a real buzz when I receive letters and messages from John. It's been so satisfying to see him making great progress with his education.

 

I'm very proud of him.

Andrew Smith

A key decision in supporting charity is how the funds will be used. Larger charities have large overheads and often a donation is a drop in the ocean. What we love about GEF is the ability to know almost exactly what a donation is being used for – individual families and children with needs that stretch far beyond the norm.

 

Raising a family is difficult – even with favourable conditions. I cannot imagine what life is like when the needs are so acute, and all extra resource and attention from the parents are already fully used, but the state just isn’t there to plug the gap. I’m so glad we have abundance to share to make other lives better in our local community!

John and Frankie Willis

The Gathimba Edwards Foundation plays a vital role in supporting children and young people in Kenya and carries out some amazing work in helping those who are less fortunate.

 

We have now supported three school children in Kenya gain education and the feedback heard back has been hugely positive and what we like to think of as life-changing.

Jai Aenugu

I wouldn’t miss a GEF volunteering opportunity for the world - it’s one of my all time favorite things to do! At every single event…you get the warmest welcome and are surrounded by the kindest people which is the best feeling ever. To be able to be a small part of the events are an honour and a privilege.

 

I’m so grateful to have these opportunities to give a little back knowing that you’re helping give kids in Kenya and the UK that precious help that makes their lives a little bit easier. I plan to volunteer for as long as I can!!!

Fiona Booth

In our experience, GEF are absolutely trustworthy and work with 100% integrity. We know Myles, Gideon and the rest of the team personally, and we can see directly the impact that the sponsorship money makes.

 

In almost 10 years of partnership we've had nothing but positive experiences. If you want to do something truly impactful, then I would strongly recommend supporting Gathimba Edwards Foundation.

Gavin Smith