Tenda Wema
Do Good. Change a Life.
Tenda wema, nenda zako is a Swahili proverb that means doing the right thing genuinely — even when no one notices.
That belief sits at the heart of Tenda Wema.
Our Call to Give
Tenda Wema is our shared call to ensure that no child or youth is invisible in the fight for education.
While many scholarship programmes focus on the highest achievers, Tenda Wema exists for children and young people who are most at risk of being forgotten; those facing poverty, marginalisation and multiple barriers to staying in school.
It is simple, collective and rooted in Ubuntu: many people giving a little, so that children and youth can keep learning, growing and imagining a future that feels possible.
Our Story
In 2012, while researching education in Kenya's coastal minority communities, we met the Sanye, a community so marginalised that Kenya had never recorded a primary school graduate from their people.
Faced with that reality, we acted with urgency and care.
Ten children were enrolled in school, beginning what became known as the "forest children" journey. Later in 2021, Tenda Wema was birthed and established a voluntary giving initiative at the Zizi Afrique Foundation. In 2025, two have completed secondary school, rewriting what was once considered impossible for their community.
Grounded in dignity, sustained by everyday giving and guided by the belief that education should never be out of reach. Tenda Wema is spurred by the spirit of Ubuntu.
Our Impact (2025)
Education is a human right and a shared responsibility. We focus on strengthening public education systems so they can serve today's learners and future generations with dignity, quality and care.
scholars supported across 55 schools (75 girls, 37 boys) in 18 counties in Kenya
graduates, with 8 already in employment
In 2026, we have 118 scholars (69 female, 49 male) receiving support.
Scholars drawn from nearly half of Kenya's counties
Our Vision
By 2030, we aim to raise KES 75 million to sustain and expand Tenda Wema:
KES 35 million to keep children in school
KES 40 million to establish the Tenda Wema Endowment Fund, securing futures for generations to come
Our Invitation
We invite you to stand with children who are most at risk of being left behind.
Individual donors
As an individual donor, you can change a child's life with as little as $20 per month
Corporate Partners
As a corporate partner, you can adopt Tenda Wema as part of your giving strategy
Foundations
As a foundation, you can help scale a proven, equity-driven model of collective giving
How to Give
You can support Tenda Wema in two simple ways.
Mpesa
Paybill Number: 842100
Account Number: 1011168019
Bank: Victoria Commercial Banks
Bank transfer
Account Name: Zizi Afrique Foundation – Tenda Wema
Bank: Victoria Commercial Banks
Account Number: 1011168019
Swift Code: VICMKENAXXX