Empowering futures, one student at a time
Maggie Kearns
FOUNDATION FOR KIBERA
Maggie Kearns starting school at University of Illinois - 2016
Maggie Okoth starting highschool in Kibera - 2025
About
We are the Maggie Kearns Foundation for Kibera.
In June of 2025, Ann visited Kibera Kenya with an educational mission trip and volunteered at an elementary school. Kibera is the largest slum in Africa and is one of the most unhospitable places in the world for children. There is no running water or sanitation, unemployment is at 50%, food is scarce, 19% of children die before the age of 5 and life expectancy is 30 years old.
While witnessing this severe poverty, she questioned what her role could be in helping the people from Kibera. After her return to the United States, she developed a friendship Monica, the principal of the school. Ann and Monica together created opportunities for people to sponsor high school students from Kibera. At school, students receive 3 meals a day, security, and hope for the future. This has proven to be transformational for these students, families, and the community.
TRANSFORMING LIVES
25
STUDENTS SPONSORED
7,500+
Meals Provided
< 1
YEAR OF IMPACT
OUR COMMITMENT
Maggie Kearns Foundation for Kibera is dedicated to providing high school sponsorship for students from Kibera Kenya and surrounding areas. Our mission is to select students with a high potential and the greatest need and match them with generous sponsors. Ongoing communication with sponsors and students is life giving on both sides of the Atlantic!
High school opportunity is life changing, provides security and restores hope for children growing up in the largest slum in Africa.
Our Team.
Our team started with Ann and Monica. Then Sara quickly fell in love with several children that she sponsored and joined the team! With so many students needing support with getting ready for boarding school, Mercy and Stacy joined the team and facilitate ongoing relationships between sponsors and students. Sending love across the Atlantic!!
WHAT DOES EACH STUDENT SPONSORSHIP INCLUDE?
HIGH SCHOOL TUITION
Children are enrolled in boarding school for 3 years. School provides safe housing, running water, sanitation, and government led academic curriculum. After the national testing in 8th grade, students are enrolled in the school that is selected for them.
PERSONAL ITEMS
School uniforms are purchased for each students. Students go shopping with our team to select clothing, bedding, and personal items.
FOOD
3 nutritious meals per day. This is a vital part of these childrens lives to be able to expect 3 meals a day.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from school. This includes a guardian accompanying the student the first time. Students are able to travel back home for holiday breaks. The boarding schools may be several hours away from their home.
INSPIRING STORIES
Today 9th Feb 2026 will remain to be a special day in my life because as I am writing this letter I am already in school and looking sharp and nice in my new school uniform. I have never felt this happy in my entire life. Thank you Ross and mum Monica for your support and for changing my life in such a meaningful way. I will always be grateful for your kindness and for the hope you restored in my heart.
Yours sincerely,
Barnardy.
I feel so good and happy to have someone who loves me and also care for me.
I felt so good when learnt that your sponsoring my sister and I.
For the first time ever since I lost my parents, it has not come in my mind that one day I will go back to school after dropping out. The tears of joy dripped off my eyes on hearing that am going back to school with school pad, pencil, got the school items and pocket money.
I love you,
Maxwell
I am really excited to go to school this year. Your support means a lot to me. It has helped ease many challenges and has reminded me that I am not alone in pursuing my education.
I promise to work hard and stay focused in my studies. I hope to make you proud and to one day give back the same kindness and support that you have shown me. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate everything you do.
With sincere gratitude
Violet
