Recently, at UBI we had the honor of welcoming Virginia Wangoui and Brian, the passionate founders of Tuko Pamoja as part of our UBI Citizen Initiative, an NGO whose name means “We are together” in Swahili. Their visit was more than a meeting, it was an opportunity to learn firsthand about the incredible work they are doing to transform lives in Kenya.
As part of our UBI Citizen Conversations series, their visit helped us connect their mission directly with the values and purpose of the UBI Citizen Initiative.
In the heart of Kenya, where breathtaking landscapes meet harsh realities, there are stories that deserve to be told. Stories of girls who dream of going to school, mothers fighting to feed their children, and communities struggling against practices like female genital mutilation and early marriages. Amid these challenges stands Tuko Pamoja, and they live up to their name every single day.
Virginia and Brian share a clear vision: to give children and women the chance to live with dignity. Their work begins with the basics – education. Through child sponsorship programs, Tuko Pamoja covers school fees, uniforms, and family support, ensuring every child has a real opportunity to learn. But their mission goes further: they create safe spaces for girls at risk and have built a shelter to protect them.
In Maasai communities, where many households are led by single mothers, Tuko Pamoja supports small businesses like beadwork, helping women sustain their families. Every beaded necklace is not just a piece of art – it’s a symbol of resilience.
Food security is also part of this fight. What started as a simple gesture, providing porridge to 560 children in one school, now reaches over 2,000 students across six schools. This initiative has changed lives: more children attend classes, and teenage pregnancy rates have dropped.
And when violence threatens, Tuko Pamoja responds with empowerment. Since 2019, more than 4,300 women and girls have learned self-defense skills, reclaiming confidence and safety. One woman even defended herself against her husband thanks to these classes: a powerful reminder of what education and courage can achieve.
Every project, from shoe drives to building a bedroom for a vulnerable family, reflects the commitment of a team that believes in social transformation. For Tuko Pamoja, hope is not just an idea – it’s action.
At UBI, this collaboration forms an important part of the UBI Citizen Initiative, which aims to connect students with meaningful impact opportunities and bring our G.R.E.A.T. values to life. Through this partnership, students will have pathways to engage in SDG-related work, learn through real-world challenges, and contribute to positive social change.
