Our Beginnings

I grew up in a large family of eight, raised by a single mother who struggled to provide for us. Fortunately, when I was 12 years old, my uncle stepped in and provided the funds for me to receive an education. Because of his support, I was able to attend school and begin laying the foundations that later enabled me to move to Nairobi and work independently. There, I set up a small kiosk, and through that business — along with the help of friends — we raised enough money for me to move to the UK to further my education.

Reflecting on my journey, I feel incredibly fortunate to have received an education that has brought me to where I am today. I strongly believe that education has the power to transform lives. Learning plants seeds that allow people to dream, be inspired, and achieve success. Yet despite this, so many children do not have access to it. When I returned to Kenya and reflected on my experiences — and on how blessed I was to have my uncle’s support — I felt compelled to do for others what he had done for me: to provide children with the opportunity to receive an education.

With the help of friends in the UK, the support of my husband, and this cause in mind, we founded the charity EKO (Educating Kenyan Orphans) in 2006. Our first project, supported by the late Bryan Cooper (Founder of Waterlife), successfully assisted a school called Angel Academy in the Kawangware slums. Our next project — and the main foundation of the charity — was the building of a small school in Ngong, Kenya, where we currently provide primary education to children in the early years. Our aim is to give children a strong educational foundation, equipping them to transition into mainstream secondary education and pursue brighter futures.

Grace Fay (founder)