Project Maisha
Nurturing Potential. Shaping Futures.
In partnership with Hakuna Matata Foundation
The Mission
To empower young Kenyan students to thrive in both academics and athletics by providing access to education, training, and essential equipment. Project Maisha, founded out of a sponsorship by Miwa Totani Nanji, believes in nurturing not just exceptional athletes, but well-rounded individuals who can pursue higher education and rise to excellence in endurance sports—and in life. The training will be in Iten, The Home of Champions, at an altitude of 2400M.
The Story
Kenya is home to some of the greatest endurance athletes the world has ever seen. But behind the podiums and medals lies a different reality: countless gifted youth remain unseen, their dreams dimmed by financial hardship, lack of structured training, and limited mentorship.
The parties involved created Maisha—Swahili for “life”—because they believe every young person deserves a fair shot. As lifelong partners with deep Kenyan roots and global experience, they’ve seen the potential. Now, they’re committed to unlocking it.
Project Maisha is the promise to walk alongside young students—to support them, guide them, and help them grow into confident scholars, disciplined athletes, and bright futures.
Learn more at Project Maisha
The students listed below are facing significant financial hardships and cannot afford school fees, supplies, uniforms or meals.
Gidion
The teacher tells us:
„Gidion lives with his mother, who does casual work to make ends meet. He is the eldest of three siblings and excels in class. Sociable and athletic, he has a passion for race walking and enjoys singing.“
Sharlyne
The teacher tells:
„Sharlyne is a quiet and determined girl, the seventh of eight siblings. Her mother teaches kindergarten, and her father is a farmer struggling to support their children's education. She is passionate about running and singing, and dreams of becoming an engineer.“
Purity
The teacher tells us:
„Purity is a natural leader with excellent social skills. She is at the top of her class and enjoys sprinting and drawing. The middle child of three. Her father rides a motorbike and her mother is a grocer, struggling to support her education. Purity aspires to become an anatomist.“
Ian
The teacher tells:
„Ian, the third of four siblings, lives with his mother, who works as a grocer. Though quiet, he is very athletic and a talented footballer. He describes himself as a "cheetah"—once he sets a goal, he doesn’t miss it.“
Abigael
The teacher tells us:
„Fourteen-year-old Abigael is the head girl of her school. She is passionate about running, dancing, and reading. The second of three children, she lives with her mother, who struggles to raise them through casual labor.“
James
The teacher tells:
„James, a determined fifteen-year-old born with one arm, passionately pursues his interest in athletics. He is the fourth of five siblings. Cheerful and slightly shy, James is also an excellent dancer.“
Edward
The teacher tells us:
„Edward is the youngest of four siblings. He lost his mother at a very young age and never met his father. Without a permanent place to stay, he remains highly athletic and loves dancing. He competes as a short-distance runner at the division level.“
Remis
The teacher tells:
„Edward is the youngest of four siblings. He lost his mother at a very young age and never met his father. Without a permanent place to stay, he remains highly athletic and loves dancing. He competes as a short-distance runner at the division level.“
