Growing up in Dagoretti, Sallyanne knew what it felt like to let poverty dim a child’s potential. Every morning, she walked a long, exhausting path to school, dodging wild baboons in the forest while carrying the constant fear of being sent home for unpaid fees. Sitting in class on an empty stomach made it nearly impossible to focus or dream about the future.
Everything changed in 2009 when her grandmother discovered our foundation. Welcomed into our family alongside her sister, Sallyanne experienced immediate relief from financial pressure. With her school fees and essential needs fully met, her spirit lifted, and her academic performance soared. During her school years, she also stepped up as a Youth Peer Provider, educating and empowering her fellow students on sexual and reproductive health.
Academic Excellence and Career Breakthroughs
When Sallyanne joined Kabarak University in 2018 to pursue Mass Communication, she carried the steady support of our community with her. Her sponsor, Emily, consistently encouraged her to push her limits. On December 16, 2022, Sallyanne graduated with First Class Honours—becoming the first student in our program’s history to achieve this milestone.
Following graduation, Sallyanne unlocked a passion for digital marketing through our Techmates program. This technical training launched her career as a Digital Marketing Strategist at Oracom Group, transitioning her from a sponsored student into a skilled industry professional.
Full-Circle Impact: Leading Corporate Recognition
The Sallyanne youth empowerment journey came full circle when she nominated our organization for the Top Digitally Fit Foundation award. Standing alongside our director, Kelvin Thuku, she accepted the award in front of corporate leaders and CEOs, representing the true potential of Nairobi’s youth.
Sallyanne once walked to school afraid of being turned away. Today, she walks into boardroom meetings confident, driving digital strategies, and creating lasting change. Her success proves that with the right education, mentorship, and community support, young people from any background can achieve their highest ambitions.