I Am Heshima

Mission: To provide academic scholarships that educate, empower, and elevate children into future leaders. Vision: To build a movement where every child has access to quality education and the tools to write their own future. Values: Respect, Leading by Example, Authenticity, Teamwork, Equity The word Heshima means "Respect" in Swahili. We believe when we respect children's rights, honor ourselves and value each other, we ignite a ripple effect that empowers children to rise up, shape their futures, and transform the world. Objectives: a) EDUCATE: Break cycles of poverty by ensuring access to quality education for children from low-income and high-risk households, from the primary to post-secondary level. b) EMPOWER: Support holistic child development through academics and healing, personal and professional growth. c) ELEVATE: Equip children with leadership skills and agency through personal and professional development, to write their own futures and contribute positively to society. Our work: THE HESHIMA WAY: Educate. Empower. Elevate Based in rural Kenya—all of our students are from families with an annual household income of less than $250 CAD, and are the 1st in the history of their family tree to graduate. We provide comprehensive scholarships that cover tuition, uniforms, room and board, and learning materials for children who are often the first in their families to attend school. Our model goes beyond academics by offering mentorship, counseling, and leadership development, ensuring each child is supported as a whole person. Heshima serves as both an educational and developmental bridge, empowering children to rise above barriers and create sustainable change within their lives, communities, and world.