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The Soma Leo Foundation

Education and Empowerment in Kenya

Established in 2015, The Soma Leo Foundation is a manifestation of the commitment by Pound Gates to support education and community development in Kenya. We focus our efforts on Nyiera, a remote area in Western Kenya, where opportunities for quality education are scarce. Our main project, The Soma Leo Academy, is complemented by support to nearby schools in Osieko.

How it began

The Foundation was the natural progression of charity work undertaken by our staff, who in 2013 supported the Kenyan School Fund. The Fund was running a school in Mombasa and planned to build a new school in Nyiera. We organised two events to raise funds for the new school, and the building commenced in November 2014. The Soma Leo Foundation was then established, taking over the responsibility of raising the funds needed to establish the school, invest in further phases of development, and meet its ongoing running costs.

Community-centric education

The Soma Leo Academy, founded with the spirit of community involvement, is managed with the participation of local elders who help select pupils and make key decisions. This ensures the school directly addresses the needs of Nyiera’s most deprived children. The school, receives no government funding, relies on the Foundation’s support for maintenance, teacher salaries, IT resources and student nourishment.

The impact of education

Education challenges in rural Kenya are profound, with many children lacking access to basic education, leading to lifelong socio-economic disadvantages. The Soma Leo Foundation aims to counter some of these challenges by providing a safe, nourishing environment that supports over 175 primary students, equipping them with the skills to improve their prospects.

Fundraising and community support

Our fundraising efforts are crucial to sustaining and expanding the impact of The Soma Leo Foundation. Events such as our annual golf day, quizzes, and innovative initiatives like The Cycling Challenge and Row-a-Fun engage our staff, clients and partners. Their involvement and financial contributions are key to funding our projects and are instrumental in fostering a strong community spirit that enhances our collective impact.

Education challenges in rural Kenya

Despite increased government investment, Kenya’s education system faces significant challenges, particularly in rural areas. Over one million children remain uneducated, and many who attend primary school do not advance further, often leaving without basic literacy. Rural schools, when available, may charge fees, are typically overcrowded and lack basic educational resources. Classrooms such as one visited by Trustees housed 100 pupils in just 32 square metres. Additionally, many schools do not provide meals and access to clean drinking water can be arduous.

Nyiera – a community in need

Nyiera is located along Lake Victoria in western Kenya. It consists of a small cluster of homes near the community of Osieko, which is home to around 2,000 people. Geographically and economically isolated, the area is burdened by poverty and the devastating impact of AIDS, with many children losing their parents to the disease. Local educational opportunities are scarce, with few schools meeting the basic standards for quality teaching, safety or nourishment. The Soma Leo Foundation aims to transform this landscape by offering exemplary education through well-equipped facilities, nutritious food and engaging curriculums designed to empower children to rise above these challenges.

What’s in a name?

“Soma Leo” translates to “Learn Today” in Swahili, a name chosen by the local community to reflect the immediate and impact learning opportunities provided by the Foundation.

Find out more

To find out more about The Soma Leo Foundation, read our news stories, or visit our dedicated Soma Leo website. 

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