Our Story
Because poverty continues to limit access to education and economic opportunity, we partner with communities to equip children, youth and women with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to build resilient futures and strengthen local economies.
Co-founded in 2014 by Victor Odhiambo, who grew up in Kibera, and Douglas Anderson, Garden of Hope Foundation partners with communities to ensure children, youth and women have the education, skills and opportunities they need to transform their communities.
What began in one informal settlement has grown into a community-driven organisation creating lasting change across Kenya.
Today, we deliver education and livelihoods programmes in Kibera (Nairobi), Homa Bay and Samburu, working alongside local schools, families and partners to build brighter futures.
Our impact since 2014
The people behind the work
Victor Odhiambo
Victor grew up in Kibera and founded Garden of Hope in 2014 to support underserved children, women and youth across Kenya. He leads the vision and strategic partnerships.
Ismael Otieno
Ismael is a development professional with over eight years of experience implementing and coordinating community-based programs in informal settlements and rural areas. His expertise spans program management, monitoring and evaluation, project coordination, community engagement, and strategic communications. He has worked closely with young people, schools, families, and local stakeholders to implement initiatives that address community needs, empower vulnerable and undeserved populations, and create sustainable opportunities. Ismael is Passionate about impact and storytelling, Ismael uses data, communication, and community voices to document results, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and contribute to programs that build stronger communities and lasting positive change.
Lorine Omondi
Lorine is a dedicated Social Work professional with expertise in psycho-social support, counselling, community outreach, advocacy, mentorship, youth and women empowerment. She has experience supporting patients and families at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, advocating for patients’ rights, facilitating counselling, and connecting vulnerable individuals to essential services. Her work with Newlife Mission Deaf Aid Organization strengthened her experience in advocacy, education, community mobilization, and supporting people with hearing impairments. At Garden of Hope Foundation, Lorine empowers women and young people through entrepreneurship training, youth mobilization, school mentorship, and home visits to identify and respond to the needs of vulnerable students. She is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, access opportunities, and create thriving futures.
Susan Akoth
Susan is a licensed social worker focused on case management, mentorship and advocacy.
Faith Okoth
Faith Okoth is an Administrative and Finance professional with expertise in financial management, administration, operations, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. With over seven years of experience in hospitality and customer service, including two years in supervisory roles, she has strong skills in leadership, communication, coordination, problem-solving, and customer relations to her role at Garden of Hope Foundation. Faith supports the organization’s financial, administrative, and operational functions, contributing to efficient systems, accountability, and effective program delivery. She is passionate about strengthening well-coordinated systems and responsible resource management that enable organizations to serve communities effectively and advance their mission.
Marilyn Atieno
Marilyn is a passionate and results-oriented development professional with over eight years of experience in community development, program management, and implementation, with a focus on education, youth empowerment, women’s empowerment, and child protection. As the Programs Coordinator at Garden of Hope Foundation, she leads the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of community-based programs, ensuring quality delivery and measurable outcomes. Marilyn has extensive experience supporting donor-funded initiatives with organizations including the World Bank, UNICEF, Kenya Education Fund, and LitWorld, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, beneficiary management, research, training, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing. She is passionate about building strategic partnerships and delivering evidence-based programs that create meaningful impact and improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people, women, and communities.
Susan Lelikoo
Susan is an Actuarial Science professional with experience in community engagement, research, data collection, and program implementation. She combines strong analytical skills with a people-centered approach in supporting program coordination, communication, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making. Susan is passionate about empowering women, young people, and communities through meaningful and sustainable initiatives and is committed to using data, collaboration, and community participation to drive positive and lasting social impact.
Victor Oswago
Victor is a Procurement and Logistics Specialist with over eight years of experience in procurement, logistics coordination, operations management, and customer support. At Garden of Hope Foundation, he supports efficient procurement processes, inventory management, resource distribution, and operational logistics, ensuring resources are sourced, managed, and delivered efficiently and accountable. Victor has strong skills in planning, coordination, resource management, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to effective program implementation and strengthening systems that enable the Foundation to serve communities effectively.
Hezron Ogolla
Hezron is a passionate Social Work professional with seven years of experience in community development, youth mentorship, and entrepreneurship training. As a Field Officer at Garden of Hope Foundation in Homa Bay County, he supports youth and women’s entrepreneurship programs and develops mentorship initiatives that create opportunities for sustainable growth. He holds a Degree in Social Work from Moi University and is committed to empowering young people and communities by strengthening their skills, confidence, and access to opportunities. Hezron also serves as a Youth Pathway soccer coach, using sport and mentorship to inspire and support young people, while his passion for music further strengthens his connection with the youth.
Sarah Olwero
Sarah is a Community Development professional with expertise in community engagement, youth and women’s empowerment, mentorship, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, and program coordination. As a Programs Field Officer at Garden of Hope Foundation, she supports the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of community-based initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable opportunities. Sarah has experience working with schools, youth groups, women’s groups, and community stakeholders to build capacity, strengthen participation, and promote locally driven solutions. She previously served as Head of Training and Community Projects at Umala Mission and holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Resource Management and Extension from Kenyatta University. She is passionate about empowering communities through skills development, mentorship, and inclusive programs that contribute to sustainable and thriving communities.
Awards & honours
Proud to work alongside
Be part of the next chapter
Your support helps more young people in Kenya learn, earn and lead.
Donate