Rafiki Thabo Foundation

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Rafiki Thabo Foundation

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Creating opportunities through education for young people in Kenya, Lesotho and Uganda, including those living with disabilities.

Supporting scholars, strengthening communities and changing futures. We are indebted to Jane Baker for the cover photo for our page and many of the photos we use in our posts. Visit www.jane-baker.com to see more of her work.

02/11/2026

Have you ever stopped yourself from doing something because you were worried about what other people might think?

In this month's A Moment with Mary-Ann, Mary-Ann shares a very honest reflection on something many of us can probably relate to... the fear of being judged, disliked or simply being seen as annoying!

While taking on her own 20 for 20 Challenge to celebrate Rafiki Thabo's 20th anniversary, Mary-Ann found herself overthinking how to ask people to support a cause she cares so deeply about.

And then she asked herself a question that changed her perspective...

"When did this become about me, rather than the children and communities we're doing this for?"

It's a lovely reminder that sometimes we have to push past our own fears and keep showing up for the things we believe in.

Because you never know who might be watching, listening or feeling inspired to do the same. 💚

Read Mary-Ann's latest blog, What If They Don't Like Me?, here:

🔗 https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/a-moment-with-mary-ann-what-if-they-dont-like-me/

30/10/2026

Want to stay a little closer to the impact you're helping make?

Once a month, we bring the latest news from Rafiki Thabo straight to your inbox 📩

You'll hear about the scholars and young people you're helping support, updates from our projects in Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho, stories from our Rafiki Thabo community and different ways you can get involved.

It's a simple way to see the difference your support can make – and keep up with the stories you might otherwise miss.

Join our mailing list today and receive our next monthly update. Sign up here 👉 https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/never-miss-an-update-from-rafiki-thabo/

26/10/2026

Want to run the DUBLIN MARATHON 2027? Applications are NOW OPEN! 🇮🇪

Feeling inspired by this weekend's Irish Life Dublin Marathon? Perhaps you've always dreamed of taking on the iconic 26.2-mile challenge? Well, here's your chance to make every mile count!

Rafiki Thabo Foundation has secured a limited number of charity places for the 2027 Dublin Marathon, thanks to our charity running partner Realbuzz and we're looking for runners to join

By taking on this incredible challenge, you'll be helping us remove barriers to education and create life-changing opportunities for children and young people in Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho.

🌍 26.2 miles + One incredible European city = A lasting impact through education.

Already secured your own place? We'd love you to join Team Rafiki Thabo and fundraise for us too!

👉 Apply for a charity place here: https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/events/run-the-dublin-marathon-2027-for-rafiki-thabo-foundation/

You have the power to make your miles change lives!

24/10/2026

We've been talking a lot about marathons recently, but here's the thing...you don't have to run 26.2 miles to make a difference! 💚

As Rafiki Thabo Foundation celebrates 20 years of impact, we're inviting YOU to get involved in our 20 for 20 Challenge.

The idea is simple. Choose something based around the number 20, get your friends, family or colleagues involved and raise funds to help more children and young people access education.

And the best bit? Your 20 is completely up to you!

🚶 Walk 20 miles with the dog (or kilometres!)
🧁 Bake and sell 20 cupcakes
🏊 Swim 20 lengths
🎨 Create and sell 20 handmade items
💪 Do 20 sit-ups a day for 20 days
☕ Give up your takeaway coffee for 20 days and donate what you save
👥 Get 20 colleagues involved in a workplace challenge
💚 Or simply donate £20!

Big or small. Active or creative. On your own or with a group. It doesn't matter what you do – it matters why you're doing it.

Every pound raised helps Rafiki Thabo Foundation remove barriers to education and create opportunities for children and young people in Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho.

So, if running a marathon isn't on your bucket list, perhaps your own 20 for 20 Challenge could be!

👉 Find inspiration, register your interest and get started: https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/20-for-20-challenge-join-us/ (or scan the QR code on the last image)

What would YOUR 20 be? Tell us in the comments! 👇

21/10/2026

It’s much harder to learn when you’re hungry!

In Uganda, Rafiki Thabo provides around 12,600 school meals every year to children who might otherwise go without.

It may seem like a simple thing, but having a meal at school can make an enormous difference.

It means children are less likely to drop out of school and are better able to concentrate in the classroom - giving them a greater chance of doing well in their secondary exams and progressing into higher education or decent work.

Because removing barriers to education isn't only about providing a place in a classroom. Sometimes it starts with making sure a child has eaten. 💚

A fuller tummy = A brighter future.

Your support can help us provide school meals to children who need it most, giving children the nourishment they need to concentrate, learn and thrive.

Make a donation today: https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/donate/

19/10/2026

One opportunity. A future full of possibilities. 💛

Growing up in the small village of Ikapolok in Kenya, Leah was one of seven children raised by a single mother who worked hard to provide for her family.

Education was always one of Leah's biggest dreams, but financial difficulties made continuing her studies a constant challenge.

After completing secondary school, Leah spent a year at home, unable to afford college fees but she had the determination to continue her education. She just didn't have the financial means.

Then she met Ayiesa Ohese.

Through Ayiesa, Leah was introduced to Rafiki Thabo Foundation and received the financial support she needed to enrol in college and pursue a Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

And today?

Leah has completed her college studies and is looking forward to graduating! 🎓

In her own words: "My story reminds me that sometimes, all someone needs is one opportunity, one person who believes in them, and a chance to keep going."

But Leah's ambitions don't end with her qualification. She hopes to build a career, support her family and, one day, create opportunities for other young people too. That's what makes stories like Leah's so powerful.

Education isn't simply about gaining qualifications. It's about giving young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to build independent futures, support their families and contribute to their communities.

And sometimes, that journey begins with just one person believing in them.

At Rafiki Thabo Foundation, we're committed to removing barriers to education so that more young people like Leah can fulfil their potential.

💛 Will you help us open the door for another young person? Find out more and donate today: https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/donate/

16/10/2026

🏃 How could 26.2 miles make a difference?

When you run for Rafiki Thabo Foundation, your marathon becomes about more than reaching the finish line.

The money you raise can help remove the barriers preventing children and young people in Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho from accessing education.

It can help provide school fees, nutritious meals, vocational training and the practical support young people need to continue learning.

That's why we're looking for runners to join at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2027 🇩🇪

We have just two charity places available.

Perhaps you've always wanted to run a World Marathon Major.

Perhaps Berlin is already on your bucket list.

Or perhaps 2027 is the year you want to set yourself a challenge that means something beyond the medal.

Whatever your reason for running, we'd love to have you on the team 💙

Through our partnership with Realbuzz you could make the BMW Berlin Marathon 2027 your next challenge – and make every mile matter.

🏃 Apply for one of our two charity places: https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/events/run-the-bmw-berlin-marathon-2027-for-rafiki-thabo-foundation/

🙌 Already have your own Berlin place? You can register to run and fundraise for Rafiki Thabo too. Visit our website for more details of how to get involved.

Make your miles matter.

14/10/2026

Programme update: progress on our water project in Kenya 💧

Work is progressing at our partner school, ACK St. Bartholomew’s, where improving the school's water infrastructure is helping to create a safer, more functional learning environment for students and staff.

The school has faced ongoing challenges with its water supply. Its borehole produces saline water, which isn't suitable for drinking, cooking or cleaning, while mains water supplies can be unreliable – particularly during periods of drought. The saline water has also taken its toll on the school's infrastructure, damaging pipes, taps and other facilities over time.

So we're really pleased to share that the latest phase of work which was repairs to the school's underground water tank have now been completed.

Having the right infrastructure in place means the school can make better use of the water available to it and reduce some of the practical challenges caused by an unreliable supply.
And the work isn't finished yet.

➡️ Next up: repairs to the school's guttering, helping improve the wider water system and make better use of rainfall when it comes.

It might not be the first thing that springs to mind when we talk about removing barriers to education, but access to water and functioning school facilities have a huge impact on everyday school life.

Because creating opportunities through education isn't only about getting children and young people into a classroom.

It's about making sure the environment around them supports their ability to learn and thrive too.

14/10/2026

WE'VE HIT 1,000 FOLLOWERS 🎉

It's a little milestone worth celebrating! 🥳💚

We've reached 1,000 followers here on Facebook, and we wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who follows, likes, comments, shares and supports Rafiki Thabo Foundation.

Every new follower helps us raise awareness of our mission to remove barriers to education and create opportunities for children and young people, including those living with disability, in sub-Saharan Africa. 🌍

And whilst 1,000 followers is something to celebrate, we'd love to turn that support into even more impact!

Here's how you can help:

✨ Share our posts – Help us reach more people who believe in the power of education.

✨ Spread the word – Tell your friends, family and colleagues about Rafiki Thabo.

✨ Make a donation – Big or small, your support helps us continue our work.

✨ Get involved – From fundraising challenges to supporting our campaigns, there are so many ways to make a difference.

1,000 followers + One shared belief = Education that changes lives 💚

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next 1000! 🎉

🔗 Find out how you can support us: https://rafiki-foundation.org.uk/support/

Ps..Thanks Jennifer Wood for making this for us - we can't wait to see the outtakes :)

Address

Kingham
OX76XY

Telephone

+441608659269

Website

http://www.rafiki-foundation.org.uk/

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