About Us | Lerato Foundation

Who We Are

Lerato Foundation is a youth-led, student-focused, and community-driven organization dedicated to empowering young people, supporting vulnerable communities, and creating sustainable pathways of opportunity across Kenya.

Founded on the belief that every young person has the potential to become a leader and a positive force for change, Lerato Foundation works to remove barriers that limit access to education, mentorship, sports development, health support, and essential community resources.

Through our integrated approach, we combine sports, education, mentorship, wellbeing, and community development to address the diverse needs of children, students, youth, and families.

Our programmes are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to develop confidence, character, leadership capacity, resilience, and lifelong skills that enable individuals and communities to thrive.

At Lerato Foundation, we believe sustainable transformation happens when young people are empowered, communities are strengthened, and partnerships are built around shared purpose.

Our History & Journey

From grassroots beginnings to a structured platform for long-term social impact.

2019

The Beginning – Unawiri Children Foundation

Youth-led initiative focused on supporting children and young people

Lerato Foundation traces its roots to 2019, when it was established as Unawiri Children Foundation, a youth-led initiative focused on supporting children and young people facing social and economic challenges. The organization began by providing mentorship, educational encouragement, and community support with the goal of helping young people discover their potential and pursue brighter futures.

Mentorship
Education Support
Community Outreach

2020

Launch of Darajani Academy Football Club

Using football as a tool for positive transformation

In 2020, the organization introduced Darajani Academy Football Club, a youth sports development initiative created to use football as a tool for positive transformation. Through football, young people learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, commitment, resilience, responsibility, and goal setting. The academy became a platform where young athletes could develop their sporting talents while receiving mentorship, education support, and life skills training.

Discipline
Teamwork
Leadership
Resilience

2023

Transformation into Lerato Foundation

Expanding vision and programmes for broader community needs

In 2023, the organization evolved into Lerato Foundation, expanding its vision and programmes to respond to broader community needs. The transition marked a new chapter focused on creating a comprehensive youth empowerment and community development organization working across sports development, education support, mentorship and leadership, mental wellbeing, nutrition, water access, and community empowerment.

Sports Development
Education Support
Mentorship & Leadership
Mental Wellbeing
Community Empowerment

Our Mission & Vision

Guiding our work and shaping our future.

Our Mission

To nurture leaders, empower young people, and strengthen communities through integrated programmes in mentorship, education, sports development, wellbeing, and sustainable community development.

We are committed to creating opportunities that enable young people to learn, grow, lead, and contribute positively to society.

Our Vision

A society where every child, student, young person, and community has equal access to opportunities, education, mentorship, wellbeing support, and leadership platforms needed to achieve their full potential with dignity and purpose.

Our Approach

Holistic development that supports the whole person — academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and professionally.

Opportunities

Access to education, sports, skills development, and meaningful platforms.

Guidance

Positive mentors, role models, and support systems for informed decisions.

Wellbeing

Emotional, mental, physical, and social support for healthy development.

Leadership

Opportunities to participate, serve, innovate, and become changemakers.

Community Support

Strong communities where families, schools, and partners work together.

Our Strategic Programmes

Integrated pathways designed to build knowledge, character, and impact.

Flagship

Darajani Sports Academy

Using football as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and leadership development. Providing young people with opportunities to develop sporting talent while building character, discipline, education pathways, and life skills.

Football Talent Player Welfare Education Support Mentorship Leadership Scholarships

Education Support Programme

Supporting children and young people by improving access to learning opportunities and academic resources. We believe financial challenges should not prevent talented students from achieving their dreams.

Scholarships Learning Materials Academic Mentorship Career Guidance Digital Literacy School Partnerships

Mentorship, Leadership & Wellbeing

Developing confident, responsible, and resilient young people through mentorship, leadership training, and comprehensive mental health and emotional wellbeing support.

One-on-One Mentorship Leadership Training Life Skills Mental Health Psychosocial Support Youth Empowerment

Life Programme (Nutrition, Water & Community)

Improving quality of life by addressing essential community needs through sustainable solutions in nutrition, clean water, and community empowerment.

Nutrition Support School Feeding Clean Water Projects Hygiene & Sanitation Community Empowerment Family Support

Our Core Values

The principles that guide everything we do.

Empowerment

We believe everyone has potential. We create opportunities that build confidence, skills, and independence.

Integrity

We operate with honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership.

Collaboration

We value partnerships because sustainable change requires collective action.

Excellence

We pursue high standards in all our programmes and services.

Innovation

We embrace creative solutions to address emerging challenges.

Youth Leadership

We believe young people are leaders today, not only leaders of tomorrow.

Why Lerato Foundation?

What makes us different and why it matters.

Youth-Led

Our foundation is driven by young leaders who understand the realities, challenges, and aspirations of today's generation.

Student-Centered

We prioritize the academic growth, personal development, and future success of students.

Community-Driven

We work closely with communities to create solutions based on real needs.

Holistic Development

We address education, sports, mentorship, wellbeing, and community needs together.

Sustainable Impact

We focus on long-term solutions that continue benefiting generations.

Our Commitment

Lerato Foundation remains committed to creating a future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed. Through our programmes, partnerships, and community initiatives, we continue to:

Build Leaders Transform Communities Empower the Next Generation

About Lerato Foundation