I first met Alan in Mombasa in 2008 and we became friends. He was volunteering with impoverished communities independently, and with the British government VSO program. He was helping those in less fortunate circumstances, striving to create a more equal and fair society for all.

When he told me about the Hope project and he introduced me to Fred (Co-founder), I was excited to help out. Fred has done amazing work and continues to do so. I have visited the school and the homes of the kids on several occasions, and I sponsored one of the students for several years.

Hopsyg is really helping some of the most vulnerable people in society by giving them access to education. The youth living in informal settlements in Mshomoroni lack basic services, live below the poverty line and are vulnerable to land evictions. Education is key for the youngsters to build a better future for themselves and to escape the cycle of poverty. Hope provides access to education, and hope for a better future for people who are often left behind by the rest of society. Volunteering and donating to Hope can help to make our society a little more equal and gives hope to people born into difficult circumstances.

I have watched the project grow over the years (from a tin-shack school with 32 children in 2008 to a high quality school that it is today), and I have seen the positive impacts it has had on the people of Mshomoroni. It is really a worthwhile project to support, and I hope that it can continue running and producing great results for decades to come.

Kahindi Kazungu: The quiet pupil