Bringing hope and love to vulnerable children and their families living in extreme poverty in rural Kenya.
In the mountains about 30 miles from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, lies Kijabe, meaning “Place of the Wind.” Life in Kijabe is shaped by unpredictable weather, with erratic rainfall and long droughts making it hard for families to grow food or earn a steady income. The economy here is fragile, and many parents struggle to meet even their children’s most basic needs.
Children in Kijabe face particularly tough circumstances. Many have lost one or both parents to AIDS and are left vulnerable to hunger and preventable illnesses from unsafe water. Most families cannot afford school fees, and children who are able to attend often walk long distances, sometimes barefoot, to reach the nearest classroom.
Yet even in these difficult conditions, families hold onto hope for a better future for their children. Our mission is to come alongside them, providing practical support and Christ-centered encouragement to help children thrive.
Every corner of our property is dedicated to meeting the needs of children and families in the community. The kitchen provides meals for more than 1,200 children across four schools, and our on-site preschool gives little ones a strong foundation for both biblical and academic growth. Within the office building, skilled tailors sew school uniforms for children who need them, and women participate in sewing business training to help support their families.
Beyond meals, children receive school tuition support, medical evaluations, access to safe drinking water, and guidance from our spiritual coordinator. We also provide essential sanitary supplies to help girls stay in school. Discipleship for children and youth is central to our program, and we offer Bible classes in local public schools. Families benefit from food packages and our home-building initiative, which is focused on creating safe homes for single-parent families most at risk.
Through practical assistance and the love of Christ, hundreds of children and families in Kijabe are experiencing lasting change and new hope for the future.
Declaring and demonstrating the Good News of Jesus Christ has always been – and will always be – at the heart of everything we do. Our program employs a spiritual coordinator who hosts discipleship classes in local schools.
Children are the seeds of the future. When we invest in them, they have the capacity to be agents of change in their communities for generations to come. Our program focuses on the individual needs of each child and reaches out from there to their families and communities.
Our program is holistic, caring for the whole child – their mind, body and spirit. We provide regular meals to children, food baskets for families, school tuition and supplies, safe drinking water, medical care, discipleship, and a caring community.
Our program director, Jane, grew up in the very community she now serves. She has a great vision for the impact we can make in Kijabe. We work closely with her to ensure high levels of trust and stewardship in the program.
Jane Wathagana was born in Kijabe, Kenya, into a large family of twelve, where financial stability was a rare luxury. Raised by her single mother, Mama Beth, who struggled to provide for twelve children, Jane's early years were marked by a scarcity of clothes and food. At 20, driven by hope and ambition, Jane moved to Nairobi. Despite numerous challenges, her determination and strong work ethic led her to establish a successful tour company, renowned for its exceptional service and unique experiences.
Jane’s dedication to helping children deepened when Mama Beth could no longer manage her program. Since 2006, Jane has devoted herself to overseeing this ministry, focusing on nurturing young lives and believing in their potential. Today, she feeds over 1,000 children across various schools, five days a week, providing vital support and opportunities for a brighter future. Married with two children, Jane loves to see the growth of young people and she believes in the potential they have.
What drew you to the mission of Forward Edge? I was drawn to the mission of Forward Edge because of their focus on vulnerable children. In addition to this, Forward Edge believes just as I do that education is the key to rescuing lives from poverty.
If you could have dinner with any person in history (excluding Jesus) who would it be and why? Nelson Mandela. He believes the same thing as I do. That education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. That’s why I’m so passionate about changing the poor conditions of our local schools and creating a space where the children can get quality education.
What is something about you others are often surprised to learn? That despite a successful business, I have chosen to work with the poor and vulnerable.
Your gift enables our program to deliver life-changing resources, offer lasting hope, and equip children to discover their God-given purpose. Monthly giving provides steady support, but every act of generosity makes a difference.
$25 can provide one month of school lunches for four children in Kenya.
6 years old (09-03-2019)
Female
Mama Beth, Kenya
11 years old (05-08-2014)
Female
Mama Beth, Kenya
5 years old (08-05-2020)
Male
Mama Beth, Kenya
7 years old (06-20-2018)
Female
Mama Beth, Kenya
10 years old (12-25-2015)
Male
Mama Beth, Kenya
13 years old (09-17-2012)
Male
Mama Beth, Kenya
As a child sponsor, you’ll provide essentials like nutritious meals, safe drinking water, education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance. Beyond meeting these critical needs, you’ll also build a priceless relationship that helps a child discover their true worth and God-given potential.
Teams of 10 or more are invited to go on a 7 to 9-night mission trip to our program in Kijabe, Kenya. You will be the hands and feet of Jesus as you serve children and their families, build relationships, and grow in faith.
Partnering your church or school with our program creates a meaningful, long-term, and holistic impact for all parties involved. Could your church or school be part of what God is doing here?
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
