The power of realizing the right to education
Education is more than just a stepping stone; for some, it’s a lifeline. This is especially true for Simba and Fasio, two remarkable individuals who have been part of The Leo Project community for many years. When TLP took shape in 2020, starting as an education and community building program in Nanyuki, Kenya, we sponsored the education of several promising young students who faced significant challenges. Simba and Fasio are two of those students, and through their stories, we can see the undeniable value of education.
Simba’s connection with The Leo Project began during a challenging period in his life. He was navigating a world without the stability of family, and was moving in and out of children’s homes and foster families where he often endured difficult circumstances. When he met Jess, TLP’s Founder, she saw his potential, and began offering her support and guidance. TLP sponsored Simba’s education, ultimately helping him to enroll in one of the top rated secondary schools in the country.
Simba
Fasio, like Simba, faced immense obstacles from an early age that would test even the strongest of spirits. Living on his own and providing for himself from a very young age, Fasio was determined to get an education. "When I started [primary] school, people started wondering ‘Who is this boy? He has no one, no father no one’,” he recalled. He faced suspicion and even police questioning, but he pushed forward, determined to succeed against all odds. Fasio remained focused on his goals and his hard work paid off. Through TLP’s partnership with EFAC (Education for All Children), he was identified as a student to sponsor, gaining access to quality secondary education. As Fasio shared, “I can say that if Leo didn’t come, it would have been totally impossible for me to go to [secondary] school.”
Fasio
Like so many students around the world, secondary school was a life-changing experience for Simba and Fasio. For Simba, school demanded a level of discipline and academic rigor which initially felt overwhelming. But the support he received from TLP helped him persevere. “When I was at school, I would receive letters from Leo, from Jess, and I would feel like ‘I have a family,’ and that would really help me feel motivated and encouraged,” Simba recalled. For Fasio, attending secondary school in Nairobi marked his first experience of city life—a stark contrast to his rural upbringing. Adapting to the new environment and navigating the cultural divide between himself and his classmates was challenging.
For Simba, TLP represents more than just sponsorship; it is a source of safety and belonging. “I can’t describe them as friends because they are more than that. They rescued me,” he said. Fasio echoes this sentiment, crediting TLP for opening doors he once thought impossible to access.
Simba and Fasio
Today, Simba and Fasio stand at the threshold of new beginnings. Fasio dreams of becoming a doctor, while Simba is preparing to study computer sciences at university. Their aspirations are a testament to the transformative power of education and the critical role TLP has played in their journeys.
As TLP evolves, we have shifted our focus from individual student sponsorships to our broader community initiatives. As Jess explained, “There are amazing programs sponsoring students, but with us being so community-centric, it was really hard to say yes and no to some people.” We continue to deliver comprehensive education programming in schools, offering digital literacy classes, and running professional advancement programs through our Co:Work space in Nanyuki. These initiatives ensure that TLP continues to support students and young people as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.
If you would like to support The Leo Project, one way you can do so is by donating.