Sometimes, the most remarkable stories begin quietly — with someone overlooked, underestimated, or standing just outside the spotlight. Brenda Kanyasi’s journey is one such story.
Brenda arrived in Mombasa as a young woman carrying the weight of unrealized dreams. Despite completing her secondary education, she was unable to graduate because she couldn’t afford the final fees for her Grade 12 certificate. It’s a challenge too many young people face — the inability to access employment or further education, not because of a lack of effort or talent, but simply due to financial barriers. Without her certificate, Brenda found herself locked out of most job opportunities.
Still, she refused to sit idle. She began volunteering at our Children’s Home, quietly serving where she was needed. Day in and day out, Brenda poured her heart into her work — cleaning, helping with the children, and performing countless tasks behind the scenes. To many, she may have seemed invisible, but to us, she was everything. Her commitment and quiet strength didn’t go unnoticed.
What truly caught our attention, however, was what happened during our staff development sessions. Whenever we hosted a quiz, group challenge, or what we fondly called “out of the box” thinking exercises, Brenda shone. She would consistently come out on top — quick with ideas, practical solutions, and creative approaches that reflected both intelligence and insight. It was clear Brenda had more to offer. She simply needed someone to believe in her.
Recognising her potential, we invited Brenda to take on a role in the office. She accepted, and with characteristic determination, enrolled in a night school bridging course in Business Management. Juggling work and studies was no easy task, but Brenda was focused.
She passed with a strong grade, and this opened the door for her to pursue a four-year Diploma in Business Management.
Today, Brenda serves as our Office Manager, playing a key role in the day-to-day running of our organisation. Her responsibilities are numerous — coordinating administrative tasks, supporting our team, and positively impacting the lives of countless children and families. She is, quite literally, behind many of the success stories we share.
Brenda’s transformation is more than personal. It’s a testament to the power of opportunity — and to the donors whose generosity makes those opportunities possible. Because someone chose to invest in this ministry, we were able to invest in Brenda. And in return, Brenda is investing in others, becoming a mentor, a leader, and a living example of what happens when someone is seen, encouraged, and given a chance.
In every sense of the phrase, Brenda is “out of the box.” Her life defied the limitations placed on her by circumstance, and her story reminds us that potential often hides in the quietest places — waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and released.
