Our Team.

Founder

 

Introducing Felistus Somoinei Kashu, an incredibly inspiring Maasai woman who has surmounted numerous challenges to emerge as a successful young leader. Felistus's early life was marked by the rugged savannas of Kajiado county in Kenya, where she undertook a daily 10-kilometer journey to school while also tending to cattle and goats. Despite facing these formidable obstacles, she remained unwavering in her determination to succeed and pursued higher education, ultimately earning degrees in Law and Social Work from the University of Nairobi. She also completed various training courses, enhancing her expertise in areas such as social protection, reintegration, Child Status Index Tools, and HIV awareness.

Hailing from a deeply patriarchal community where girls' education is often a secondary consideration and harmful practices like female genital mutilation persist, Felistus defied the prevailing norms by prioritizing education. She financed her university studies through sheer grit, working as a domestic helper for three years and later turning to farming to raise the necessary funds.

Over the past half-decade, Felistus has dedicated herself to collaborating with social protection and international organizations, becoming a staunch advocate for vulnerable groups, including children, women, and youth. Through her tireless efforts, she has spearheaded the design, implementation, and successful completion of various projects, including initiatives related to education, rescue and rehabilitation, women's economic empowerment, youth empowerment, nutrition programs using vertical gardening, and women's land rights. These projects have not only improved the lives of her beneficiaries but have also fostered empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Felistus's exceptional interpersonal skills and strong leadership qualities have positioned her as a central figure in her community, where she consistently donates her time, skills, and resources to make a meaningful impact. Her wealth of experiences has equipped her with a disciplined approach to problem-solving and a resilient spirit, instilling in her the confidence to tackle any challenge in the field of social development that demands unwavering integrity and accountability.

Founder

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Indica's enduring commitment to assisting underprivileged children has been a lifelong calling. From a young age, she recognized her vocation in child protection, with a particular focus on preventing the vulnerabilities of child trafficking and early marriages. In 2022, Indica's journey led her to Kenya while collaborating with an Australian-based nonprofit organization that was exploring the prospect of constructing schools in the country. During this period, Indica, as an on-the-ground field worker, volunteered her time to identify Kenya's primary needs, evaluate potential team members, and secure suitable land for the project.

It was during this pivotal time that Indica crossed paths with Felistus. Their connection was born from a shared passion for safeguarding Maasai children and striving to expand opportunities for Maasai communities while respecting and preserving their rich cultural heritage. Indica, fully immersed in her mission, now dedicates her entire time to volunteering in Kenya and actively contributes to the establishment of Funguo.

Assistant Secretary  

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Company: A Conservation Initiative Empowering Women

Profession: Veronica Simaloi Ketente is a dedicated conservationist with a passion for preserving nature and wildlife. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of Nairobi.

Hometown: Loitokitok

Goals: Veronica's vision is to create a healthier environment where women and youth have equal opportunities in the field of conservation, promoting both equity and sustainable practices.

Achievements: Veronica has made significant strides in her conservation journey. She has successfully trained and empowered numerous self-help groups, totaling up to 10 groups, each with a minimum of 15 members.

Skills and Expertise: Veronica is not only a highly skilled conservationist but also an inspirational speaker. She passionately addresses issues related to empowering women and girls within patriarchal communities, advocating for positive change.

Hobbies: In her free time, Veronica enjoys taking long walks in nature, birdwatching, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Veronica Simaloi Ketente is a driving force in our mission to promote conservation and empower women within our community. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable member of our team at Funguo.