Empowering to Transform
Hope Gitombo: Changing Lives in Kenya
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Bringing the Gospel to the village of Gitombo, Kenya, through Christ-centered education and transformational ministries.
Wanjiru Mukunga
President, Hope Gitombo Ministries
Wanjiru Mukunga, affectionately known as Wanji, grew up in the heart of Gitombo, Kenya, a community facing significant economic challenges. Her journey took a transformative turn when she pursued higher education in the United States, where she envisioned a brighter future for the children of her village. Driven by her passion for social change, Wanji founded PAAV International Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting marginalized children. Her vision is to break the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, and sustainable development, ensuring that every child in Gitombo has the opportunity to thrive.
Hope Gitombo: TEN GREAT YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Read Our 10 Great Years booklet to find out about our work and impact in Gitombo:
Our Board of Directors
Peter Boddie
(Chairperson)
Heidi Dixon
(Vice Chair)
Hal Simpson
(Secretary)
Paula Ewers
(Treasurer)
Kathryn Roy
(Board Member)
Monika Van Kirk
(Board Member)
Milestones of PAAV International Ministries and Hope Gitombo
Explore the key events that have shaped PAAV International Ministries and Hope Gitombo, and its impact on the Gitombo community.
2010
Wanji Returns to Gitombo, Kenya
In 2010, Wanji traveled to Kenya and called the Gitombo Community together. A three-tier focus was agreed on by the Community to break the cycle of poverty. These three were: Water, Education, and Financial support for self-sustenance.
2013
Access to Clean Water! The First Well is Completed
After sufficient funds are raised, an 820-foot borhole was done, and in August of 2013, the community celebrated the completed well, providing water for the community.
2014
Project Adopt A Village International Ministries (PAAV) becomes a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
PAAV International Ministries begins its operations, focusing on addressing the urgent needs of the Gitombo community, including education and healthcare.
2015
Establishment of First PAAV Gitombo Community School
Through a generous donation, a mabati shack became the first school in Gitombo B. By the end of 2015, the school had 25 children ready to move to Grade 1. But where could they accommodate these students? Thankfully, God provided. A property was found: a deserted house that needed a fair amount of work.
2016
SOMA House Opens and PAAV Starts Growing
Within a relatively short time, the money needed was raised. Renovation began. The projects were quite a task and costly, taking a long time. The community came together to do the mammoth clearing and cleaning of both the inside and outside of this deserted house. God is faithful. The school relocated and by January 2016, the school was in session. The house was rightly named SOMA House.
2025
Renaming and Looking Forward
In 2025, Project Adopt-A-Village (PAAV) officially becomes Hope Gitombo.
Ongoing Work Continues
Great Work Done, But More Work to Come!
Other activities like digging pit latrines, and construction of semi-permanent classes, activity rooms, storage rooms, etc. have been done over the years. A concrete water storage tank was constructed to harvest rainwater. New toilets were later built moving from mud-pit latrines to Asian-type, water closets, and urinals. More land was acquired. Great teamwork! The school has grown and more teachers were hired from other counties and the surrounding areas. The school is registered as PAAV-Gitombo Community Primary & Junior School. There are 212 children, from Pre-primary, Grades 1-9 plus 25 sponsored children in secondary schools and colleges.
Going Forward
The school is growing and making a difference in this impoverished community. While the school started with less than ten children, it now has more than 200 children. While Hope Gitombo has made tremendous strides in the education of the children, the prevailing /overriding challenge remains: how to empower the parents so they may educate their children and provide for their families. Hope Gitombo is making efforts to reach and empower the parents hoping for transformed families in the community.
Voices of Change
“We remember Wanji’s early concern for her village and her father’s advice to return and make a difference. We witnessed PAAV’s humble beginnings and have seen it grow into something truly marvelous. We praise God for this work!”
“While serving on the board, we marveled at how God works: $50,000 soon came in and the PAAV board had the money to bring a new water system for the village! Then later another $50,000 was donated for the 20-room house: the present center of the school system!”
“It has been a pleasure to see God’s hand in Wanji’s life and what He is doing through PAAV. I am excited for the transformation occurring in Gitombo B and pray for continued improvements in education and growth in faith of the people in the village in the years to come.”
“It has been exciting supporting a university student whom we met in Gitombo last year. We believe that her future and others will be bright. May God continue to bless the PAAV ministry through the years.”
“Looking back, we can see God’s leadership over PAAV in the last ten years. We look forward to where he will lead us in the next ten years. To God be the Glory. His love endures forever.”
“As we look back on 10 years of Project Adopt A Village, we are amazed by how God has blessed this ministry to the Gitombo community. He provided the vision, funding for a deep well, land, and buildings for educating children through Grades 1 to 9. We pray that in the next decade, God will continue to bless PAAV with a secondary school for Grades 10 through 12…”
Join Our Mission
Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of Gitombo’s children. Consider donating, sponsoring a classroom, or volunteering to help us continue our vital work.
(303) 898-4991
Reach Us by Phone
info@hopegitombo.org
Email Us for Inquiries
P.O. BOX 371014
Denver, Colorado 80237
Our Mailing Address