Empowering to Transform
Hope Gitombo: Changing Lives in Kenya
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Bringing the hope of 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 he village 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. Having experienced the same struggles and social challenges in her childhood as the children face today and driven by her passion for social change, Wanji founded PAAV International Ministries, dedicated to uplifting marginalized children. Her faith-driven 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. Nothing is impossible with God!
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
(Board Chair)
Hal Simpson
(Secretary)
Paula Ewers
(Treasurer)
Kathryn Roy
(Director)
Monika Van Kirk
(Director)
Victoria Simpson
(Director)
Milestones of Hope Gitombo ministries (PAAV)
Explore the key events that have shaped Hope Gitombo and have made an impact on the Gitombo community.
2010
How it All Began
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 (by sponsoring children at different boarding schools in Kenya), and Financial support for self-sustenance.
2013
Water Flows to the Community
After sufficient funds were raised, an 820-foot borehole was done, and in August of 2013, the community celebrated having water in their homes.
2014
Education Begins – New Hope
By God’s Grace and a generoous donation, our first school, named New Hope School was constructed of iron sheets and opened with three children and one teacher, becoming the first school in the community! Also, PAAV International Ministries was registered in Denver, Colorado, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
New Hope School
2015–2016
The School Grows – New land, new building, and new opportunities
As the school continued to grow, more space was needed. God was faithful to provide! A property with a two-story house was acquired, but it needed a fair amount of renovation.. The community came together to do the mammoth job of clearing and cleaning it out. The school relocated and, by January 2016, school was in session. The house was named SOMA (learning) House.
2018
A New Chapter: Primary Status and Leadership
PAAV Gitombo Community School is registered as a primary school. Wanji relocates and assumes leadership of the school.
2022–2023
Two New Academic Buildings Constructed and Sports Fields Expanded
As the school continued to grow, with 159 students in Pre-Primary – Grade 6, and 19 students in Junior Secondary, more classrooms were needed. Funds were raised and two buildings were constructed. They were named Imani (Faith) house and Sifa (Praise) house.
Land was purchased and named Tumaini 2 to be used as another sports field.
2016, 2024
Land Purchased to Gather and Grow
In 2016, land was purchased and named Tumaini (meaning hope) to be used as a sports field and a farm. In 2024, more land was purchased and named Tumaini 3. It will be a farm.
2025
Renaming, New Programs, and Looking Forward
Project Adopt-A-Village (PAAV) International Ministries officially became Hope Gitombo and a new website was launched! The Mishale Initiative was launched (click on the button below).
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 231 children, from pre-primary to junior school with grade 10 on the horizon. This will be the first senior school in Gitombo.
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.
Donor Testimonials
“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