“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”
— John Dewey
This past year has been an eye-opening and deeply fulfilling experience. I was constantly reminded that the work we do does not just change the lives of those we serve; it also transforms the individuals who work with communities. This transformation comes from experiencing and embracing core values like gratitude, acceptance, empowerment, and the joy of seeing real, meaningful change in people’s lives.
At Amara, we work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have faced unimaginable hardships. Witnessing them deal with difficulties related to poverty, illness, or lack of access to basic services has made me realize how much I take for granted in my own life.
As I work with the youth on our scholarship program, I see firsthand the resilience and strength of people who have very little yet remain hopeful and driven to improve their circumstances. This has taught me that gratitude is not just about appreciating what we have; it is also about acknowledging the value of even the smallest things in our lives.
In a world driven by consumerism and an insatiable desire for more, working at Amara has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to have “enough.”
One of the most profound lessons I have learned is the importance of empowerment. Our mission is about supporting communities and empowering them to help themselves. It is not about charity in the traditional sense, where a person’s dignity is compromised, but rather about lifting people up and providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to change their own lives.
It is about opening them up to a world of possibilities and helping them envision a financially secure future that is achievable.
Empowerment, I have realized, is about giving people the ability to make decisions for themselves and to feel in control of their futures. Whether through educational programs, vocational training, or agricultural initiatives, Amara works hard to ensure that its beneficiaries are equipped with the skills and support necessary to create lasting change in their own communities.
I had the opportunity to witness many individuals as they gained confidence, skill sets, and a sense of ownership over their progress.
One of the most heartwarming stories was that of Ivyen Wambui, whom we first met in 2022 during an interview for our scholarship program for vocational training. She initially struggled with self-doubt and lacked confidence. However, driven by a desire to improve her life, she worked hard while in college and came to the notice of her teachers, who entered her into a national cooking competition. Ivyen secured second place in the competition, which opened opportunities for her to work in four- and five-star establishments. Watching her transformation reinforced that empowerment goes beyond simply offering help or financial aid. It is also about building self-belief and fostering independence. It is about teaching people how to fish instead of giving them a fish, providing them with the resources to thrive, and then stepping back to watch them flourish.
Today Ivyen who completed her course in August 2025 is already working and recently got promoted at work to the position of Pastry Chef.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my work at Amara has been witnessing the profound transformations that take place within the people we serve. It is easy to overlook the impact of small actions, but over time, Amara’s initiatives have led to incredible changes that ripple through entire communities, giving them a sense of self-worth.
I have seen shy, withdrawn individuals develop into confident leaders. I have watched families grow more resilient and self-sufficient, no longer reliant on outside aid. Children who once struggled to access education now attend school regularly and dream of brighter futures. The feeling of seeing someone’s life change before your eyes is indescribable.
The process of change can be empowering. When people realize that they are capable of more than they thought possible, they begin to believe in themselves and their potential. This cycle of transformation—one person, one family, one community at a time—demonstrates the incredible impact that organizations like Amara can have.
Another crucial lesson learned this year, is that real, sustainable change happens when we come together as a community.
This was evident in an agricultural project we piloted at Ngalalya Primary School. We had a feeding program running there since 2016, when the student population was 358. By 2024, the student population had risen to 620, and our ability to provide a hot meal every day became a challenge. Over the last two years, we gradually started scaling back on the program and encouraged the school to look for solutions. In October 2024, we partnered with the school community to initiate a pilot agricultural project that allows them to grow their own food. The goal is for them to eventually take ownership of their feeding program, enabling us to exit and redirect funds to other projects at the school.
The project has taken off successfully. The school has embraced this challenge and expanded on our initial plans, bringing even more land under cultivation. This is what empowerment is all about! It is about getting communities excited about the future and seeing a role for themselves bringing about change.
Working at Amara Charitable Trust has encouraged me to reflect on my own purpose and how I can contribute to the greater good. While it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, being part of an organization driven by purpose has pushed me to consider how I can give back, not just through my professional work but also in my personal life.
The act of giving back has become an intrinsic part of my worldview. I have seen how small contributions—whether it is a smile, a helping hand, or the sharing of knowledge—can make a significant difference in someone’s life. It has inspired me to look for opportunities to be of service, not just to those in need but to everyone around me.
My 2024 has been a journey of personal growth. I have learned that being grateful for what we have is the first step to finding peace and contentment. Empowering others is the key to creating sustainable change, and the transformations we witness in others are a reminder of how connected we all are.
These lessons have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.
I am excited about 2025 and all the positive and meaningful changes we can bring about in the communities we serve.
As we end the year, my heartfelt wish is that each of us discovers a purpose that inspires growth, ignites passion, and nourishes the soul. May this journey of self-discovery and impact lead to a fulfilling and transformative year ahead.
