Our History

Vito Moja, meaning “one gem” in Swahili, was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in rural Kenya. That same year, Deborah formally registered Vito Moja, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) organization to support missions and volunteer efforts in Kenya.

Founder’s Story

Deborah, a native of Kenya, emigrated to the United States in the early 1990s, leaving behind her impoverished village of Embu where she was raised. Despite building a successful life and business in the U.S., she remained committed to her roots and promised to return and give back to her community.

She fulfilled that promise by returning to Embu, where she became a role model and community organizer. In 2007, her children, Jasmine and Eran Maina, joined her efforts, helping to expand the mission and deepen its impact.

Growth of the Mission

By 2013, Deborah, Jasmine, and Eran began bringing groups of friends and volunteers to Kenya to actively participate in service projects. These initiatives included:

• Providing food and essential supplies to orphanages, hospitals, and schools
• Hosting youth basketball camps
• Building a community library
• Renovating a dilapidated primary school
• Supporting various other community-driven projects

As interest and support grew, Vito Moja became more structured. By 2015, the organization was governed by a Board of Directors and supported by an Advisory Board composed of community leaders, professionals, and business owners, all united by a shared commitment to improving lives in Kenya.

In 2019, Vito Moja expanded its impact to include rural health and wellness through the launch of the Vito Moja Health Scouts Program, initiated by Eran Maina and medical student Scott Perkins.

Impact and Mission

Vito Moja and its volunteers bring hope to disadvantaged villages across rural Kenya. Many children in these areas face significant challenges, including high school dropout rates due to hunger and preventable illnesses. Families are often affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental health challenges, and other untreated conditions.

The organization focuses on empowering youth through education by addressing barriers and improving access to critical resources such as:

• School fees and uniforms
• Libraries and learning materials
• Community-based educational support

In addition to education, Vito Moja fosters community engagement by creating youth programs and encouraging residents to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges. By addressing the interconnected issues of poverty and lack of education, the organization works to improve health outcomes, economic stability, and overall quality of life.

Through the Vito Moja Health Scouts Program, communities also receive access to basic health services and education, including:

• Free clothing distribution
• Blood pressure and temperature screenings
• Health awareness materials and outreach

Looking Ahead

By working closely with children, schools, and entire communities, Vito Moja continues to make meaningful strides toward reducing poverty, improving education, and promoting better health across rural Kenyan villages.