Nairobi, Kenya

Partners since 2016

About

Anne Nzilani was born to parents who worked in the fair trade space. But it wasn’t until her family visited a camp for internally displaced people that she became convinced this would be her path too. There, a displaced woman told Anne something she would never forget: “The poorest person in the world is not one without food, clothing or shelter, but one without hope.” The words kept ringing in Anne’s mind. “I can feel sorry for the women in this situation,” she thought, “or I can do something about it.”

Although it was risky, Anne quit her job and established Bawa Hope, determined to live for something bigger than herself. Today, she and her husband Andrew have grown Bawa Hope into an impactful business that employs people in Nairobi’s Kibera slums, bringing the most valuable asset–hope–to those who need it most.

  • Nairobi, Kenya

    Located in East Africa, Kenya is known for its sweeping wildlife reserves and scenic landscapes. Its coastline along the Indian Ocean has been an important destination for Asian and Arab traders for centuries. It’s also the backdrop for some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. The official motto of Kenya is Harambee, which means "Let's all pull together" in Swahili. This motto highlights the importance of community and collaboration for Kenyans, who represent over 40 ethnic groups and 60 languages.

Flourishing World Initiative

  • In 2019, a $5,000 Noonday grant enabled Bawa Hope to develop a brand-new workshop to help grow their impact in the community.
  • When a fire damaged the workshop in 2021, destroying machinery, tools, and raw materials, an additional grant allowed Anne and Andrew to restore what was lost.
  • During COVID, our Kenyan Artisan Partners struggled with access to food. To meet this need, Noonday donated $12,000 to help provide meals and other necessities for Artisan families

Artisan Story

  • Nicholas
    After moving from his rural hometown to Nairobi in search of a better future, Nicholas found an unexpected job as a jewelry maker. He loved the craft, but struggled to find a market for his products – until he met Noonday’s Artisan Business Partner. Today, Noonday’s orders have helped Nicholas not only put food on the table, but to keep his three young daughters in school. Nicholas’ ultimate aspiration is to create a legacy business for his daughters to operate for generations to come.
  • Collins
    Before he began making jewelry, Collins struggled to earn a living as a day laborer. But today, he is a skilled Artisan who is able not only to care for his three children, but his five siblings as well. “Both of my parents are deceased,” Collins shares. “In a nutshell, I am the mother and father to my siblings and a father to my own children.” Because of his sustainable job, Collins will be able to put all of his siblings through school.

In the making…