Every child deserves a chance to learn
Mashinani Foundation connects caring sponsors with children from disadvantaged backgrounds, funding their journey from primary school through to secondary education.
Born from one act of kindness
Mashinani Foundation began with a personal commitment — helping a relative’s child navigate life after the loss of both parents. What started as one family’s act of love grew into a realisation: there are countless children in similar situations, yearning for the chance to learn and grow.
The name Mashinani means “from the grassroots” — because we believe lasting change begins at the roots, with the youngest and most vulnerable in our communities.
Today, we identify children in need across Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa, and connect them with sponsors who fund their educational journey — from first grade all the way through secondary school.
Nurturing the Roots
We invest in children early, knowing that a strong educational foundation shapes an entire life’s trajectory.
Holistic Support
Beyond fees, we address uniforms, books, transport and nutrition — every barrier a child might face.
Family, Not Programme
Every child we support joins a community of people who care — mentors, sponsors and foundation staff alike.
Long-term Vision
Our ambition reaches beyond secondary school. We envision guiding children through tertiary education and into fulfilling lives.
Full support, from classroom to doorstep
A sponsorship from you can cover one or more of the following needs. Every contribution — large or small — makes a tangible difference in a child’s ability to show up and succeed.
School Fees
Covering tuition and registration costs so a child can enrol and remain in school without interruption.
School Uniform
A uniform means a child arrives with dignity, ready to learn and belong — not self-conscious about their appearance.
Books & Stationery
Textbooks, exercise books, pens and pencils — the essential tools every student needs to participate fully.
Transport Stipend
Covering bus fares or transport costs so that distance is never a reason a child misses school.
Daily Snack
A small nutritional allowance to ensure children can concentrate — hungry students cannot learn effectively.
Full Sponsorship
Cover everything — fees, uniform, books, transport and snacks — giving one child everything they need for a full year of school.
Three nations, one mission
We work in communities across Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa — reaching children in urban and peri-urban areas where educational access is most at risk.
Zambia
Our founding home. We began here, supporting orphaned and vulnerable children — many of whom have lost one or both parents — in their journey through primary and secondary school.
Kenya
Growing our reach in Kenya, where economic hardship and family instability leave many bright children without a clear path to continuing their education beyond primary level.
South Africa
In South Africa, we support children in underserved communities where school attendance is undermined by poverty, food insecurity and lack of resources at home.
We have seen first-hand how supporting one child can inspire a whole society, turning grief and hardship into strength and ambition.
Plant a seed.
Change a life.
Complete the form and our team will reach out within 2–3 business days to match you with a child and confirm your sponsorship details.
- Choose the country you’d like to support
- Select the education level — primary, secondary, or both
- Pick one type of support or opt for full sponsorship
- We’ll match you with a child whose needs align with your contribution
- Receive updates on the child’s progress throughout the year
We’ll contact you within 2–3 business days. No payment is collected through this form.
Thank you — a seed is planted!
We’ve received your details and will be in touch within 2–3 business days to match you with a child and guide you through the next steps.
You’re now part of the Mashinani family.
Join our cause
Sponsorship is just one way to make a difference. Here are three other ways you can support the Mashinani mission.
Become a Mentor
Offer your time and expertise to guide a child through their studies, career aspirations, or personal challenges. Even monthly virtual check-ins make a profound difference.
Express interest →Spread the Word
Share Mashinani Foundation with your network. Every new sponsor we reach means another child gets a chance. Word of mouth is our most powerful tool.
Make a One-time Gift
Can’t commit to a recurring sponsorship? A once-off contribution to cover a uniform, a set of books, or a term’s transport costs still changes a child’s school year.
Donate now →