Youth empowerment since 2014 · Karatina, Nyeri County, Kenya

Youth empowerment and mentorship in Kenya

What is in your hands?

Shades of Hope Africa helps young people discover their potential, lead with integrity and take ownership of their future. We have been doing it in schools since 2014.

A SOHA mentor speaking to a hall full of students
"Young people achieve more when they get guidance, encouragement and practical tools."
Students cheering one another during a SOHA team game
25+schools reached
2014The year SOHA began, at Anesta Group of Schools
25+Schools visited across Kenya, from Nyeri to Mombasa
3Ways we serve: school mentorship, safe transport and restoration

Who we are

Every young person already has something to work with

Nelson speaking with students at their desks during a classroom session
Classroom mentorship with SOHA

SOHA began in 2014 with an invitation from Anesta Group of Schools. Since then we have been welcomed by boys', girls' and mixed schools across Nyeri and beyond, from Nairobi to Marakwet, Vihiga and Mombasa.

Our question, "What is in your hands?", asks young people to see the abilities, relationships and opportunities they already have, and to act on them rather than wait for circumstances to change.

Vision

An empowered Africa where every young person discovers their potential, leads with integrity and positively impacts their community.

Mission

To inspire, mentor and equip young people with holistic life skills, ethical values and practical tools to excel personally, academically and professionally.

Read our story

What we do

The right program for every stage

Mentorship, leadership and academic support that goes beyond the talk, shaped around each school and group we work with.

Youth Mentorship and Life Skills

Group sessions, one-on-one mentorship and workshops

Structured mentorship that helps young people understand themselves, recognize their abilities and make responsible decisions, from managing peer pressure to planning their future.

Learn about mentorship

Who it's for: Primary and secondary learners, college students and youth groups.

Nelson speaking with students at their desks during a classroom session
What we cover
  • Self-awareness and personal identity
  • Goal setting and personal planning
  • Emotional intelligence and resilience
  • Communication and relationships
  • Decision-making and problem-solving

SOHA Transport Program

Safe school transport parents can rely on

We take school-going children to and from school safely, reliably and affordably. At Mahiga Girls, many parents now choose it first.

Routes from Nairobi to partner schoolsSee every route, school and fare on the transport page.
Two students smiling in their seats on the bus
Students on their way to school with SOHA
  • Safety

    The well-being of every child, from the gate to the classroom.

  • Reliability

    Dependable routes and timing that fit learners' school routines.

  • Effectiveness

    Transport organized around the needs of students, families and schools.

  • Affordability

    Dependable school transport that families can access.

  • Peace of mind

    Parents who trust where their children are while in transit.

Annual youth experience

Mombasa mentorship trip

27 December – 2 January Every year

A year-end trip that brings SOHA mentees and teenagers together for travel, group activities and time away: sharing meals, exploring the coast and growing together.

Parents and guardians can ask SOHA for the itinerary, fee, travel and stay arrangements, supervision plan and registration requirements before deciding.

Mentees and a mentor gathered beside their minibus
Travelling together
Young people and adults serving food at the venue
Shared meals
Young people swimming together in the sea
At the coast

SOHA Restoration Center · Jambo, Karatina

Room to heal, reflect and grow

Growing up is not only about grades. The Center works across five dimensions of well-being, and where a young person needs medical or mental health care, we work with qualified professionals.

Emotional restoration

Building emotional awareness, healthy expression and resilience, so young people can face personal challenges constructively.

Our track record

Welcomed into schools across Kenya since 2014

These are some of the schools that have invited us, and there are many more.

  • Anesta Group of Schools
  • St. Gabriel Schools
  • Jomo Kenyatta, Bahati
  • Eastmoor Girls
  • Kenyatta High School, Mahiga
  • Viara Springs
  • Mary Hill Girls
  • Lukeja Boys
  • Nairobi School
  • Sunshine
  • Kangaru Boys
  • Kangaru Girls
  • St. Teresa Kifumo Girls
  • Iriaine Girls
  • Nyeri High School
  • Kagumo High School
  • Kerimara High School
  • Rwagati Boys
  • Narumoro Girls
  • Chinga Girls
  • Chinga Boys
  • Karatina Girls
  • Gatondo Girls
  • Kesup Girls, Marakwet
  • Vihiga Girls
  • Shimo la Tewa, Mombasa
  • Karatina D.E.B.
  • Mahiga Girls

Partner with us

Let's build a program together

Tell us what your school or organization needs and we will shape a program around it, with clear goals, a budget and regular reporting.

  • Schools and colleges

    Invite SOHA for mentorship, leadership training, career guidance or school transport.

  • NGOs and community groups

    Run joint programs, share resources and refer young people to the right support.

  • Businesses and CSR teams

    Sponsor a school outreach, give in-kind support or mentor young people.

  • Faith-based organizations

    Work together on purpose, values and spiritual growth.

  • Development partners

    Fund program expansion, the Restoration Center and impact measurement.

  • Ready to start?

    Get in touch and we will follow up with a proposal.

    Contact SOHA

Get in touch

For mentorship, school partnerships, transport or the Restoration Center, we would love to hear from you.