Youth empowerment since 2014 · Karatina, Nyeri County, Kenya
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About SOHA

We believe young people should be defined by their potential

Shades of Hope Africa Ltd (SOHA) is a youth empowerment, mentorship and leadership organization based in Karatina, Kenya. We help young people see what is already in their hands and use it, with their schools, families and communities beside them.

Our story

Why SOHA exists

Nelson addressing a large seated school audience
A SOHA talk at a school assembly

Many young people carry more than their school bags. Peer pressure, substance abuse, emotional struggles, uncertainty about the future and a lack of mentors can all hold back their confidence, decisions and results.

SOHA was built on a simple conviction: a young person is not their circumstances, their past mistakes or their limits. They are their potential to grow, change and make a difference.

So we mentor, train, encourage and, where needed, help them heal. We also work with the people around them: parents, teachers, school leaders and community members, because young people thrive when the whole circle supports them.

Our journey

From one invitation to schools across Kenya

  1. 2014

    It begins at Anesta Group of Schools

    An invitation from Anesta Group of Schools became SOHA's first mission. It set the pattern we still follow: go where young people are and speak into their lives.

  2. The early invitations

    St. Gabriel Schools, Jomo Kenyatta (Bahati) and Eastmoor Girls

    One school told another. Invitations followed, and the work grew by word of mouth.

  3. Across the region

    From Mahiga and Karatina to Nyeri and beyond

    Kenyatta High School Mahiga, Viara Springs, Mary Hill Girls, Kangaru, Kagumo, Nyeri High School, Chinga, Gatondo, Narumoro, Karatina Girls and many more welcomed us.

  4. Across the country

    Nairobi, Marakwet, Vihiga and Mombasa

    Our message has reached Nairobi School, Kesup Girls in Marakwet, Vihiga Girls and Shimo la Tewa in Mombasa.

  5. Today

    Mentorship, transport and restoration working together

    Beyond school visits, SOHA now runs a school Transport Program and the Restoration Center in Jambo, Karatina, answering the practical needs of young people and their families.

Vision

An empowered African continent where every young person discovers their inherent 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 navigate life's challenges and excel in their personal, academic and professional endeavors.

Our philosophy

"What is in your hands?"

This question guides everything we do. It invites young people to look at the abilities, relationships, opportunities and responsibilities they already have, and to act on them.

Rather than letting limitations decide their future, they grow resourcefulness, accountability and initiative.

What we believe

  1. Every young person has inherent potential that guidance, opportunity and intentional development can nurture.
  2. Character, integrity and personal responsibility are the foundations of lasting success.
  3. Education works best alongside life skills, mentorship, emotional resilience and practical guidance.
  4. Healing and restoration are part of growing up well.
  5. Young people should be contributors to their communities, not only recipients of support.
  6. Families, schools and communities share responsibility for helping young people flourish.
  7. Lasting social change begins with transformed individuals who use their abilities to serve others.

Core values

The values we work by

  • Purpose

    Discovering identity, recognizing potential and pursuing meaningful goals.

  • Integrity

    Honesty, ethical conduct, accountability and responsible decisions.

  • Empowerment

    Giving young people the confidence and skills to own their future.

  • Hope

    Resilience, and the belief that growth and restoration are possible.

  • Compassion

    Understanding the different experiences young people carry, and responding with respect.

  • Excellence

    Discipline, continuous improvement and high standards.

  • Responsibility

    Personal accountability, service and responsible citizenship.

  • Collaboration

    Working with families, schools, organizations and communities toward shared goals.

Nelson Gitonga, known as Mentor Rambez, speaking at a community event

Founder and Team Leader

Nelson Gitonga

Known to young people as "Mentor Rambez"

Nelson Gitonga, known as Mentor Rambez, is a youth speaker, mentor and inspirational leader. He founded SOHA in 2014 and has led it into schools across the country.

He believes young people achieve more when they receive guidance, encouragement, practical tools and room to develop their abilities. Through mentorship, speaking engagements, workshops and partnerships, he urges them to take responsibility for their lives and use their strengths for good.

Where his leadership focuses

  • Youth mentorshipRelatable, practical, purpose-centered engagement with young people.
  • Transformational coachingMindset, self-discovery, resilience and finding individual strengths.
  • Leadership developmentIntegrity, service and accountability among emerging leaders.
  • Educational engagementMentorship, motivation and character development inside schools.
  • Strategic partnershipsWorking with schools, faith-based groups and communities to extend reach.

Who we serve

Programs for every age and stage

We shape each program around the people in the room.

  • Primary school learners

    Foundational life skills, positive character and confidence.

  • Secondary school students

    Academic motivation, career guidance, peer pressure, resilience and substance abuse prevention.

  • College and university students

    Career development, leadership and life transitions.

  • Prefects and student leaders

    Servant leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork and communication.

  • Youth groups and young adults

    Purpose, character, relationships and self-sustainability.

  • Parents and guardians

    Dependable school transport and ways to support their children's growth.

  • Schools and institutions

    Mentorship, leadership, academic empowerment and transport partnerships.

  • Communities and youth organizations

    Outreach, youth inclusion and shared empowerment work.

How we work

Our approach

  1. We start with the school

    We talk with each institution about what its students need, then agree on a program.

  2. We mentor, not just speak

    Workshops, talks, group sessions and one-on-one mentorship, adapted to each audience.

  3. We meet practical needs

    Safe school transport and the Restoration Center show up where families need help.

  4. We work with others

    Parents, teachers, professionals and partners all have a part in a young person's growth.

  5. We keep learning

    Feedback from students and schools helps us improve and show our results.

Bring SOHA to your school or organization

Tell us what your students or community need and we will shape a program around it.

Partner with usSee our programs