From Small Beginnings to National Impact: How Vision, Faith, and Community Are Transforming Children’s Lives

In the rolling highlands of Iten, often referred to as the “Home of Champions,” a quiet but powerful transformation is unfolding—one child at a time. What began as a simple dream to protect, educate, and empower children has grown into two impactful initiatives that are now changing lives across Kenya: Maisha Foundation Iten and the Don’t Touch Programme.

Speaking after meeting parents and children supported by Maisha Foundation Iten, Barsulai reflected on a journey rooted in faith, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Building Futures Through Education and Athletics

Barsulai, who serves as the Project Coordinator at Maisha Foundation Iten, said she was deeply moved by the progress made by the children under the foundation’s care.

“The dream of supporting our children to excel both in the classroom and in athletics is no longer just a vision—it is becoming a lived reality,” she said.

At the heart of the initiative is the Duma Blue Project, an intentionally designed programme that nurtures children holistically through education, discipline, mentorship, and structured athletic training. The children currently enrolled form the first cohort of the Maisha Foundation programme, marking the beginning of what Barsulai describes as a life-changing journey.

In less than eight months, the children have demonstrated remarkable growth—not only academically and athletically, but also in character.

“We have seen discipline, confidence, teamwork, and passion grow in ways that are truly inspiring,” she noted.

This transformation, she said, is the result of collective effort and dedication. Barsulai paid tribute to Coach Richard Mukche and Coach Reuben Chumba Bekele, whose commitment on the track has been matched by their mentorship off the field. She also acknowledged the vital role played by Maisha parents, foundation directors, teachers, and partner schools.

“Your guidance, patience, and belief are shaping not just strong athletes, but focused, responsible future leaders,” she said.

Scholarships That Change Lives

One of the most significant milestones achieved so far is the awarding of Grade 10 scholarships to several beneficiaries of the programme. The students have secured placements at Ossen Girls, Kapkenda Girls, Kipsaos Boys, and Kapsowar Boys schools—a breakthrough Barsulai described as a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity meets commitment.

“These children are working very hard—pia watoto wanajituma sana—and I have personally witnessed the growth in each one of them,” she said.

For many families, the scholarships represent more than academic progression; they symbolize hope, stability, and a pathway out of vulnerability.

A Vision Born During Crisis

Barsulai’s work with children, however, did not begin with Maisha Foundation. She traced her advocacy journey back to 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she launched the Don’t Touch Programme—a child protection and awareness initiative aimed at safeguarding children from abuse and empowering them to speak up.

“I didn’t start with fancy equipment or funding,” she recalled. “I used simple wooden and plastic instruments. Some people laughed. Some mocked me. Many called me wazimu. But a few believed.”

The programme began at home, with her nieces and nephews, before slowly expanding to include neighbours’ children. Despite lockdowns, fear, and limited resources, Barsulai remained steadfast.

“It wasn’t easy. But I had a vision, and I held onto it,” she said.

Growing Impact, Breaking Silence

Five years later, the Don’t Touch Programme has grown beyond what many thought possible. Through schools, villages, and media platforms, the initiative has now reached over 20,000 children, earning national and international awards for its impact on child rights awareness.

Along the way, children have received uniforms, educational support, and scholarships, while communities have become increasingly informed about children’s rights and protection.

“Our communities are now more aware. We are not where we want to be yet, but we are somewhere—and that matters,” Barsulai said.

She emphasized that the most important change has been cultural.

“What once felt impossible is now visible. Conversations are happening. Silence is breaking. Children are speaking up,” she added.

Barsulai credited the growth of the programme to the support of friends, partners, educators, parents, and supporters—both physical and online—who believed in the vision even when it was unpopular.

“It didn’t take a crowd. It only took a few who believed,” she said.

A Call to Believe in Small Beginnings

As she continues to champion children’s rights and development, Barsulai urged Kenyans to support initiatives that nurture both talent and education, noting that sustainable change begins with intentional investment in children.

She encouraged the public to follow and support Maisha Foundation Iten on Facebook and Instagram, saying the journey underway is proof that strong foundations are built when communities come together.

“It started small. It took courage. It took faith. Not everyone understood. Some mocked, some doubted—but a few believed, and that was enough,” she said.

Barsulai concluded with a message of hope and encouragement to dreamers and change-makers.

“So live your dream. God is watching. The world is watching,” she said.

The stories of Maisha Foundation Iten and the Don’t Touch Programme stand as powerful testimonies that meaningful change does not begin with abundance—but with vision, courage, and belief in the lives of children.