Frequently Asked Questions

Westridge Foundation is a community-driven initiative rooted in Western Kenya, committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for rural families who live below the poverty index. We primarily serve communities in Kakamega County and surrounding areas along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.

Our head office is located at Duka Moja, along Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, Kakamega, Western Kenya.

Westridge Foundation takes a research-backed, holistic approach to poverty alleviation that focuses on:

• Education as the foundation for long-term change
• Women's empowerment to transform families and communities
• Community-led solutions rather than top-down approaches
• Integrated programs that address multiple aspects of poverty simultaneously
• Sustainable impact through local leadership development

Our Westridge School serves as a model for transformative learning that blends local and international curricula.

We welcome visitors to see our work firsthand! Please contact us at least one month in advance to arrange a visit. Typical visits include:

• Tour of Westridge School and meeting students
• Observation of our community programs
• Meetings with staff and beneficiaries
• Opportunities to volunteer during your stay

Email visit@westridgefoundation.org to begin planning your visit.

We run several flagship programs designed to address different aspects of poverty:

• Westridge School: A model school providing quality education with blended local/international curriculum
• Tuwashangilie Vijana na Talanta: Youth talent development through sports, arts, and digital innovation
• Msichana Halisi: Girls' empowerment program focusing on mentorship, health, and leadership
• Maendeleo Program: Economic empowerment for women and small-scale entrepreneurs
• Mtoto Program: Child wellbeing initiative providing nutrition, healthcare, and early education

Westridge School is unique in several ways:

• Research-based approach: We use the latest education research to inform our teaching methods
• Blended curriculum: Combining Kenyan national curriculum with international best practices
• Holistic development: Equal focus on academics, talents, and life skills
• Yearly improvement plans: We continuously evolve based on data and feedback
• Observation-based management: Regular learning walks to enhance teaching effectiveness

Our students receive a world-class education while remaining rooted in their local context.

We use a careful selection process to identify those most in need while ensuring fairness:

• Community nominations: Local leaders help identify vulnerable families
• Needs assessment: Our staff conduct home visits and interviews
• Priority criteria: Orphans, single-parent households, extreme poverty cases
• Committee review: A local committee reviews all applications
• Ongoing evaluation: Regular check-ins to assess progress and needs

We strive to serve those who would benefit most while maintaining transparency in our selection process.

We offer several convenient ways to support our work:

• Online: Secure donations through our website
• Bank Transfer: Direct to our Kenya bank account (details available on request)
• Mobile Money: M-Pesa donations to our Paybill number
• In-Kind: Donations of books, school supplies, medical equipment
• Recurring Giving: Monthly sponsorship options available

All donations are tax-deductible where applicable. Contact donate@westridgefoundation.org for more information.

Our child sponsorship program connects donors with specific children in need:

• Monthly commitment: Sponsors contribute a set amount each month
• Direct support: Funds cover tuition, meals, healthcare, and learning materials
• Personal connection: Sponsors receive updates and can correspond with their sponsored child
• Impact reporting: Regular reports on the child's progress and how funds are used
• Duration: Sponsorships typically last through primary or secondary school

Sponsorship transforms lives by providing consistent support for a child's education and wellbeing.

We maintain strong financial stewardship:

• 85% of donations go directly to program implementation
• 10% supports administrative and operational costs
• 5% is allocated to fundraising efforts to sustain our work

We strive to maximize every shilling's impact while maintaining necessary infrastructure to deliver quality programs.

We welcome volunteers in various capacities:

• On-site in Kenya: Teaching, healthcare, construction, or administrative support
• Remote opportunities: Grant writing, graphic design, social media management
• Skill-based volunteering: Share your professional expertise (education, business, IT, etc.)
• Corporate volunteering: Team-building volunteer trips for organizations

All volunteers undergo an application process. Email volunteer@westridgefoundation.org to learn more.

Yes! We value partnerships with:

• Corporations: Sponsorships, employee engagement, cause marketing
• Foundations: Program funding, capacity building
• Schools/Universities: Exchange programs, research collaborations
• Faith-based Organizations: Mission trips, shared values initiatives
• Other NGOs: Complementary program implementation

Contact our Partnerships Manager at partnerships@westridgefoundation.org to discuss opportunities.

We gratefully accept these in-kind donations:

• Educational materials: Books, computers, lab equipment, school supplies
• Medical supplies: First aid kits, basic medicines, clinic equipment
• School essentials: Uniforms, shoes, backpacks
• Agricultural tools: For our Maendeleo Program participants
• Menstrual products: For our Msichana Halisi program

Please contact us before sending items to ensure we can use them effectively. We provide donation receipts for tax purposes.