From Mathare to Ganjala: The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Sometimes the most powerful changes start with the quietest whispers.
I’ll never forget the phone call. Alphar’s voice was different—confident, purposeful in a way I’d never heard before. “Can you come to my village? The kids here… they need what you gave me.”
This was the same young man we’d first met at an orphanage in Mathare, one of Nairobi’s most feared slums. Back then, he was shy, withdrawn, and seemed lost—a long way from home both physically and emotionally. His village, Ganjala, sits near Busia town on the Kenya-Uganda border, about a 10-hour journey from where we met him. That’s not just distance; that’s a whole different world.
What Changed Everything for Alphar
Let me back up a bit. When Global Impact Innovators started working with Alphar in Mathare, he was struggling. Really struggling. Here’s a kid from Ganjala village in Busia County, Kenya—a place where nearly 68% of the population lives below the poverty line, making it one of Kenya’s poorest regions. He’d ended up in Nairobi’s slums, feeling hopeless and forgotten.
But something clicked during our leadership training sessions. Month by month, I watched this quiet young man discover his voice. He started talking about going back to school, about entrepreneurship, about helping others. The transformation was remarkable.
When Alphar’s journey from Mathare went home to visit Ganjala after several months with us, the change was impossible to miss. The village kids noticed immediately. Here was their friend—the same guy who’d left feeling lost—now radiating confidence and purpose. They peppered him with questions: What happened? How did you change? What’s different?
That’s when Alphar told them about Global Impact Innovators. Without realizing it, he’d become their mentor, their big brother, their proof that change was possible.
The Reality of Rural Kenya
To understand why Alphar’s transformation meant so much to his village, you need to understand what life is like in places like Ganjala. Busia County, home to roughly 893,000 people, sits on Kenya’s border with Uganda. It’s a region rich in natural resources—blessed with fertile soil, sand from rivers, and stones from surrounding hills—but struggling with systemic poverty.
The statistics are sobering:
- Nearly 68% of the population lives below the poverty line
- Over 1.2 million Kenyan children of school-going age are out of school
- There’s a heartbreaking 37% primary school dropout rate tied directly to poverty
- Only 50% of pupils completing 8th grade proceed to secondary school due to lack of school fees
But behind every statistic is a real family, a real dream deferred.
The Call That Changed Our Mission
That’s when Alphar called us with his request. The village kids, he explained, wanted to be great but couldn’t see how. Some had already dropped out of school because their families couldn’t afford the fees. Others were losing hope entirely.
I’m not going to lie—a 10+ hour journey to a remote village felt daunting at first. However, we knew this was exactly why Global Impact Innovators exists. We’re talking about catching a late-night bus from Nairobi to Kisumu, then continuing by road to Busia, then finally to Ganjala. But this is exactly why Global Impact Innovators exists. If Alphar could impact his village from hundreds of miles away, what could happen if we went there together?
We packed our bags and made the journey.
What We Found in Ganjala
Walking into that room full of young people, I felt the electricity immediately. You could see it in their eyes—hope mixed with desperation; curiosity mixed with skepticism. These weren’t kids waiting for a miracle; they were young people hungry for a chance.
The stories we heard that day still give me chills. For instance, a mother pulled me aside aside, tears threatening to spill over. She cleans houses for almost nothing, supporting four kids on wages that barely cover food. “All I want,” she whispered, “is to see my children go to school or get some kind of training. But how?”
A father shared that he never learned to read. His biggest fear? That his children might follow the same path. In Kenya, eight out of ten children from poor households never complete eighth grade. For this dad, that wasn’t just a statistic—it was his worst nightmare.
Here’s what broke my heart: Every single parent we talked to wanted the same thing—to see their kids succeed. Not wealth, not luxury. Just education. Just a chance.
The Ripple Effect of One Life
But here’s what made that day magical: the young people themselves.
Alphar stood among them, no longer the shy kid from Mathare, but their mentor and proof that transformation was possible. The village elders thanked us, but it was the energy of these young people that really moved us.
We shared Global Impact Innovators’ story, talked about leadership, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself. The session was interactive, filled with laughter, tough questions, and honest conversation. By the end, there were tears—but they were tears of hope, not despair.
When Hope Meets Action
That’s when we made a decision that surprised even us. We couldn’t leave knowing that 23 of these bright young people would stay home this term because their families couldn’t afford school fees. We committed to covering their tuition this term. As a result, the room erupted.
Parents wept. Kids cheered. Village leaders praised us. But even as we celebrated this victory, a question haunted us: What happens after this term?
This is the heartbreaking reality across rural Africa. According to UNICEF, more than 7.57 million children in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions are at risk of dropping out due to poverty and drought. Organizations like Save the Children report that over 3.5 million Kenyan children were out of school in 2023 due to various challenges.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re dreams interrupted, potential wasted, communities held back.
The Bigger Picture
Why Rural Africa Can’t Be Forgotten
Here’s what keeps me up at night: there are thousands of villages like Ganjala across Africa, full of young people just as bright, just as deserving, just as capable of transforming their communities. They’re waiting for their chance, their Alphar, their moment of hope.
Research from organizations across Kenya shows the consistent challenges:
- Economic barriers: Families earning less than a dollar a day can’t prioritize school fees
- Infrastructure gaps: Overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages
- Social challenges: Early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child labor pulling kids out of school
- Geographic isolation: Rural communities often overlooked by development programs
But here’s what Alphar’s story teaches us: change doesn’t require perfect systems or massive budgets. Sometimes it just takes one person who refuses to give up on home, who carries hope across impossible distances, and who believes their community deserves better.
What We Learned in Ganjala
This experience taught us something fundamental about development work. The most powerful change doesn’t come from outside experts with perfect solutions. It comes from young people like Alphar who:
- Never forget home: Despite being hundreds of miles away in a completely different environment, Alphar’s heart remained connected to his village
- Become bridges: He translated his transformation into language and hope his community could understand
- Multiply impact: One person’s change created a ripple effect that touched dozens of other lives
- Prove possibility: He became living proof that circumstances don’t determine destiny
Why This Matters Now
Today, Alphar is back in school, thinking about entrepreneurship, and actively mentoring the kids in his village. He’s become the bridge between what is and what could be. Those 23 students whose fees we covered? They’re just the beginning.
Every day, kids in Ganjala wake up knowing that change is possible because they’ve seen it in Alphar. They’ve witnessed that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you’re going.
But sustainable change requires more than one-time interventions. It requires:
- Sustained investment in rural communities
- Local leadership development like what we saw with Alphar
- Systems thinking that addresses root causes, not just symptoms
- Recognition that young people in places like Ganjala have the same potential as those in urban centers
The Continuing Story
This story doesn’t end with our visit to Ganjala. In fact, it’s just beginning.
Alphar continues to mentor young people in his village, sharing lessons from his leadership training and encouraging others to pursue education. The 23 students we sponsored are attending school, but we’re working on sustainable solutions for their continued education.
Most importantly, word is spreading. Other villages in Busia County have heard about what happened in Ganjala. Young people in rural areas across Kenya are asking the same question Alphar’s friends asked: “How can we change too?”
The Challenge We Face Together
Governments and leaders have somehow forgotten these young people, but we can’t. We won’t.
Research consistently shows that education is the single most effective tool for breaking cycles of poverty. When young people like those in Ganjala get opportunities to learn and lead, they don’t just transform their own lives—they become catalysts for community-wide change.
But here’s the reality: organizations like Global Impact Innovators can’t do this alone. We need:
- Partners who believe in the potential of rural communities
- Supporters who understand that sustainable change takes time and sustained investment
- Advocates who will ensure rural Africa isn’t forgotten in development conversations
What You Can Do
Alphar’s story shows us that transformation is possible, but it also shows us how much work remains to be done. If you’re moved by this story, here’s how you can help:
Immediate Impact:
- Support educational sponsorships for students in rural Kenya
- Contribute to leadership training programs that create change-makers like Alphar
- Share stories like this to raise awareness about rural education in Kenya challenges
Long-term Change:
- Advocate for policies that prioritize rural education and development
- Support organizations working on sustainable solutions in rural Africa
- Consider partnerships that can scale programs like ours to reach more communities
Stay Connected:
- Follow the continuing stories of Alphar
- Learn about other villages where similar transformations are happening
- Join our community of supporters who believe rural Africa deserves investment
A Final Thought
Sometimes, changing the world really does begin with changing one village. And sometimes, changing one village begins with believing in one young person who refuses to give up.
Alphar’s phone call changed our trajectory as an organization. His transformation changed his village’s sense of what was possible. His story changes how we think about development, mentorship, and the power of never forgetting home.
But most importantly, his example challenges all of us to ask: What villages are we overlooking? What young people are we underestimating? What transformations are we missing because we’re not paying attention to the quiet whispers that often precede the most powerful changes?
In Ganjala, we learned that home—no matter how small, no matter how remote—is always worth fighting for. We learned that every young person deserves the chance to become the change they want to see in their community.
And we learned that sometimes, the most important calls we’ll ever receive come from young people who’ve discovered their voice and refuse to use it only for themselves.
This is why Global Impact Innovators does what we do. Because every young person deserves the chance to transform not just their own life, but their entire community. Because stories like Alphar’s prove that with the right support, young people in rural Africa can become the leaders their communities need.
Want to be part of stories like Alphar’s? Visit www.global-impact-innovators.com to learn how you can help young leaders across Africa turn their dreams into reality. Together, we can ensure that no village is forgotten and no young person’s potential goes unrealized.
Connect with us:
- Follow our ongoing work in Ganjala and beyond
- Learn about sponsorship opportunities for students like the 23 we supported
- Discover how your community or organization can partner with us
- Share this story to help others discover the power of believing in rural Africa’s young leaders
Because Alphar’s story is just the beginning. The question is: what story will we write together next?
55 Responses
This is the most amazing story I have hard in a long time, I grew up in mathare and I know the struggles so I can relate very well. Thank you Global Impact Innovators for an amazing job, and able to recognize our kids in slam need a lot help to come out of box and have hopes for future.
Wow, this story really touched me. Alphar’s journey shows the power of resilience and how one person’s determination can truly transform a whole community. I love how Global Impact Innovators doesn’t just focus on individuals but also on the ripple effect their success creates for others. It’s a powerful reminder that investing in young people is never wasted, it multiplies into hope, leadership, and real change. Thank you for sharing this story and for the incredible work you continue to do.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and uplifting comment. Alphar’s story is one that fills us with hope, and we’re so glad you see the bigger picture—that empowering one person can truly transform a whole community. Your words remind us why we do what we do, and we appreciate you for being part of the movement to create lasting change.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and uplifting comment. Alphar’s story is one that fills us with hope, and we’re so glad you see the bigger picture—that empowering one person can truly transform a whole community. Your words remind us why we do what we do, and we appreciate you for being part of the movement to create lasting change.
Yes, the struggles are there but these kids are our future and we can not forget about them
What a powerful comment. Thank you for sharing your perspective; hearing from someone who grew up in Mathare truly reinforces the importance of our mission. It’s our goal to create a path for young people to overcome obstacles and realize their potential. We believe every child deserves the chance to feel like a hero in their own story, and we’re grateful for your support.
Am wowed by how Global Impact Innovators has changed so many lives and is still bettering more lives. Alphar’s hunger for better education has made his people benefit from the program.Make positive change whenever you get a chance.
Thank you for this insightful comment. It’s so true—it all started with Alphar’s determination and his desire for a better future. His story is a powerful reminder that when we invest in one person, the benefits can multiply and make a positive change for many others. We’re grateful to have you as part of our journey.
This story is truly heartwarming! It’s amazing to see how giving young people a chance can transform lives and entire communities. Your dedication to helping the village youth is making a real difference, turning potential into heroes. Keep up the incredible work—stories like this inspire all of us.
Thank you for this heartwarming comment! We truly believe that investing in young people is the key to creating lasting change. It’s a privilege to watch their potential turn into heroes for their communities. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to us.
This is really great.
It’s such an inspiring story.
Thanks for your comment.
It sure is and thanks for your comment
As a person born from Kenya to see and learn about such progress and activities it’s really Motivating for the people who can’t Afford Education Thank you for the good deeds…
May you all succeed on the plans you all have forward…..
Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment. It means a great deal to hear from someone born in Kenya that our work is motivating and making a difference. We appreciate your recognition of the challenges many young people face, and we’re grateful for your support and well wishes.
Am gonna start by thanking Global Impact Innovators for creating leadership training program that create change for the young youths out here,that is a good job you guys are doing… Am amazed by Alphar’s story.
We really appreciate your feedback! It means a lot to hear that you see the value in our leadership training program. Alphar’s journey is a perfect example of how empowering young people can create a ripple effect of positive change. We’re glad his story inspired you.
I am extremely proud of what you and your organization have built. It’s inspiring to see how an idea has transformed into a powerful reality that is now changing not only lives in Kenya, but also the lives of young children across Africa, especially in the most rural areas. I cannot believe how far this vision has come — from thought to action, and now to impact on thousands of lives. I truly pray that every child, even in the deepest and most remote corners of Africa, will one day have the opportunity to experience this life-changing journey. Your work is a blessing and a legacy.
What a beautiful comment. It means so much to us that you’re proud of what we’ve built, and you’ve perfectly captured our journey from an idea to tangible impact. We share your hope that one day, every child, no matter where they are, will get the opportunity to experience a life-changing journey. Your words remind us that this is not just our vision, but a shared one. Thank you.
This is really amazing, you guys are doing great job.
Thanks for your feedback
Reading Alphar’s story left me with goosebumps. To imagine a boy once so quiet and withdrawn, standing now as the spark for his whole village, is an unforgettable story. What stays with me most is the simplicity of it; one phone call, one decision to go back home, and suddenly a whole community sees possibility where there was only struggle.
The image of kids crowding around him, parents whispering their fears, and a room erupting when those school fees were covered, that’s powerful. It’s the kind of change that can’t be measured only in numbers, but in hope restored. Alphar is living proof that sometimes the person you least expect becomes the one everyone looks to. I sure hope his story echoes far beyond Ganjala!
What a wonderful comment. We’re so glad that Alphar’s journey resonated so deeply with you, and you’ve perfectly described its most powerful moments. The image of a whole community seeing possibility where there was struggle is exactly why we do this work. Your insight that the best change isn’t just about numbers, but about hope restored, is what drives us every day. We hope, just as you do, that this story will continue to echo and inspire others to find their own potential.
This is so inspiring… God works in different ways.
So true… God works in different ways. Thanks for your feedback
A grate story if other kids can have opportunity like Alphar it will be so good thank you Global Impact, God will continue to bless and give you guys the strength.
Thank you for this kind comment! We share your hope that more children can have the opportunity to reach their full potential, just like Alphar. We are so grateful for your support and for your warm wishes.
This story moved and touched. To see Alphars story and his journey shows that there is change and God’s time is always the best. Seeing other children getting motivated by Alphars story is mesmerizing. Thanks to Global impact their stories will change and get an opportunity as well. May God bless Global impact and the work they are doing this is just wholesome.
We’re truly touched to hear that Alphar’s story moved you so much. We believe, just as you do, that every child deserves the opportunity to change their story. Thank you for your support and for your prayers for Global Impact—your kind words and blessings are a great source of strength for us.
Hey Kebbie, your latest blog post is fantastic! The way you’ve broken down complex ideas is so clear and engaging. As a fellow writer, I can really see the hard work you put into every sentence. Your dedication to the community is truly inspiring, and it shows in the quality and consistency of your work. Keep it up!
The depth of your research and the clarity of your writing are truly impressive. It’s clear how much hard work you pour into This community is lucky to have you.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment. It’s a huge compliment to hear that my writing resonated with you, especially coming from a peer. It’s truly a privilege to get to share these stories, and the real inspiration comes from the community and the incredible people like Alphar. I appreciate your encouragement more than you know.
Global Impact Innovators you guys are really impacting and changing lives, this story resonates with every child that has ambition no matter where they are.
Weldone keep giving hope to those children.
We really appreciate your feedback! It means a lot to hear that you see the impact we’re trying to make. We believe that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves to have hope for the future. Thank you for your support and for being a part of our mission.
Alphar’s story is truly touching. I pray that other children are blessed with a brighter and better life. His journey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that even in hardship, there is light and the promise of a better tomorrow.
What a wonderful comment. We’re so glad you found Alphar’s story touching, and we appreciate your powerful insight that it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration. It is our mission to ensure that young people in rural communities see the promise of a better tomorrow, and we are grateful for your support.
I am extremely proud of Global Impact Innovators for standing with alpha family, the story left me with pain it’s reminds me my story when I was young… Thank you brother Charles for being there and your support you really did a good thing.
Thank you for being so open and vulnerable with us. It takes great courage to share that Alphar’s story brought back painful memories from your own past. We are truly touched by your kind words and are grateful for your support. It’s a privilege to work to create a better future for young people, and your story is a powerful reminder of why that work is so important.
This is so amazing… I am part of the testament of Global Impact and I tell you Mr. Charles has done great things in my life too… This here is just a tip of all the lives he has touched… Thank you so much Mr. Charles. You are a hero and a good man that really bring out the good on us all… I got to study soft engineering because you and even got my first laptop from you… You are touching so many lives all around the world… God bless you si…
We are truly humbled by your words. It is because of incredible people like you that we do this work. The stories of your success—like studying software engineering and getting your first laptop—are the most rewarding part of our mission. Thank you for showing the world what’s possible, and for being such a great example of the potential that exists in every young person.
Alphar’s story is truly touching. I pray that other children are blessed with a brighter and better life. His journey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that even in hardship, there is light and the promise of a better tomorrow… Thank you Global Impact you really did amazing.
We are truly humbled by your words. It is because of incredible people like you that we do this work. The stories of your success—like studying software engineering and getting your first laptop—are the most rewarding part of our mission. Thank you for showing the world what’s possible, and for being such a great example of the potential that exists in every young person.
This is good work, a lot is happening in rural areas and in slums and it’s great when one person comes out and speaks about it, someone who wants change because it starts with one dedicated person and eventually the whole community… To Global Impact Innovators, your amazing work will always be appreciated and thank you for such a positive impact in the young people’s lives… This is a great course that requires dedication, passion, sacrifice, empathy and hardwork which isn’t an easy task, big up…
This is good work, a lot is happening in rural areas and in slums and it’s great when one person comes out and speaks about it, someone who wants change because it starts with one dedicated person and eventually the whole community… To Global Impact Innovators, your amazing work will always be appreciated and thank you for such a positive impact in the young people’s lives… This is a great course that requires dedication, passion, sacrifice, empathy and hardwork which isn’t an easy task, big up…
It’s so inspiring to see young lives being given a second chance also, stories like Alphar’s remind us how important kindness and support are. Thank you Global Impact Innovators for making a difference in someone’s life.
Thank u Global Impact may God continue to use you people through. This is really inspiring n touching.
Thank you for this kind comment! We are grateful that you see the importance of giving young people a second chance. Stories like Alphar’s are a powerful reminder of how far kindness and support can go. Your words are a great encouragement to us.
I love how this doesn’t just stop at inspiration but also shows clear steps we can take to make a difference. Change really does begin with each of us deciding to act.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’ve perfectly captured a core part of our mission: that inspiration should always lead to action. It’s so encouraging to hear that you see the direct steps we can all take to make a difference. We appreciate your support!
Life is a beautiful thing and it will remain a beautiful thing once we all come together and put smiles in one another’s face, holding each other’s hand, making one comfortable and seeing beauty in every simple angle.
Where people see trash I see it as treasure ❤️.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful perspective. We couldn’t agree more—we believe that life’s true beauty comes from coming together and supporting one another. Your sentiment that where people see trash, you see treasure is at the heart of our mission, and we’re so grateful for your support.
This is so inspiring… Keep up the good work… GLOBAL IMPACT INNOVATORS to the world continue empowering our youths.
This is such a beautiful story and the work that is being done here is inspiring. This story and group
reminds me that there is hope and good people out there still. Keep up the amazing work!
We really appreciate your feedback! It means a lot to us to hear that you support our mission. We believe that stories like Alphar’s show what’s possible when we invest in young people. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
This is such a beautiful story and the work that is being done here is inspiring. This story and organization
reminds me that there is hope and good people out there still. Keep up the amazing work!
This story is a powerful reminder that courage and change often come from the most unexpected places. This story is not just inspiring—it’s a testament to resilience, compassion, and the impact one person can have on an entire community. Thank you for sharing. It truly touched my heart.