Raising heArts foundation Co- Founder George Patrick serving food during the foundation’s visit at Sidon Children’s home
In a world that often feels divided by privilege and circumstance, the Raising heARTs Foundation is a powerful reminder of what compassion and creativity can achieve. Founded in 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya, by Daniel Kiendi and his former schoolmate George Patrick Olilo, it began as an idea shared in a poetry group. The group’s goal was to publish their work and exchange artistic insights, but the two friends envisioned something bigger, a way for artists to become philanthropists. With a few others who shared their vision, they registered Raising heARTs, setting out to transform lives through art and altruism.
Today, the organization is a sanctuary for underprivileged children, giving them not just material support but opportunities to dream, grow, and showcase their talents. Raising heARTs believes every child possesses a spark of brilliance waiting to be ignited whether in art, music, academics, or sports. Their mission goes beyond charity but also creating lasting opportunities for children who often feel overlooked by society.
Raising heARTs has touched the lives of over 2,500 children through its programs since its inception. Beyond talent showcases, it has spearheaded initiatives like renovating the Kids Dreams Children’s Home. Once a shelter where children slept on cold floors, the home was transformed with new beds, mattresses, and warm blankets, thanks to a grant from the THX22 Foundation. This simple yet profound intervention gave the children not just comfort but dignity and hope for a better tomorrow.
“Seeing the joy in their eyes when they lay on their new beds for the first time was unforgettable,” says Daniel Kiendi. “It reminded us why we started this journey—to restore hope and dignity.”
One of the Foundation’s proudest moments was the Harmony in Green talent show, which brought together more than 200 children from different homes to perform and celebrate their skills. Supported by partners like Miss Earth Kenya, the event was more than a showcase, it was a movement, a celebration of the transformative power of nurturing talent in marginalized communities.
The Foundation also addresses health and hygiene, providing counseling, mentorship, and essential supplies like dental kits. Its menstrual hygiene campaigns empower young girls to navigate adolescence with confidence. Through environmental efforts like tree-planting drives and clean-up campaigns, children learn the importance of sustainability and their role as stewards of the planet.
At its core, Raising heARTs focuses on talent development, offering children a chance to showcase their abilities and connect with professionals who can help them grow. This dedication to empowering young minds has made a significant impact, but it hasn’t been without challenges. The Foundation operates without external sponsors, relying heavily on contributions from its 75 members; young adults aged 18 to 30 and the funds raised through events like Harmony in Green.
In addition to its ongoing programs, Raising heARTs has launched a critical new initiative to further empower underprivileged children: the Empower Young Minds fundraising campaign. This effort seeks to raise $41,000 to provide laptops, cameras, and other essential tools to train children in coding, photography, and soft skills. By equipping them with these resources, the campaign aims to open doors to freelancing opportunities, allowing the children to generate income and contribute to the sustainability of their children’s homes.
“This isn’t just about giving tools—it’s about giving hope and a chance to dream beyond their circumstances,” says George Patrick Olilo.
This campaign represents a significant step forward in the Foundation’s mission to break the cycle of poverty. It isn’t just about providing tools—it’s about investing in potential and giving children the skills to build a brighter future.
Contributions towards supporting the foundation can be made via M-Pesa Paybill: 247247 (Account: 331920, Bank Account: 0470281418500 (Equity Bank and PayPal: inuaproductionsinfo@gmail.com
The team is also calling on individuals and organizations to share the campaign, offer resources, and volunteer their time to amplify the impact.
For all its successes, Raising heARTs remains deeply grounded in its mission. The team is driven not by accolades but by the joy of seeing children blossom into confident individuals. As one member put it, “The most rewarding part of this journey is the hope we bring. Seeing children transform makes every challenge worth it.”
The Foundation’s future is bright. With plans to expand beyond Nairobi and into East Africa, and to grow Harmony in Green into a regional celebration of creativity and mentorship, the impact of Raising heARTs is only beginning. Through the lens of art and compassion, the Raising heARTs Foundation is painting a brighter future for countless children. As its founders so beautifully say, “Charity is not about giving what you have but giving what you can to make the world a better place.”
