Honoring A Mother’s Love Through Huru, A Giving Story

Sometimes, one act of generosity creates a legacy that continues to grow. For Mimi R., what began as a family journey to honor her late mother’s love of Africa has become a deeply personal commitment to helping girls and young women build better futures.

“Shortly before my mother passed away, she gave my brother and me the extraordinary gift of a safari trip to Africa. She wanted us to experience the continent she loved, and to share it with our children. When it came time to plan that trip, I knew I wanted to find a way to give back to the place that meant so much to her,” Mimi says.

As Mimi was preparing for her family’s journey to Africa, she shared her wish to make a meaningful contribution. Her travel advisor immediately told her about Micato Safaris and their connection to Huru International, and soon introduced her to Karina Chen, Huru’s Chief Operating Officer. Their first conversation was one Mimi will never forget.

“Karina shared so many powerful stories about Huru’s work with girls and young women, and I must admit, I shed some tears during that call. I felt naïve, having never considered the challenges these young women face every single day.”

“It never occurred to me how many girls go without something as basic as menstrual supplies, or how this lack can trap them in the cycle of poverty, keeping them out of school and limiting their opportunities. I knew this was something my family would want to support. My mom would have agreed wholeheartedly.”

Before traveling to Africa, Mimi’s family made their first gift to Huru through her mother’s charitable trust. Visiting Huru Global in Nairobi soon after, they were able to witness the difference their mother’s legacy was already making.

A Visit That Changed Everything

When Mimi and her family arrived at Huru Global in Nairobi, she admits she felt a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. But the moment they stepped inside the production center, the atmosphere shifted. They were welcomed with songs, smiles, and hugs from the young women in training — a greeting so genuine that any hesitation disappeared instantly

Each woman in the Skills Development class proudly displayed the clothes she had sewn, laying out the patterns and designs she had mastered. Mimi recalls walking from table to table, listening as the students described their work with unmistakable pride. The air was filled with laughter, color, and accomplishment — and for Mimi, it was a moment she knew she’d never forget.

“I’ll always remember hearing the confidence in their voices and seeing the pride in their smiles. The Huru girls shared how their training had changed not only their skills, but their sense of what’s possible. The words ‘skill, confidence, courage, and gratefulness’ were everywhere.”

One graduate, Nakesa, shared: “This training has really changed my life and even my thinking. I now know I can face any challenge and overcome it. I have the skills and courage to work so my family will have something on the table.”

Hearing those voices full of pride, determination, and gratitude left a lasting impression.

“The Huru girls are the true heroes. They inspire me with their bravery and strength. Knowledge is power, and I saw that power in their eyes that day — they’re using it to change their lives and their communities.”

When Compassion Meets Opportunity

During her visit, Mimi also learned that a sudden loss of government funding had threatened to impact Huru’s programs. That reality made her resolve even stronger.

“Knowing how many lives their programs touch, and how vital it is to the girls’ futures, motivates me to keep supporting Huru. Every time I think about their stories, I’m reminded that even one contribution can keep the momentum going for so many young women.”

Today, Mimi continues to champion both of Huru’s core initiatives: the Huru Kit program, which provides reusable pads and health education to girls across East Africa, and the Skills Development Program, which teaches tailoring, business, and life skills to unemployed young women. Together, these programs equip girls and young women with the tools to thrive.

“Huru Kits mean so much more than menstrual supplies. They symbolize freedom, opportunity, and equality. A single Huru Kit can give a girl back hundreds of days of education, days she would have otherwise lost. That’s an extraordinary gift.”

What Mimi wishes more people understood is just how life-changing that gift truly is.

“Girls can miss up to four or five days of school each month because they lack access to sanitary pads. Over time, that adds up to more than a month of missed learning, and some girls may drop out entirely. A Huru Kit gives her back her education—and her confidence.”

And beyond the numbers, it’s the gratitude that moves her most.“I want people to see how deeply and sincerely grateful each girl is for our support. Hearing it firsthand is incredibly touching.”

The Beauty of Together

Mimi’s giving is rooted in family, but its reach extends far beyond. Her mother’s generosity lives on through every young woman who learns a skill, starts a business, and every girl who stays in school because of Huru.

“Through our giving, I hope every girl Huru reaches will grow up knowing her value, believing in her potential, and becoming a confident woman who uplifts others in her community. I am so proud of them.”

At Huru, we believe the most powerful changes happen when compassion meets opportunity. Mimi’s story reminds us that generosity has no borders - it connects hearts, families, and futures.