Health & DignityOngoing2012 – Present
Sanitary Towels Distribution Programme
Since 2012 we have tackled period poverty so that menstruation never keeps a girl out of the classroom.
Offering hope to girls & youth in Kenya
Through education, vocational skills, mobile health camps, and business coaching, we walk alongside young Kenyans from vulnerability to economic independence. One girl, one family, one community at a time.
Tumaini by the #s
We publish our numbers because trust is built in daylight. Here is the depth and scale of our footprint on the ground.
Girls & youth impacted per year
Hover or focus a point to see the exact number for that year.
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Girls & youth reached
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Counties served
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Programs run
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Scholarships awarded
Where we work
Reach intensity by county. Hover or focus a county to see its numbers.
Select a county on the map to see its reach.
- Lower reach — new or growing programs
- Established outreach
- Strong presence
- Highest reach — anchor counties
- Not yet served
12,400+ Reached
Empowered Girls & Youth
Our scholarship, vocational training, and savings programs have directly impacted over 12,400 young people since 2012, helping them stay in school and transition to resilient careers.
18 Counties Served
Widespread Regional Footprint
From Nairobi and Kilifi to Garissa and Narok, we serve 18 counties across Kenya. We establish local project committees to ensure our education and health programs match the context of each community.
Our Initiatives
Featured Projects
Health & DignityOngoing
Partnership ProjectCompletedCompleted
Theirworld Sanitary Towels Distribution Project
A targeted project delivered with Theirworld to reduce period poverty among vulnerable adolescent girls in Western Kenya.
Leadership & MentorshipOngoing2021 – Present
Global G.L.O.W. Clubs
Safe spaces where adolescent girls build leadership, confidence and the knowledge to advocate for positive change.
LivelihoodsOngoing2014 – Present
Women's Group Savings and Loans Programme
A community-based microfinance initiative promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for women.
About Tumaini La Maisha CBO
Hope for the future, built together
Our Mission
“Tumaini La Maisha” is “Hope For the Future” in Swahili, and our name represents our deepest beliefs. Our organization strengthens women and girls’ health and education through financial assistance and community programs for families in Western Kenya. We especially focus on children and caregivers living on less than a dollar a day.
Our Story
Tumaini La Maisha CBO (TLM) is run by Executive Director & Co-Founder Phoebe D. Ekman, along with her international team, family, and community across Kenya, the U.S., and Canada. Phoebe was driven to launch TLM in 2021 alongside her husband, retired navy veteran and co-founder Todd Ekman, after almost 20 years of developing communities in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya with other NGOs. Phoebe’s passion for this work is rooted in her soul. She grew up in Kenya in the 80’s and 90’s and experienced firsthand the impacts of the patriarchal culture that persists today, where boys are still so much more likely to be supported than girls, and the whole society loses out. Thanks to Phoebe’s dedication, 234 girls have gone to universities and colleges since 2014. TLM carries forward work that Phoebe has been leading in Western Kenya over the past two decades, as well as adding responsive programming when new community needs come forward.
Our Team
The People Behind the Hope
Our team is the heart of everything we do, bringing together local expertise and international support. Get acquainted with the people powering hope in Western Kenya.
Todd & Phoebe Ekman
Co-Founders
Having worked in various organizations in the past that were aligned to sustainable projects, Phoebe embarked on a more inclusive project that would enable the community to come together and make decisions on their own that would impact their livelihoods and provide sustainable ways of daily living. Her previous work was with organizations such as Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI), WomenStrong International, LitWorld Organization and Global G.L.O.W. Currently she is the Partner Coordinator of Tumaini La Maisha in Kisumu/KENYA and Global G.L.O.W Organization, a non-profit organization based in Ca USA that mentors’ girls to advocate for themselves and make their communities stronger.
Todd is a retired navy veteran (1986 – 1991), who is very passionate in empowerment for individuals to be self-reliant and progressive in the communities they live in. He brings with him a vast knowledge from his personal experiences on how be productive and independent in decision making. His resilience is evident in his willingness to help the communities build better socio – financial structures to better their living conditions.
Tasha Ekman LaFace
Chairperson – USA
Tasha holds a BBA in accounting coupled with years of leadership experience in manufacturing. Her interests include water quality monitoring and testing, mentoring those who need a hand in helping themselves better their life and surroundings, and helping others with budgeting. She enjoys swimming, kayaking, Suba diving, historical fiction and spending time with her family. Having worked in a skill-oriented industry, Tasha is determined to impact the most vulnerable by way of mentorship and skill building.
Hadeer Maher
Strategic Planning and Advisory
Hadeer has on-hands experience in strategic planning, business development for NGOs/social enterprises, and conflict mapping. She has worked with orgs in Egypt, Kenya, India and the US. Driven by her passion for human rights and fighting modern slavery, she takes pride in providing the best community-based solutions possible. At TLM, Hadeer has been helping with strategic planning to match the organization’s vision. In addition to her primary job functions, Hadeer is also holding a dual degree in Conflict Resolution and International Development from Brandeis University in Boston. She currently resides in Kenya.
Philippa Massey
Programs Coordinator – Kenya
Currently a student at Portland State University, Philippa is a self-taught bass guitarist and artist. She has previously worked with LitWorld Organization as an artist and a mentor to the girls in the vulnerable communities in Kisumu KENYA. Philippa aspires to be a music mentor to members of her community and also teach arts as a way of empowering the children through community building and arts activities. She currently resides in the US but frequently visits family in Kenya. She is a lover of cats and dogs.
Trinity Hoeben
Treasurer
Trinity Hoeben lives in Alpine, California with her husband Kirk and two sons Zack and AJ. She teaches math at Grossmont High School where she also coaches cross country and track. Over the years she has also been an AWANA leader and Sunday School teacher. Trinity enjoys running long distance and participating in CrossFit and weight lifting. Living in Southern California also allows for weekends at the beach, hiking and trips to the mountains.
Tailey Ferguson
Programs Coordinator – USA
Tailey is a student at University studying psychology. She is pursuing her dream of obtaining a counseling degree to help others through times of grief and struggle. Outside of her studies, she enjoys training dogs for emotional support, water activities and exploring new places.
We guarantee a 100% impact model
Every shilling you donate goes directly to funding our community programs. Our administrative and operational costs are raised separately through dedicated corporate partners and private patrons.
Programs
Areas of Work
Our work is deliberately integrated. A girl who returns to school also needs health, skills, and financial security at home — so we deliver all together.
TLM Group Savings and Loans
TLM’s microfinance program known as the Groups Savings and Loans (GSL), has brought a positive holistic change within households in the communities.
Global G.L.O.W Clubs
Believing in the mission of Global G.L.O.W to provide holistic full-fledged provision of services to support girls’ well-being and empowerment, we believe in TLM that our mission aligns greatly with that of Global G.L.O.W.
Healthy G.L.O.W Clubs
These are programs that help the girl child to make informed decisions and choices concerning her life. Being a big part of the Global G.L.O.W Programing, Healthy GLOW strives to give girls the information they need to stay healthy in their everyday life.
Sanitary Towel Production
Most girls in rural areas have not used menstrual supplies until TLM provided them with pads. Our goal is to transition to washable reusable towels to increase sustainability and generate income.
Safe Spaces
The availability of having a safe space in any child’s life is an assurance that the mental health of a child is catered for. TLM in partnership with Global GLOW has come up with various safe spaces within the community.
Civic Education & Governance
TLM has been working with various communities in Kisumu Kenya in advocating for good governance amongst the community leaders, promoting peace during elections.
Want to see all the ways Tumaini is making an impact?
Impact ReportIn the business of
serving people
We believe that true development is not measured by infrastructure alone, but by the dignity and resilience of the people behind it. Every scholarship we coordinate, health camp we support, and trade we teach is designed to foster independence, self-worth, and a sustainable path forward.
Success Stories
Proof, in their own words
- Education
“I was two terms from dropping out. The scholarship paid my fees; the mentor taught me to plan. I want to be a civil engineer.”
Amina, 16 — Kilifi
Read full story 
Skills“Six months of tailoring training and a seed grant. Today I employ two other young women from my village.”
Naserian, 22 — Narok
Read full story- Health
“In one weekend, 480 girls received menstrual health education and supplies. Absenteeism in the two nearby schools fell by a third.”
Health Camp — Homa Bay
Read full story
“Tumaini did not arrive with answers. They sat with our parents' committee for a whole term and then built what we asked for.”
Mr. Otieno · Head Teacher, Homa Bay
They trust us
Blog
Field notes
- Women's Empowerment
From Surviving to Thriving: How Economic Empowerment Helps Women Rebuild Their Lives
For many women, having an income is about far more than earning money. It means having choices.
Read more - Girls' Advocacy
Giving Girls a Voice: Why Girls' Advocacy Matters
A girl has a voice long before she finds the confidence to use it. Advocacy begins with being heard.
Read more - Safe Spaces
More Than a Girls' Club: Creating Safe Spaces Where Girls Can Grow
What happens when a group of girls is given a safe place to meet, learn, ask questions, and be themselves?
Read more
Gallery
Moments from our programmes
Browse through our real program photographs. Select a category below to open the slideshow gallery.
Contact
Talk with us
Partnership, media, volunteering, or a question about your donation — we read every message.
- OfficeKilimani Business Centre, 3rd Floor, Nairobi
- Phone+254 700 123 456
- Emailhello@tumainilamaisha.org
- HoursMon–Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm EAT
Stay connected with our work