A Pastor’s Dream: Ending the Cycle of Poverty Through Education

By: Marcus Muli (Director of Operations)

In 1976, deep in the heart of Kenya, a dream took root—a dream that would change the lives of countless vulnerable children and inspire generations to come. This is the story of Anaweza, a charity organization born from a pastor's mission to break the cycle of poverty and a generations-long struggle to bring that dream to fruition.

The Genesis of a Vision

Under the leadership of Rev. Stanley Muli, Muisuni Church in Kenya established a children's home in 1976 to support orphaned and vulnerable children. Rev. Stanley Muli dedicated his life to serving those in need in his community. Working tirelessly at the children's home, he not only provided care and guidance but instilled faith and hope in the children under his wing. Among those he influenced was his own son, Alfred Muema Muli. Alfred grew up alongside these children, forming bonds and witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of compassion and education. These experiences, deeply woven into his formative years, would shape his purpose in life.

Years later, after Alfred moved to the United States to pursue higher education—earning a master's degree and a PhD—he learned of the orphanage’s deteriorating condition. It faced closure due to a lack of funding. Driven by a profound sense of responsibility and a belief in the power of education, Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli took action. He founded Anaweza, a Kiswahili word meaning "He is able," with a singular mission: to provide children with the same opportunities that allowed him to overcome poverty.

Reimagining Care: The Guardian Model

While Anaweza initially sought to support the orphanage, Dr. Muli realized that institutional settings, though helpful in the short term, were not ideal for a child’s long-term psychological and emotional well-being. With this understanding, and upon discussion with his wife and daughter, he made a bold decision: to close the orphanage and transition to a guardian-based model. Children were placed with relatives, neighbors, or trusted members of their communities—people who could provide them with familial love and care.

Anaweza supplemented this care by funding the children’s education in Kenya’s premier boarding schools. A hired social worker ensured the children’s mental and physical well-being, conducting regular visits to both their schools and homes. This model allowed the organization to focus on holistic growth while fostering strong community ties and reducing the stigma associated with institutional care.

A Decade of Impact

Over the past ten years, Dr. Muli has supported the vulnerable children of Kenya, nurturing them from their early years into young adulthood. Today, the youngest are in high school, while the oldest are on the cusp of graduating from college. This milestone represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and hope.

However, the work is far from over. Anaweza’s immediate goal is to secure $50,000 over these next two years to fund the remaining education expenses for its current cohort, ensuring they have the resources needed to achieve brighter futures.

Dreaming Bigger: The Future of Anaweza

Looking ahead, Anaweza envisions a bold expansion of its mission. The next phase involves nurturing a new generation of leaders—100 children who will not only receive a high-quality education but will also be equipped to drive Kenya’s development and give back to their communities. The organization aims to establish an alumni network, connecting these future leaders with past beneficiaries to create a support system that transcends generations.

In the long term, Anaweza’s ultimate dream is to build its own school—a center of excellence dedicated to educating and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. By bringing children under one roof and welcoming others in need, the organization plans to deliver an unparalleled educational experience that adheres to the highest standards.

Breaking the Cycle

Anaweza’s story is one of resilience, vision, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. It is a legacy passed down from a pastor to his son and from the son to his children, a legacy that has impacted countless children who now dare to dream. At its core, Anaweza embodies the conviction that poverty is not an unbreakable chain but a cycle that can be quelled.

This is not just a mission. It is a movement—a movement to uplift, empower, and transform. With continued support and unwavering faith, Anaweza will continue to shine as a beacon of hope, proving that through education, dreams can indeed come true.