About
The Ronnie Fund
Empowering Kenyan Communities through Sustainable Solutions
At The Ronnie Fund, we believe that lasting change comes from within the community. Since our founding in 2006, we’ve been committed to supporting Kenyan communities through grassroots initiatives that empower people with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to create sustainable futures.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to improve the quality of life for the people of Kenya by empowering communities through education, technology, and access to resources. We work closely with local leaders, volunteers, and donors to address the unique challenges faced by each community—focusing on solutions that are community-driven and sustainable.
Our Vision
We envision the development of the Mghongo Eco-Leadership Centre, an innovative educational facility designed to share knowledge, skills, and training on local, low-cost, self-sustaining initiatives. Our focus is on adaptive technologies and innovations that promote environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community health.
Through this center, we aim to provide Kenyan communities with the skills and education needed to improve livelihoods, protect their environment, and build resilient futures. Our ultimate goal is to create a model for sustainable development that can be replicated across Kenya and beyond.
Our Story
The Ronnie Fund was inspired by a young man named Ronnie Mwachia Mdawida, who participated in the Canada World Youth (Canada, Kenya, and Tanzania) Eco-Leadership Program. In 2005, Ronnie lived with the Wood family in Bracebridge, Ontario, for three months, during which time he shared his dream of empowering his home village of Wongonyi in Taita Taveta County, Kenya.
Moved by Ronnie’s vision, Peter and Kathy Wood founded The Ronnie Fund in 2006 to help him realize his dream. What started as a small grassroots initiative has since grown into a movement that impacts thousands of lives across Kenya, empowering communities to take charge of their future.
Today, The Ronnie Fund works with rural and urban communities across Kenya, with a special focus on those experiencing extreme poverty. We aim to address critical challenges such as healthcare access, education, food security, clean water, and environmental sustainability.
Our Approach
At The Ronnie Fund, we believe in providing a “hand up, not a hand out.” Our approach is community-led, meaning that all our projects are initiated and managed by the communities we serve. We work alongside local leaders, offering support through resources, training, and mentorship, but always with the goal of empowering the community to become self-sufficient.
Our Core Focus Areas
01
Education
We are dedicated to providing access to quality education for children, youth, and adults.
02
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is a critical issue in many Kenyan communities.
03
Environmental Conservation
Our environmental programs focus on reforestation, soil conservation, and sustainable farming techniques.
Our Achievements
Over the past decade, The Ronnie Fund has grown into a recognized force for good in Kenyan communities. Some of our key accomplishments include:
- Established the Mghongo Eco-Leadership Centre, which offers training in sustainable agriculture, conservation, and small business development.
- Trained over 100 CHVs, who now provide crucial healthcare services and mental health support to rural communities.
- Launched the Yogi Golle ICT Academy, providing youth with digital literacy skills and access to online freelance opportunities.
- Planted over 10,000 trees as part of our ongoing reforestation and climate change mitigation efforts.
- Organized medical camps that have provided free healthcare services to thousands of people in both rural villages and urban areas like Kibera.
