LOHADA draws its strength from volunteers, but the current COVID-19 pandemic has severely limited these partnerships. Luckily, a student of one of LOHADA’s board members has volunteered to intern from September 2022-2023: James, a college senior from Kenya finishing his Bachelor’s degree in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. While James is eager to spearhead initiatives for students on his home continent, we want to help him cover travel, lodging, and other work-related expenses. Help us fundraise so that our intern James can begin his work at LOHADA; our board members will match your donations (up to $5000 USD). We appreciate witnessing in real time the power of a determined community.

James’s Bio

James Okaro Juma, an only child of his parents, was born and raised in Kenya. For James, service to mankind forms an integral part of his Christian faith which has been modeled by his loving parents whom he holds in high esteem. Upon completion of his primary school education, he enrolled at Starehe Boys’ Center and School – a top National school in Kenya – for his secondary school education. Starehe, besides being an academic powerhouse, plays a pivotal role in molding wholesome individuals dedicated to serving their communities. While at Starehe, James spent most of his holidays participating in the Voluntary Service Scheme (VSS) Program and consequently volunteered at various governmental offices and parastatals including The Nairobi Hospital, The National Immigration Department (Nyayo House), Office of the Attorney General (Sheria house) and the National Assembly. Thanks to the VSS, a strong commitment to service was instilled in James which he continues to embody.

From Starehe, James earned a prestigious two-year full scholarship given to one student at Starehe annually to attend Aiglon College in Switzerland for the International Baccalaureate (IB). While in Switzerland, James gained favor with his teachers, fellow students, and support staff and in a span of under a year, he was elected as the male Student Guardian (President of the Student Government / Head Boy). His commitment to service extended beyond school demonstrated by his volunteering to teach French to Refugees at La Clairière Center for Refugees most of whom were Afghani at the time. Currently it is domicile to Ukrainian refugees. James graduated from Aiglon with Honors with Distinction and proceeded to Stanford University on a full Scholarship. At Stanford, he pursued a Major in Management Science and Engineering, a Minor in French, and a Certificate in African Studies. While there, he served as a Resident Assistant for two years, was the President of the Stanford Gospel Choir and Student Prayer Coordinator at Memorial Church. James graduated from Stanford in June 2022 and is honored by the volunteering opportunity at LOHADA in Tanzania beginning September 1^st 2022. He looks forward to working with Mama Happiness Wambura (Founder of LOHADA), the LOHADA staff and students, and KESHO Board members to continue ensuring that LOHADA is a safe haven for the underprivileged in society.

Update: thanks to generous donations from friends of LOHADA, we have successfully completed this fundraiser; James will depart for Tanzania in September 2022

Please indicate “Intern” on form as you are donating.