Children reading in library

Who We Are

Thrive from Thorns is a registered nonprofit under the Kenya Companies Act, 2015. We address the root causes of poverty, family breakdown, harmful cultural practices, poor education, violence, youth unemployment and holistic mentorship. Through a holistic, trauma-informed approach, we empower people to not just survive—but thrive.

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Our Mission

We dream of a world where every life is restored to dignity, strength and purpose.

We connect schools with dedicated volunteers and practical learning materials so every child can grow.

Our Vision

To empower every girl, boy and families through education, healthcare, economic empowerment and mentorship that restore purpose and transfrom lives.

We align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by advancing equitable education and community uplift.

Our Core Values

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards.

Compassion

We serve with empathy and dignity.

Innovation

We build bold, creative, and sustainable solutions.

Collaboration

We walk with communities, not ahead of them.

Excellence

We pursue quality, results, and measurable impact.

What is TFT

Thrive From Thorns (TFT) is a non-profit NGO dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged children in rural Kenya.

Our Story

Across Africa, millions live trapped in poverty, trauma, and broken systems. But we believe every thorn—every pain—can become the root of transformation. We exist to turn generational wounds into generational strength.

Children in rural Kenya raising their hands

Our Model

We Don’t Just Run Programs. We Build Pathways to Purpose. Our work is based on a five-pillar model that addresses the full spectrum of vulnerability—restoring broken systems, building resilient individuals, and strengthening families and communities.

Education & Skills Development

From classrooms to vocational training centers, we equip youth with tools for lifelong success and opportunity.

Health & Wellness

We deliver trauma healing, clinical services, rescue programs, and psychosocial support for total well-being.

Leadership & Empowerment

We mentor young leaders and build life skills to spark bold, values-driven leadership from the inside out.

Family & Community Strengthening

We restore homes and communities through parenting training, mental health services, and family-centered interventions.

Economic Empowerment

We create access to entrepreneurship, vocational skill-building, and sustainable income-generating opportunities.

Strategic Priorities

How We Build Lasting Impact

  1. Implement Evidence-Based, Scalable Programs

    We design and deliver programs grounded in data and proven best practices, ensuring they can be adapted and scaled to create lasting impact in diverse communities.

  2. Establish Purpose Centers (schools, health, rescue & vocational facilities)

    We set up multi-functional centers that provide quality education, healthcare, rescue services, and vocational training, creating safe spaces where children and communities can thrive.

  3. Deploy a Replicable Mentorship & Life-Skills Curriculum

    We develop and implement structured mentorship and life-skills programs that can be easily replicated, equipping young people with guidance, confidence, and essential skills for success.

  4. Strengthen Strategic Partnerships

    We collaborate with governments, organizations, and communities to build strong alliances that amplify our collective impact and drive sustainable change.

  5. Empower Communities Through Self-Led Restoration Tools

    We equip communities with practical tools, training, and resources that enable them to lead their own development, restore dignity, and sustain progress independently.

  6. Scale Our Model Across Africa and beyond

    We expand our proven approach to new regions, adapting to local contexts while maintaining core impact strategies to reach more children and communities across the continent.

  7. Mobilize Long-Term Resources for Sustainability

    We secure diversified, long-term funding and partnerships to ensure programs are not only launched but sustained and expanded for enduring community impact.

Governance Values

Education is a powerful catalyst for positive change in rural Kenya, playing a vital role in transforming lives and communities.

Integrity & Accountability

We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring that all actions and resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in the best interest of the communities we serve.

Local Knowledge, Global Standards

We combine deep local insights with internationally recognized best practices to deliver solutions that are both culturally relevant and globally competitive.

Transparency in Action

We operate with openness and clarity, providing stakeholders with real-time information, measurable results, and clear reporting on our programs and impact.

Inclusive & Participatory Leadership

We foster leadership that values every voice, encourages shared decision-making, and ensures communities are actively involved in shaping their future.

Our Core Values

At TFT, we hold a deep commitment to treating all children with utmost respect. This principle drives our transformative actions and practices.

  1. 01Results-Oriented

    We rise above challenges, persevering to achieve success in all our endeavors.

  2. 02Teamwork

    Collaboration is our cornerstone; we pool our efforts for the collective benefit.

  3. 03Community Engagement

    We establish partnerships with every community we serve, fostering meaningful collaboration.

  4. 04Child-Centered Approach

    Each child is unique, and we prioritize catering to their individual needs.

  5. 05Sustainability

    Through education and learning, we empower self-assurance and independence.

  6. 06Long-Term Focus

    Our solutions are geared towards enduring impact, steering clear of temporary fixes.

  7. 07Accountability

    Committing to responsible stewardship of resources and measuring impact.

  8. 08Integrity

    Upholding honesty and transparency in all actions.

  9. 09Collaboration

    Fostering strong partnerships with communities, organizations, and stakeholders.

Our Impact

Our initiatives have reached thousands of young learners. We provide quality education that empowers them to achieve their full potential.

3,000

Students Impacted

A vibrant community of learners, each benefiting from enhanced educational opportunities.

2500

Books Distributed

A treasure trove of knowledge that sparks imagination and fosters a lifelong love of reading.

15

Schools Reached

A network of schools invigorated by our programs, creating supportive learning environments.

View our detailed impact report

Become a Partner

Join us to extend quality education and opportunity to more rural learners across Kenya.

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Get in Touch

Have questions about our work? Want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

Let’s build something beautiful from brokenness —together.

Our Address

Thrive From Thorns, Nairobi Kenya

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Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

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