Wawira Njiru’s School Nutrition Project Wins Sh48M Grant in U.S. Contest

Wawira Njiru, the mastermind behind the Food for Education Foundation, has been honoured as one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious Elevate Prize Award.

Her journey began more than ten years ago when she established the non-profit organization with a simple yet impactful goal: to provide affordable and nutritious meals to primary school students. Over time, Njiru’s initiative has not only addressed the issue of hunger in classrooms, but has also made significant improvements in child nutrition, school attendance, and academic performance. Her tireless commitment has earned her recognition and a remarkable unrestricted grant of Sh48 million (USD300,000), along with customized support services aimed at enhancing her organization’s influence.

Elevate Prize Foundation founder Joseph Deitch emphasized on Tuesday the importance of these services, highlighting their role in amplifying the winners’ stories, expanding their reach, and deepening their impact on society. Njiru responded to the news of her victory with overwhelming joy and appreciation. She voiced her gratitude for the recognition of her efforts and reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach. In addition to her worldwide acclaim, Njiru’s face was displayed on billboards in the iconic Times Square—a symbol of her extraordinary achievements and commitment to social well-being.

Nairobi County Government have partnered with her to launch the DishiNaCounty initiative which aims to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren in Nairobi County. Besides Njiru, other named entrepreneurs include Zarlasht Halaimzai, Gayatry Datar, Sonya Passi, Mpindi Abaas, Melissa Malzkuhn, Daniel Forkkio, Isabelle Kamariza, Sam Bencheghib, and Kwan Stewart. Their collective efforts and innovative solutions have not only earned them recognition but also an invitation to attend the Make Good Famous Summit in Miami. This summit will provide them with an opportunity to explore strategies for using media, content, and creators to challenge unjust systems and inspire lasting change.