Wawira’s journey began when she moved to Australia to pursue a degree in Nutrition and Food Science. During her studies, she volunteered at a soup kitchen, where she was inspired by the power of food to bring people together and improve lives. In 2012, she founded Food for Education with just $125, which she raised through a small fundraising lunch she hosted with friends. Her vision was simple yet profound: to ensure that no child had to learn on an empty stomach.
Food for Education started small, providing meals to just 25 children. However, it quickly grew due to its impact on attendance, concentration, and academic performance among students. The organization uses a centralized kitchen model that allows it to prepare large quantities of nutritious meals at a low cost, which are then distributed to schools. Wawira introduced the Tap2Eat technology, a cashless system that uses smart wristbands to enable students to pay for meals easily, making the process efficient and ensuring that no food goes to waste.
Wawira’s work has gained international recognition, and she has received numerous awards for her efforts, including being named a Global Citizen Prize Winner in 2018 and being listed in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 in 2020. Her approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration, involving local farmers, schools, and community members in the fight against hunger.
Under her leadership, Food for Education has grown to provide over 5,000 meals daily, with ambitious plans to scale up to reach more children across Kenya. Wawira’s vision extends beyond feeding children; she aims to create a sustainable model that addresses systemic issues of poverty and education inequity. She believes that by nourishing children today, they can be empowered to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Wawira Njiru’s dedication and innovative approach have made her a leading voice in addressing child hunger in Africa. Her work continues to inspire many, showing that with passion, resilience, and a commitment to change, even the smallest of actions can make a significant impact on society.
