Welcome to the Malaika Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless children on
the streets of Nairobi, Kenya.
Founded in 2021 by Mauro De Bettio, the foundation’s
story began with a serendipitous encounter.
While walking through Nairobi, Mauro was approached
by a group of children
asking for food.
That moment unveiled a heartbreaking truth:
over 60,000 children in Nairobi live without
shelter, food, or family—facing unimaginable
hardships each day.
Moved by compassion and a determination to create change,
Mauro established the Malaika Foundation to address
the urgent needs of these vulnerable children.
Providing essentials like food, clean water, shelter,
and education, Malaika also offers something
even more transformative: hope.
By nurturing their dreams, the foundation
instills a sense of belonging and
opens doors to a brighter future.
Our mission is clear: to transform lives. Through comprehensive programs focused on education, nutrition, healthcare, and emotional well-being, the Malaika Foundation empowers children to break the cycle of
poverty and envision a world of opportunity.
Today, the foundation supports hundreds of children, offering not only life-sustaining resources but also the love, care, and dignity every child deserves. At Malaika, we believe every child has the right to dream, to thrive,
and to shape their own destiny.
Together, we can build a future where no child is forgotten. Join us in bringing hope to the streets of Nairobi and transforming lives—one child at a time.
Let’s turn hope into action. Together, we can rewrite the story for Nairobi’s homeless children and create a world filled with promise, opportunity, and love.
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Meet The Team.
Mauro De Bettio
FOUNDER
Mauro De Bettio is a globally acclaimed photographer and storyteller, renowned for capturing the essence of humanity in some of the world’s most remote and challenging regions. Driven by passion and a deep commitment to amplifying unheard voices, his work is a powerful reflection of beauty, struggle, and resilience. From documenting the harrowing realities of acid attack survivors in Bangladesh to unveiling the harsh conditions inside Manila’s prisons, from portraying dreams in Africa's largest slum to the stark lives of Afghanistan’s people, Mauro’s lens reveals untold stories with empathy and raw authenticity.
His art is a tribute to the human spirit, highlighting both its fragility and strength.
Sabbath
Sabbath, from Kenya, is the fourth of six siblings. She grew up in a remote village outside Nairobi, where poverty shaped her challenging childhood. Struggling to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and school fees, even securing one daily meal was a daunting task. At just nine years old, Sabbath began working on maize plantations as a casual laborer to help feed her family, enduring the harsh realities of hunger and hardship.
Today, she draws inspiration from her experiences, channeling her passion into the selfless work of the Malaika Foundation. This organization has empowered Sabbath to fulfill her dream of making a difference. Grateful for this opportunity, she remains dedicated to uplifting those who need it most.
Brownie
Browney was among the first children we rescued from the streets in 2021, when the Malaika Foundation began its journey. Today, he not only holds a steady job, supporting both himself and his blind mother, but also exemplifies the spirit of giving back. Every Sunday, he dedicates his time to volunteering, helping cook and distribute meals to over 200 children in need. His transformation and selflessness are truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable person he has become. Browney is a shining example of how hope and opportunity can change lives.
Salome
Salome, born and raised in a small Tanzanian village, faced immense challenges from a young age. Orphaned early, she married at just 14 to survive. Now a single mother of five, Salome works tirelessly to support her children, who depend entirely on her. With no formal employment, she took on small jobs like washing clothes and cooking in local food shops.
Her life took a positive turn when she joined the Malaika Foundation as a cook. Excelling in her role, she saved enough to open a small restaurant, fulfilling a long-held dream. Salome is celebrated for her kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication.
WHAT WE DO
Every week, the Malaika Foundation provides a warm meal to over 200 children in need. But the support doesn’t stop there — during these meal distributions, our team also offers basic medical care to those who require it, treating infections, general health issues, and providing essential items such as sanitary pads, diapers, and psychological support for children facing deeper struggles.
One of the things we are most proud of is helping many of these young people find stable jobs, allowing them to support themselves and their families. Others have been given the opportunity to access formal education for the first time in their lives.
From the very beginning, Malaika made a conscious decision: never to waste money on offices or unnecessary buildings. Every donation goes directly to helping the children and youth we serve — no one profits from this work. Only a very small portion, around 5%, is used to cover essential expenses such as compensating the young volunteers who help with meal distribution and maintaining the website. Every other cent goes exactly where it’s needed most.
WHERE THE DONATIONS GO
Meals and medical care for 200 people
Essential operations: supporting volunteers and maintaining the website
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children
in need. By committing to a small monthly donation, you can help
provide essential resources like education, healthcare, and food.
Even a modest contribution, when given regularly, has the power
to transform lives and create lasting change. Your consistency
makes all the difference, offering these children a brighter future
and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. Together, we
can create a better tomorrow—one small step at a time.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
WHERE
WE ARE
We are located in the lively, vibrant, and culturally rich city of Nairobi, Kenya.