About Us
Learn more about our mission, the values that guide our work, and the team dedicated to improving lives across Kalaki District.
Our Story
Hope Makers Kalaki was born out of heartbreak and hope.
It began with one woman's first visit to Kalaki, a remote community that immediately won her over with its warmth, talent, and hospitality. She chose to stay, to marry into the community, and to become part of it fully.
But beneath the welcome, she saw a community losing its potential. Talented, hardworking people were held back by challenges that had become normalized: idle youth, teenage pregnancies no longer making headlines, early marriages going unquestioned, and families trapped in poverty by limited access to education.
The breaking point came when a friend's 16-year-old daughter, still in school, became pregnant. Instead of protection, she was married off, and a fine of one cow, locally known as toyo, settled the matter. In a moment, two young lives were redirected into a future neither of them had chosen.
That moment made it clear: someone had to stand up for the community and offer real solutions. In 2022, that conviction brought together a group of friends who shared the same vision, and Hope Makers Kalaki was founded.
Today, we're seeking partnerships and collaborations to hold hands with us and build Kalaki, together.
“We believe every young girl and boy in Kalaki deserves a future they choose for themselves, not one decided for them.”
Hear From Our Founder
Our Mission
To empower communities in Kalaki through education, health, youth and women empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods by holding hands to build lasting solutions.
Our Vision
A resilient and empowered Kalaki where every youth, woman, and family lives with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Our Approach
These principles guide every program and partnership we build.
Community First
We listen to the people of Kalaki and put their needs first.
Integrity
We are transparent, honest, and accountable in everything we do.
Hope
We believe every person has potential to transform their future.
Inclusiveness
We serve youth, women, men, and vulnerable families without discrimination.
Partnership
We believe in collaboration. "Holding Hands, Building Kalaki"
Innovation
We use practical, local solutions to solve local problems.
Meet Our Team
The people leading our programs and driving impact across Kalaki.
Mary Jackline Epitu
Founder
Mary founded Hope Makers Kalaki after making Kalaki her home, driven to build lasting solutions alongside the community she became part of.
Habene Betty
Programs Lead
Betty oversees education and youth empowerment programs with a background in social work.
Alieto Naomi
Health Team Lead
Naomi leads our maternal and child healthcare outreach initiatives across Kalaki District.
Nawegulo Zaina
Finance & Operations Manager
Zaina ensures financial transparency and operational efficiency across all our projects.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether through a donation, volunteering, or a partnership, your support helps us reach more families across Kalaki District.