The 33-year-old is best known for her role as executive director and founder of the Food for Education Foundation, and has been praised for her outstanding contributions to child welfare and education.
Food for Education: A noble effort to fight hunger in the classroom
Wawira Njiru’s journey began 12 years ago when she founded the Food for Education Foundation.
The primary objective was to address hunger in elementary school classrooms by providing hot, nutritious, and affordable meals.
The initiative, which began in Kiambu County, quickly expanded to include Nairobi and Mombasa counties, with the aim of improving school enrollment and academic performance while addressing the widespread problem of hunger among students.
International recognition and praise
Njiru's unwavering dedication and impactful work has earned him international recognition and acclaim.
Her innovative approach to addressing child hunger has not only changed the lives of countless children, but has also earned her recognition as a global philanthropist and social entrepreneur.
Elevate Award Winner: A Mark of Excellence
As a testament to her extraordinary leadership and visionary efforts, Wawira Njiru received the prestigious Elevate Award.
The award includes an unrestricted grant of Sh48 million (US$300,000) and customized services designed to strengthen the organization's capacity.
These services include communications strategy, content development, branding, social media training, and leadership development aimed at expanding the impact of the Food for Education Foundation.
After the award was announced, Wawira Njiru expressed her deep gratitude for the award and emphasized the importance of ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach.
The remarkable achievements of Wawira Njiru
Wawira Njiru's remarkable achievements go beyond the Elevate Prize. In 2022 she received the Icon Award in the World's 50 Best Restaurants program, and in October 2021 she was named the United Nations' Person of the Year.
Her unwavering dedication serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, creating positive change and transformative impact throughout the community.
In addition to Wawira Njiru, several other visionary entrepreneurs were recognized for their exemplary contributions to social change.
The roster of esteemed awardees includes Zarrasht Haraimzai, Gayatri Datar, Sonya Passi, Mpindi Abbas and Melissa Marzkoon, each of whom has made great strides in their respective fields.
