Growing up in Eldama Ravine, Hon Lessonet witnessed firsthand the challenges facing students without access to quality education. After completing his studies abroad, he returned with a vision to transform his community through education.

In 2013, he began by sponsoring five students from his personal savings. Seeing their transformation, he was inspired to establish the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation with a more ambitious goal: to create sustainable educational opportunities for all children in the region.

Hon Lessonet's leadership has been instrumental in growing the foundation from a small scholarship initiative to a comprehensive educational organization that now impacts hundreds of students annually. His philosophy that "education is the most powerful tool for changing lives" remains the guiding principle of the foundation.

With a background in Educational Leadership and Policy from Harvard University, Hon Lessonet combines international best practices with deep local understanding to create programs that address the unique needs of the Eldama Ravine community.

"What drives me every day is seeing the transformation in our students. When a child who had no hope for further education graduates and goes on to pursue their dreams, that's the greatest reward possible."

Under his leadership, the foundation has established partnerships with international organizations, local businesses, and government agencies, creating a robust support network for educational initiatives in the region.

Our foundation is profoundly inspired by Eng. John Tanui, the current Chair of Konza Technopolis and a former Cabinet Secretary of Technology. While Eng. Tanui is widely recognized for his immense contributions to Kenya's technological landscape, his journey and deep-seated commitment to development are what truly inspired the creation of this education foundation.

Eng. Tanui's vision for technology goes beyond mere infrastructure. He believes in leveraging technology to empower individuals and drive socio-economic growth. This philosophy has shaped the strategic direction of Konza Technopolis, which aims to be a hub for innovation, research, and economic diversification.

He firmly believes in the power of education as a fundamental pillar for national growth and individual empowerment. This belief, evident throughout his distinguished career, directly fueled our passion to create inclusive learning environments.

Even amidst his significant roles in shaping Kenya's digital future, Eng. Tanui often emphasizes that "Education isn't just about passing exams. It's about preparing children to lead meaningful, productive lives and contribute positively to their communities."

This philosophy resonates deeply with our mission, reinforcing our commitment to a holistic approach to education that nurtures every aspect of a child's development. His dedication to leveraging knowledge for societal benefit serves as the guiding principle behind every program and initiative we undertake.

Eng. Tanui also spearheaded the creation of Uzalendo School's unique curriculum, which masterfully combines rigorous academics with essential practical skills and values education, preparing students not just for exams, but for life.

Patrick Boruett, a proud Kenyan citizen residing in Nairobi, is a visionary leader whose diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to social impact have been instrumental in shaping the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation (EREF). He brings a unique blend of strategic business acumen, healthcare innovation, and a profound passion for community empowerment to his role as our Co-Founder and Chairperson.

Patrick's professional journey is marked by significant contributions to public health. A pharmacy management specialist, he has served as a senior technical advisor in programs dedicated to improving pharmacy systems across Kenya. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from the University of Nairobi and a Master's in Health Promotion from Curtin University of Technology, Australia. Further demonstrating his leadership in the field, Patrick earned a Diploma from the Pharmacy Leadership Academy (DPLA) at the ASHP Foundation in the USA. His innovative spirit shone brightly when he crafted a winning proposal on Medication Safety Self-Assessment (MSSA) at Kakamega County General Hospital, securing the Inaugural Innovation Challenge (INCH) award fund by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) in 2013.

"I believe that combining business principles with social mission creates the most sustainable path to development," Patrick explains. "By applying sound financial management, strategic planning, and innovative funding models, we can ensure that our educational programs continue to grow and reach more children." This philosophy underpins his innovative approach to sustainable funding, which has been crucial for EREF's growth and long-term viability.

Under Patrick's strategic guidance, EREF has successfully diversified its funding sources, reducing dependency on any single donor. He championed the introduction of a social enterprise model to the foundation, initiating income-generating activities that not only contribute to operational costs but also provide vital vocational training for our students.

As an active mental health advocate in Kenya, Patrick's vision for the future is to create a social enterprise that will reduce poverty and transform the lives of those living with mental health conditions. He firmly believes that equipping individuals with skills and networks is key to empowering changemakers, a principle he embodies in all his endeavors.

Patrick's impact extends far beyond financial contributions. Leveraging his extensive network, he's forged crucial partnerships with corporations across Kenya. These collaborations have opened doors for resource mobilization and created invaluable internship and mentorship opportunities for our scholarship students, directly bridging the gap between education and employment.

"I attended primary school with big dreams and was blessed to perform well in my KCPE. I was admitted to a top high school, but with fees of over Ksh. 120,000 per year, and four brothers in high school and two in college, my family simply couldn't afford it.

At the brink of giving up, I applied to the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation (EREF). After an interview and home visit, I was awarded a full scholarship.

They covered all my tuition fees from Form One to Form Four. That support opened every door for me, from completing high school to graduating with a degree in Electronics Engineering.

Today, I work in the energy sector and actively support community based projects in my free time. I will always be grateful.

The Foundation changed my life, and I'm committed to giving back so that others can have the same chance I was given."

"I completed primary school at Igure Primary with high hopes and dreams. I performed well and was thrilled to receive an admission letter to Jomo Kenyatta High School.

However, the reality of high tuition and initial school requirements quickly dimmed that dream — my family simply couldn't afford it. "

Just when everything felt hopeless, I heard about the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation (EREF). I applied for the scholarship, went through the interview process, and was fortunate to be awarded a full scholarship to Uzalendo School.

EREF covered all my school fees and provided an environment designed for both academic and personal growth. The support was holistic — everything I needed to succeed was made available.

Thanks to EREF, I completed high school without ever worrying about school fees. I later joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), pursuing a BSc in Telecommunications and Information Engineering.

I'm now looking forward to graduating and serving — my community, EREF, and the people of Eldama Ravine and Kenya at large. Beyond academics, EREF instilled in me deep values of service, resilience, and hope. I carry those values with pride — and a commitment to pay it forward.

I am living proof of the incredible impact of the Foundation. I stand with what EREF represents: equal access to education for all bright and needy students from our constituency."

"My journey, from being one of the first students at Uzalendo School to pursuing a law degree at Kenyatta University, is a testament to the incredible support I received from the EREF Foundation through Uzalendo School.

I always knew I wanted to make a difference, but it was at Uzalendo that I truly found my voice and direction. The school didn't just teach us subjects; it taught us how to think, how to challenge, and how to believe in ourselves. I remember the unique curriculum, which combined rigorous academics with practical skills and values education. It ignited my intellectual curiosity and helped me hone the critical thinking and communication skills that are so crucial for law.

Uzalendo felt like a family. The teachers saw our potential and pushed us to exceed our own expectations. They showed me that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. My grades consistently excelled throughout my time there. This experience, coupled with a growing sense of justice and a desire to advocate for others, led me to discover my passion for law. With the foundation's encouragement and continued support, I successfully secured admission to Kenyatta University School of Law.

Now, as a law student, I often reflect on my time at Uzalendo. I wanted to be part of something that truly changes lives. Uzalendo gave me the tools and the confidence to pursue my dreams. I'm so grateful that I can now work towards a career where I can champion justice for others. I'm proud to be an alumna of Uzalendo School and a product of the EREF Foundation's vision."