Walking Hand-in-Hand: Kayera’s Ongoing Impact with HOHI

At Haven of Hope International (HOHI), we are deeply grateful for the people who step forward to not only serve, but to walk hand-in-hand with orphaned and vulnerable children through some of life’s most difficult transitions. One such person is Kayera Kashmiri—a former HOHI Board Member, long-time child sponsor, and now an active member of our Board of Advisors.

Though her role has shifted, her commitment has not wavered. Today, she pours her heart into coordinating medical support and mentoring transition students in Africa.  She is helping the unadopted build brighter futures through education, health care, and mentorship.

Champion for Transition Students

For the past three years, Kayera has worked closely with JEHO Safe Home’s transition students in Nairobi, Kenya, guiding them as they take their first steps toward independence. Her support has included:

• Communicating directly with schools to ensure placement and progress
• Working with medical professionals to secure anti-seizure medication for two young residents
• Assisting in the onboarding of a social worker to strengthen child support services
• Coordinating dental treatments for residents to ensure their long-term health

Her dedication has been nothing short of transformational in the lives of individual young people:

• Eugene was failing high school and struggling with depression. With encouragement and support, he’s now thriving and pursuing opportunities related to airports and aviation.
• Duncan, once expelled from school, has since reintegrated with his family, graduated high school, and is pursuing vocational training.
• Ian successfully completed his studies, secured his own place, is working full time, and is preparing for marriage—a true testament to stability and independence.

Leadership Beyond the Children's Home

Kayera’s leadership extends far beyond mentoring individual students. She played a pivotal role in launching a local Board of Directors for  Matonyok Children’s Home and School in Arusha Tanzania in Arusha, Tanzania.  An additional layer of support for devoted leadership to ensure the legacy of the founding directors, Ndemno and Emmy Sitayo would provide hope for children in Arusha, for many years to come.

She also was pivotal in connecting Neema, one of Matonyok's children, with UCSF's Benioff's Children's Hospital in San Francisco.  She further coordinated transportation and care for Neema in the US while awaiting a kidney donation.  These efforts fuel the hospital's efforts to change the way Tanzania looks at pediatric kidney transplants.

A Legacy of Hope and Leadership

Whether through board leadership, mentoring transition students, or addressing critical medical needs, Kayera exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong advocate for children in care. Her legacy continues to grow, creating ripple effects that will impact generations to come.