Anistemi
Easing the Burden of Poverty One Person at a Time
Who We Are
Committed to Love
The work of Anistemi is guided by a Board made up of committed, caring, and knowledgeable individuals. It was founded by Masemo Wakibogo and Kristi Martin. Masemo is a refugee of Congo who lived in Nairobi and now resides in Kansas with his family. He came to the U.S. with a commitment to not forget those he left in Africa and has been on a mission ever since. Since arriving in Kansas, Masemo has become an ordained Pastor and leads Amani Community Church, a Swahili speaking church serving numerous refugees in Wichita. Kristi Martin is a devoted follower of Christ, a wife and mother and felt called by God to partner with Masmeo in this mission. We rely on trusted partnerships with intelligent, capable, God-loving individuals in Nairobi, Kenya (Pastor Solomon Safari); Uvira, Congo (Elder Rubingu Ruharara) and Kumel, Uganda (Ikwarit Charles) who help us navigate the needs and the best ways to meet them.
Anistemi was founded on love and the idea that everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves and we believe this is a command, not a suggestion. The word Anistemi means "to raise up". Our desire is to provide opportunities through education, skill building, microlending and relationship that may allow the people in the communities we serve to raise themselves up and out of poverty. Drawing on trusted relationships with elders in Africa, the founders of Anistemi began making a difference in the lives of those living in the village of Kumel, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the slums of Nairobi, Kenya in 2018. Anistemi is a 501(c)(3) private charity. 98%-100% of every dollar given goes directly to the communities we serve.
Sustainable Solutions
Making A Difference
Education
One of our goals is to provide opportunities for those we serve who may not otherwise be afforded them. With access to education, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Anistemi currently supports over 300 children in Kenya, Congo and Uganda in receiving an education.
In 2021, Anistemi helped Elim Primary School purchase land in Kawangware, Kenya, and the new school was completed in December of 2023. This ensures access to education to 200+ children grades pre-K through grade 8. Elim Primary School was recently ranked #9 out of 53 schools in the region.
Microlending
Dreams are universal, opportunities are not. We strive to create opportunities for sustainable income sources for the communities we serve. Both communities have developed small businesses with seed money provided by Anistemi in order to generate steady income locally. By working locally, opportunities are created that can shape the future for an entire community.
Play area before Play area after
Land ownership for Elim Primary School and Makao House of Grace, Kawangware, Kenya
Elim Primary School is a school in Kawangware, Kenya which serves 206 of the areas most needy children, Pre-K through Grade 8. The building that was being used was not sufficient for the needs of the school and church. The area was prone to flooding, overcrowding, and indiscriminate rental increases. There was no outdoor space for the children to play and thrive.
In December, 2021, the purchase of new land was finalized and a new school and church were completed in December, 2023. For most of these members, this is the only land they will ever own.
We have opened a sewing school in Congo. Women are able to learn to sew and are gifted a sewing machine at graduation. This allows them to begin their own businesses and build a reliable income for themselves and their families. We have had over 40 graduates come through the program. In January, 2024, we began construction on our own building which will house the sewing school and serve as a community center.
We are always looking to add sponsors for our children in Kenya, Congo and Uganda. $25-$60/month will allow a child to receive an education. These children are not aware of the sponsorship as our goal is self-sufficiency and not reliance on foreign aid. Our desire is to break the dependency mindset. Please pray, love, and appreciate the child that you are making a monthly donation in honor of… a true “hand-up.” To sponsor a child, simply click donate and make your monthly donation recurring. Sponsorship covers the cost of tuition, daily meals, school supplies and uniforms and medical care.
Anistemi has made it a priority to ensure the teachers at Elim Primary School are paid a livable wage. This enables the faculty to focus on educating the students and allows Elim to retain and recruit the most qualified teachers in the area.
All of our Grade 8 students from Elim Primary have been able to attend high school. 18 are supported through Anistemi funds. $50/month or $500/year supports one child to attend boarding school.
We partner with El-Elyon Child Transformation in Kumel, Uganda. This organization works with families who would otherwise not have access to education, medical care and daily food rations. Anistemi has supported this grass roots effort to get this new ministry off the ground and supports 7 of the 10 children currently being served.
To donate to any of the above projects, simply click donate and click recurring or one time only. Make a note to let us know which project you wish to support.
Videos of BRAND NEW Elim Primary School and Makao House of Grace Church in Kawangware, Kenya.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
1 Corinthians 13:13
