The Spark Behind Nyasuba Foundation
Nyasuba Foundation was founded by Pauline Atieno, a proud daughter of Suba and an international field hockey player, whose life journey is the very reason this foundation exists. Growing up, Atieno was part of a close knit group of more than fifteen girls. They shared everyday life together fetching firewood, washing utensils by the lakeshore, swimming in the tides, and dreaming beneath the warm Suba sun. But as the years passed, those shared dreams began to fade.
Some of her friends became young mothers. Others were lost to depression and the deep loneliness brought on by HIV stigma. Many simply could not afford to continue to high school. In the end, only two of them made it to university.
Atieno was one of them.
Her journey was made possible by a mother who shielded her from the harsh communal norms and constant reminders of “If you try that you will end up like.” Her mother encouraged to be different. Dream big and dream boldly. “If your dreams make sense to you, that is enough, just keep going.” She would say. The child was given wings and unknowingly she flew. Driven by passion and the urge to learn new, Atieno kept moving, exploring life opportunities, and held on sports, a safe heaven she got in the midst of all the struggles. Even while far from home, Atieno continued to carry her light with purpose. She served as Captain of the University of Nairobi women’s hockey team for three consecutive years, leading a remarkable turnaround in the team’s performance. Under her leadership, the team regained strength, earned recognition within the university sports department, and captured national attention.
Her impact on the field did not go unnoticed. In 2019, Atieno was named Most Valuable Player of the Women’s Super League by the Kenya Hockey Union. The following year, she received the Player of the Year award a victory made even more meaningful by the unwavering support of her village, where community members came together, mobilizing each other and rallying votes to ensure she won. Beyond the accolades, Atieno remained grounded and committed to growth. Often without realizing it, she was constantly learning striving not only to become a better athlete, but a stronger, wiser woman. At the time, Pauline did not realize the ripple effect her perseverance would have. Making it to university not only changed her life it inspired her siblings and ignited hope across her entire community. The community was watching and shifting. Girls were beginning to believe in what they could become.
Feedback from teachers, parents, and students revealed the quiet but powerful impact she had made. Her influence through sports and mentorship earned her recognition from Sigand Nyi Nam, where she was honored with an award for exemplary stewardship in sports, recognizing her as a role model and changemaker in the Lake Region. That was the moment she knew.
It was time.
After years of working with organizations across Kenya to empower girls and witnessing firsthand the challenges they face, Atieno decided to bring the mission home. That decision gave birth to Nyasuba Foundation: an organization rooted in lived experience, love for community, and a deep belief that every girl deserves a real chance at her dreams. While Nyasuba’s heart beats strongest in Suba, we look forward to create change in regions where many girls still face barriers to education, health, and opportunity. Through education, talent development, healthcare awareness, and advocacy on contemporary issues, Nyasuba Foundation is committed to breaking down these barriers and creating safe, supportive spaces where girls can grow, lead, and thrive.
At Nyasuba, we are helping girls write new stories.
Stories of hope.
Stories of strength.
Stories of dreams fulfilled.
Ubuntu is the quiet truth that no one walks alone, every step forward is carried by the community behind them.
Her story lit the spark. Nyasuba keeps the fire burning
Our Motto: Ubuntu
Our Goal
To provide resources, skills and quality services in education, talent tapping, and contemporary issues to help boost self-esteem for the girls and open avenues for brighter futures.
Our Mission
To become a safe space for empowering girls to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and further their education.
Our Vision
To cultivate a generation of strong, confident girls who are equipped to realize their full potential in all aspects of life and use it to empower themselves and the communities around them.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Empowerment
- Excellence
- Collaboration
Integrity: We operate with transparency, honesty, and accountability, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to the well-being of the girls we serve.
Innovation: We embrace creativity and forward-thinking approaches to address contemporary issues and provide transformative experiences through sports and education.
Empowerment: We are dedicated to fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership in girls, enabling them to pursue their dreams and break societal barriers.
Excellence: We strive for the highest quality in our programs and services, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes in sports, health and education. We inspire and cultivate the strength to
overcome challenges, promoting perseverance in achieving goals.
Collaboration: We value partnerships and teamwork, working together with communities, stakeholders, and mentors to create meaningful opportunities for the girls.