OLOLO FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
Quarter 1, 2025
Hello from all of us at the Ololo Foundation,
We’re off to a vibrant and inspiring start to 2025, and we’re excited to share some of the highlights from the first quarter. From powerful community initiatives to new milestones in education and sport, the year is already full of promise.
Spotlight Story: Elvis and the King
We were thrilled to welcome Australian documentary filmmaker Peter Coleman, who joined us to tell the story of Elvis, a young chess prodigy from Tuala. His documentary Elvis and the King follows Elvis’s journey from local matches to the national stage, shining a light on the transformative power of chess in rural communities. We can’t wait to share the final film with you soon.
Oloosirkon Chess Team Shines Nationally
Seven students from Oloosirkon Primary School proudly represented Tuala at the Kenya National Schools Chess Championship at Mang’u High School. Competing among 7,000 players, all seven qualified for the upcoming African Individual Schools Chess Championship. A special shoutout to Elvis, who placed third nationally in the under-11 category with an incredible 8.5 out of 9 points!
Planting Trees and Growing Awareness
In collaboration with Project Hands Up, our conservation and sustainability initiatives reached new heights this term.
These creative workshops are doing more than spreading joy — they’re building practical sustainability skills and strengthening community awareness.
Stanley’s Rugby Rise: From Local Fields to Uganda
Stanley Omondi, one of the shining stars of the Ololo Rugby Program, has had an amazing start to the year. After joining the Kenya Dream Team at last year’s DBA Futures Cup, he recently travelled to Uganda for his first international match, representing Kenya as a flanker. His journey is one of talent, dedication, and perseverance.
Scholarship Support: Education in Motion
We’re so proud to share that 26 students from St John Primary School in Kibera received high school scholarships this term, helping them take the next step in their education. Many of these students would not have been able to continue without this support.
Additionally, four rugby players secured scholarships to attend Dawamu Academy and Malindi High School — a wonderful reminder of the role sport can play in creating opportunity.
And behind the scenes, Ololo Foundation continues to support what matters most — teachers. This term, we fully funded the salaries of 14 teachers at St John, ensuring learning continues with care and consistency.
With Gratitude
A heartfelt thank you to our supporters, volunteers, and partners — including Peter Coleman, Project Hands Up, Dawamu Academy, and everyone who continues to walk alongside us. Your generosity and belief in this mission is what makes all of this possible.
To keep up with our projects or get involved, you can visit:
www.ololofoundation.org
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
Thank you for being part of the Ololo story — here’s to more growth, more connection, and more impact in the months ahead.
Warm wishes,
The Ololo Foundation Team
Kenya
