From Small Dreams to Big Impact: The Story of Doors of Hope

How a Small Kenyan Organisation Turned Community Support into Life-Changing Impact 

In 2015, a small group of alumni students in Kenya dared to dream. They wanted to create change, to empower communities, and to improve the lives of those often overlooked. From that dream, Doors of Hope has grown from a small local initiative into a beacon of hope for children, youth, and women with disabilities. 

The journey, Jacqueline Shibalira, the founder and director, recalls, was never easy. “When we began, we were a small organisation with big dreams but limited resources,” she says. Their turning point came through a connection with Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF), which introduced them to the Change the Game Academy (CtGA). Jacqueline and her team were invited to attend a local fundraising training in Kisumu: a step that would redefine their approach and vision. 

“That training was transformative,” Jacqueline reflects. “It taught us that the resources we needed weren’t far away; they were within our community. Since then, we have built a community-driven fundraising model and never relied on international donors.” 
 
Armed with these new skills, Doors of Hope began to transform lives: 

• 300 children with disabilities, who once had nowhere to go after school, found a safe, nurturing space for therapy and learning. 

• Mothers, empowered through economic advancement trainings, began supporting their families and the organisation, seeing firsthand the impact of their contributions. 

• Youth gained digital skills at the computer empowerment centre, turning idle hours into opportunities for growth. 

• Survivors of trauma and gender-based violence found healing and hope through counseling programmes developed with community support. 

Even when challenges struck— like losing their therapy centre due to land issues— the organisation refused to stop. Using the very strategies learned through CtGA’s training, they rebuilt, returned to the community, and strengthened the bonds of trust and support that had been nurtured over the years. 
 
Jacqueline’s message to CtGA is one of heartfelt gratitude: “This support has not just helped us survive; it has enabled us to thrive and impact the lives of marginalised children, youth, and caregivers. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth together.” 

Today, Doors of Hope celebrates 10 years of service. The organisation is planning further expansion: a safe house for women and children who have experienced trauma, more empowerment programmes for youth with disabilities, and continued community-driven initiatives that transform lives daily. 
 
This story stands as a living example for grassroots organisations everywhere: with the right skills, guidance, and community support, even the smallest initiatives can create lasting change.