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Cistern of Hope Foundation

Together for a lasting change

Kenya • Community-led poverty eradication +254 182 751 610 info@cisternofhopefoundation.org
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Impact story

Sam’s journey: from one packet of flour to a growing business

October 15, 2026

Sam frying mandazi in a wok on a gas burner, beside a table with a tray of finished mandazi and cut dough.

Sam is one of the beneficiaries of Cistern of Hope Foundation’s start-up business empowerment initiative. His journey is a powerful example of how a small opportunity, combined with determination and hard work, can become the foundation for a brighter future.

Started withOne packet of wheat flour
NowSupplying mandazi to shops in his village
Next stepHis own cafeteria

A small beginning

Sam began his business with just one packet of wheat flour, making mandazi to sell to his neighbours. Through commitment, perseverance, and a vision for something greater, his small venture has steadily grown.

He now supplies mandazi to small shops within his village, taking meaningful steps towards building a sustainable livelihood for himself and his family.

A growing dream

But Sam’s dream does not end here. He envisions expanding his business into a cafeteria where he can serve more people, grow his income, support his family, and eventually create employment opportunities for others in his community.

Every small beginning deserves an opportunity to grow.

Cistern of Hope Foundation

We want to walk alongside Sam as he takes the next step towards his dream by helping him secure a suitable business premises, obtain the necessary licences, and acquire the essential resources needed to establish his cafeteria.

With the right support, Sam’s dream can become a reality, not only changing his own life and that of his family, but also opening doors of opportunity for others.

Help Sam grow

Will you help Sam take the next step?

You can be part of Sam's journey by supporting his transition from a small village-based business to a sustainable cafeteria. Your contribution, whether financial or through other practical support, can help turn his hard work and determination into a lasting success story.

What Sam needs to open his cafeteria

  • A suitable business premises
  • The necessary licences
  • The essential resources to establish his cafeteria

Join Cistern of Hope Foundation in helping Sam grow his business, strengthen his family's future, and create opportunities for others.

Support Sam's next step Offer practical support

The real impact

The work in pictures.

Sam at work Sam standing at his gas burner frying mandazi, with a tray of finished mandazi, cut dough, flour and cooking oil on the table beside him.
Sam frying mandazi, with a tray of finished mandazi and cut dough ready on the table beside him.

The challenge

Sam began with just one packet of wheat flour, making mandazi for his neighbours. To grow into a cafeteria he needs business premises, licences and essential resources.

What we did

Through its start-up business empowerment initiative, the Foundation is walking alongside Sam and seeking support to help him secure premises, obtain licences and acquire the resources for his cafeteria.

The change

Sam's business has grown from selling to his neighbours to supplying mandazi to small shops within his village.

Let's build lasting change together.

Partner with Cistern of Hope Foundation to strengthen pathways for children, young people, women, families and communities.