Partner Profile: Swahiba Networks

Partner Profile

Swahiba Networks is a nonprofit organization based out of Nairobi, Kenya. Swahiba's mission is serving underprivileged communities in rural Kenya with a shared focus with Because on shoes. Since first partnering in 2023, we’ve distributed more than 8,000 pairs of The Shoe That Grows together.

About Swahiba

Tabasamu shoe distributions

Tabasamu is the Swahili word for “smile.” Through their Tabasamu shoe distributions, Swahiba has been providing shoes to kids in Kenya since 2002.

Focus on slum and rural areas

Swahiba focuses on slum and rural communities across the nation of Kenya. Our most recent distributions together were in Mombasa county on the coast.

Empowering communities

Swahiba is committed to empowering marginalized, underprivileged and destitute communities to participate meaningfully in society.

Why shoes?

Supporting self-esteem and hope.

90% of children living in rural sub-Saharan Africa walk to school barefoot because with families living under $1 a day, a pair of shoes is not a priority. Although, a shoe alone doesn’t solve every problem for these children, it helps them build their self-esteem and hope.

Peter Abungu

CEO, Swahiba Networks

Removing barriers to education.

When there are too many barriers, it becomes too easy a decision to not attend school. Community leaders are doing their best to make the path as easy as possible and to provide motivation for kids to attend school, knowing the importance education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty. Shoes are an important piece of this.

Christine Agum

Tabasamu Program Lead, Swahiba Networks

Our work together

PAIRS DISTRIBUTED

8,056

SCHOOLS IMPACTED

18

PARTNERING SINCE

2023

Learn more or partner with us

Meet Thomas, a teacher

Growing up, Thomas lived in poverty with his grandma. They were often unable to afford basic necessities, and he frequently found himself walking to school barefoot.

Read his story→