Valley Light Home

empowering + supporting local leaders

Local Leaders

Partnering with local leaders opens the door to a deeper level of holistic care. Local leaders know their communities and can best serve their needs through appropriate cultural and relational interventions. Each of these leaders has been in the Just One Africa family for over a decade and is committed to seeing through the mission and vision of the organization. We know you will be inspired by their story just as we are.

Valley Light Home in Maai Mahiu, Kenya.  Home to orphaned children.

Valley Light home

Valley Light Home (VLH) is the realization of a long-held dream and a testament to the unwavering commitment of John and Leah Njoroge, a devoted Kenyan couple. Born and raised in Kenya, they were determined to transform the community they came from, driven by a passion to create positive change. VLH is a faith-based organization that provides a loving, family-style residential care environment for orphaned and abandoned children. The organization is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty that often leaves children without proper care, addressing the emotional, medical, educational, and social needs of each child in a holistic manner.

In response to the overwhelming need for quality care in Maai Mahiu and surrounding areas, Valley Light Home opened its doors on July 31, 2011, welcoming six orphaned children, including a tiny six-week-old infant, into the loving arms of the Njoroges and their dedicated staff. Since then, VLH has grown to become a beacon of hope, currently providing a nurturing environment for 36 children. By offering a comprehensive support system, VLH empowers these young individuals to thrive, equipping them with the tools necessary to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

The home is managed by local staff, including a full-time social worker. Family life includes providing professional care and guidance for physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs. As some of the children placed here are HIV+, caregivers are trained to administer medication, monitor nutrition, and care for individual health needs.

The town of Maai Mahiu lies at the bottom of the beautiful Rift Valley along a major route that connects the coast of Kenya (by the Indian Ocean) with many countries in Eastern and Central Africa. It is approximately an hour and a half northwest of Nairobi. Over time, Maai Mahiu has developed into a popular trading center that is a prominent stopping place for truckers and other weary travelers; the population continues to increase almost daily.

Unfortunately, one of the reasons for the town’s popularity with truckers is the high rate of prostitution. Prostitution, which continues to increase, is the most significant contributor to the high number of orphaned and abandoned children in the area. lt is one of the reasons why moving Valley Light from the center of Maai Mahiu to a much safer location was a crucial objective. They are determined to prevent these children from repeating the cycle of prostitution and poverty that made them orphans in the first place.

Through their tireless efforts, John and Leah Njoroge have created a safe haven where children can experience the love, care, and support they deserve, paving the way for a brighter future. As VLH continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains steadfast: to provide a transformative, family-centered environment that fosters resilience, hope, and opportunity for Kenya’s most vulnerable children.

John & Leah Njoroge

Valley Light founders

In 2011, John and Leah Njoroge embarked on a remarkable journey, founding Valley Light Home with an unwavering commitment to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children in Kenya. Driven by their passion to provide a loving and nurturing environment, they made a deliberate decision to focus on caring for children with no known relatives, ensuring the most vulnerable receive the support they need. Valley Light Home is thoughtfully designed as a warm and welcoming home, rather than an institution, providing a safe haven for up to 36 children, from infants to young adults over 18 years old.

The Njoroges’ paths crossed at Philadelphia College of Bible, now Cairn University, in Pennsylvania, despite both growing up near Maai Mahiu, Kenya. John holds multiple master’s degrees from Biola University in California and a PhD from the University of Georgia (UGA), while Leah also boasts a PhD in Education.

After raising their two sons, Jonathan and Benjamin, in the United States, where they lived for 24 years, the Njoroges returned to Kenya in 2016 to dedicate themselves full-time to running Valley Light Home. With their combined expertise, love, and dedication, they are transforming the lives of countless children, providing a beacon of hope and a brighter future for those who need it most.

Operations Update

Valley Light Home now has a US-based nonprofit to help with daily operational needs going forward.  Valley Light Programs (US) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.  All operational donations will be processed through them going forward.  They are operating in partnership with John and Leah, and ALL funds through them will be used to fund the operational expenses of VLH.  You can learn more about this organization by clicking the button below.

In the past, Just One Africa has provided emergency operational support while their US board was being set up.  Just One Africa will continue our water filter distributions in partnership with Valley Light Home.

children’s Home

The children are thriving in their home!  We completed our most ambitious building project and dedicated the home in October 2022. This purpose-built haven is specifically designed to provide a serene and nurturing environment where the children can flourish in every aspect of their lives.

With ample space for learning, playing, and growing, this new home is a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering our children to build brighter futures. The tranquil surroundings and beautiful facilities will provide a safe and supportive space for the children to thrive, explore their potential, and overcome the challenges of their past.

As they settle into their new home, we are witnessing firsthand the transformative power of love, care, and opportunity. The children are blossoming, and their smiles are a testament to the impact of this remarkable new chapter in their lives.

testimonials

” Though our children were once abandoned or orphaned, that is not true of any of them anymore. They are home now, and just like any other children, they have the time and space to pursue their life dreams.”
– John Njoroge, Founder of Valley Light Home