The Marianne Center began in 2008, when two volunteers were working in Nairobi. One of them grew up with his sister Marianne, who has Down syndrome. In Kenya, they noticed that people with Down syndrome were hardly visible. That changed when, during a food distribution, they saw a boy with Down syndrome hidden away in a corner. This encounter made a deep impression and set them thinking.
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Further research showed that children with intellectual disabilities in Kenya are often hidden, mistreated or ignored. Together with committed Kenyans, the volunteers decided to set up a centre where young people with disabilities could develop and learn skills. In 2010, the Marianne Center officially opened its doors.

The centre is named after Marianne, the founder's sister, who has received good care throughout her life. Marianne also designed the centre's logo. The aim is to give young people in Kenya the same opportunities Marianne has had: to develop, to learn skills and to contribute to their family and society.

The Marianne Center is entirely in Kenyan hands. In addition, there is a board of four people in the Netherlands which, together with the Kenyan foundation, provides oversight through meetings and digital communication. The board members in the Netherlands work on a voluntary basis and receive no compensation.

In 2020, Anthony Wairegi was appointed manager. Together with the board, he took on the task of rebuilding. Thanks to funding from the Netherlands, the centre was able to restart in 2021. There are now almost 50 students.

Yes. The Dutch foundation is registered as an ANBI (Public Benefit Organisation), so gifts are tax-deductible in the Netherlands.

Become a Friend of Marianne Center Kenya. With your monthly contribution, you not only help train our students, but also make it possible to offer specialised training to our teachers. Together, we are building a future in which young people with intellectual disabilities can develop their talents and play a full role in society.

Would you like to support us with a one-off donation? Click the 'Support us' button.

Every contribution helps!

Our goal is for the centre to become fully self-sufficient and no longer dependent on support from the Netherlands. This remains our ultimate goal.