About Tikvah
The Tikvah Center is a registered Community-Based Organization (CBO) based in Siaya, Kenya, committed to strengthening communities and empowering individuals to thrive.
Our Story
Our story is inspired by the deep need to make faith and culture affirming, liberating, and empowering.
A Transformative Encounter
For our Co-Founder, Evans Onyango Nyesi, this conviction is deeply personal. Early in his journey, he engaged in preaching, including on sensitive topics such as HIV. On one occasion, after delivering a sermon in a judgmental and stigmatizing way, a young girl approached him.
The Power of Compassion
The pain in her eyes and the words she shared revealed the devastating effect of insensitive use of sacred texts, language, and stories. What was intended as guidance had instead disempowered her, leaving her feeling shamed, isolated, and fearful.
A New Understanding
This encounter profoundly shaped Evans' perspective: faith, when misused or applied without care, can harm rather than heal; culture, when wielded rigidly, can exclude rather than embrace.
"Faith, when misused or applied without care, can harm rather than heal."— Evans Onyango Nyesi, Co-Founder
Our Commitment
We exist to strengthen communities by nurturing dignity, fostering human connections, and empowering people to thrive. Guided by justice, compassion, and wholeness, we walk alongside individuals and communities to restore lives, renew landscapes, and unlock potential—paving the way for a just and flourishing future.
Restore Lives
Healing and empowering individuals to reach their full potential
Renew Landscapes
Restoring ecosystems and building climate resilience
Unlock Potential
Creating opportunities for growth and transformation
Our Vision
A just, healthy, and dignified world where youths and women thrive—free from violence, discrimination, and preventable health risks.
Our Approach
We are a faith-led, community-centered organization committed to nurturing safety, health, and opportunity for vulnerable children, adolescents, and families in Siaya County.
We strengthen communities by integrating:
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our work and shape our approach to community transformation.
Justice
We pursue fairness and equality for all, grounded in compassion and respect for human dignity.
Living the Mission
We embody our purpose through intentional action, sharing life, hope, and service with those around us.
Human Connections Matter
We create spaces where people are seen, heard, valued, and empowered to belong.
Seeing Potential in Everyone
We believe every individual has unique abilities and provide an environment for them to flourish.
Wholesome Living
We restore lives and landscapes, lifting people out of deprivation and fostering holistic well-being for communities.
Guided by Faith, Driven by Justice
At the heart of our work is a faith-affirming and culturally grounded approach, recognizing the transformative power of spiritual and cultural values in shaping inclusive, equitable, and thriving communities.
Integrated Solutions
We strengthen communities by integrating multiple approaches to create lasting, transformative impact.
HIV–WASH and Nutrition
Solutions that improve health, resilience, and overall well-being.
Protection and Trauma-Informed Care
For survivors of SGBV and child sexual abuse.
Education, Mentorship, and Life Skills
That keep adolescents—especially girls—safe and in school.
Faith and Community Leadership
To champion dignity, justice, and positive social norms.
Livelihood and Economic Empowerment
That reduces vulnerability and builds sustainable futures.
Faith-Led, Community-Centered
Through a faith-sensitive and affirming, culturally grounded, and gender-conscious approach, The Tikvah Center ensures communities are not only supported but transformed, thriving with dignity, resilience, and justice.
Faith-Sensitive
Honoring spiritual and cultural frameworks that reinforce values and dignity
Community-Led
Building on existing strengths and empowering local actors as change-makers
Transformative
Focusing on norm-shifting, inclusion, and gender justice for lasting impact