Send Francis to Culinary School

Please join us in helping Francis become the next chef José Andrés! By sending him to culinary school we will be building upon his passion and basic knowledge for cooking, nurtured since childhood, to become what he has always dreamed of becoming. We are fundraising for his first year's enrollment.

I have known Francis Mburu Waweru for over 15 years through my work with the G-thamini Youth Group, where Francis serves the children in the Mukuru slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Through his work with G-thamini and his experience as a father of two, he has learned the importance that nutrition, food safety and healthy eating plays in the success of our children. And it has inspired him to study cooking at the highest level, so he can share these skills with his community.

All donations for this are tax deductible. MPower Now is a 501c3.

Here is Francis cooking the holiday meal for 300 children in the Mukuru slum.

In his own words:

I have always spent a lot of time in the kitchen, assisting my mother with her daily cooking. It was through her that my passion for food began. Growing up in the slums presented financial obstacles, but instead of dampening my enthusiasm for food, it only pushed my creativity.

In March, I had the opportunity to take part in a culinary art cooking competition sponsored by the BOMA International School of Hospitality. I performed well and was invited to apply for enrollment in their two year diploma course in Culinary Arts. The idea of learning within such a prestigious institution would be a dream come true. I have been accepted and I am actively seeking financial grants and the support of well-wishers to help fulfill my culinary educational dreams to join the January intake of 2024.

When I finish my studies, I intend to utilize the knowledge and technical skills I acquire inspire and empower the youth of Mukuru. In communities such as Mukuru, a lack of proper cooking skills is an enormous issue. By helping children learn to cook they will learn a vital life skill that brings endless benefit to themselves and their family. Not only will they be able to make healthier and more affordable food choices, they will feel empowered as they expand their creativity and their talents.

For my family, my return to college holds significant meaning, particularly for my mother. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to recreate her finest recipes in a world-class restaurant. I humbly request that you consider granting me the invaluable gift of financing my culinary arts education.

~Francis

Please help us make Francis' dream come true! We are currently fundraising for the first year's enrollment costs but just to share the overall projected costs for his schooling, including personal living expenses (as he will be in school full time) please see the cost breakdown.

OVERALL COSTS: $15,000

Costs Breakdown

First Year Schooling Costs: $5,000

Living Expenses: $3,000

Second Year Schooling Costs: $4,000

Living Expenses: $3,000

You donations through this website or if you choose to give through a donor advised fund (DAF) will also be tax-deductible. Use the below information to route the dollars appropriately if using DAF:

Label donations to MPower Now with the note "Send Francis W. to Culinary School"

Merry Christmas everyone!