About Us
ABOUT DANDORA
The Dandora dump site in Nairobi, Kenya, is a 30-acre landfill that serves as the city’s primary waste disposal area.
Despite being declared full in the mid-1990s, dumping persists, supporting a local economy where families rely on scavenging for survival. Daily, over 3,000 individuals, including men, women, and children, sift through hazardous waste without protective gear. The site emits toxic fumes from burning refuse, contributing to severe air pollution linked to health issues such as childhood cancers and respiratory problems in adjacent neighborhoods.
Our Story
In the summer of 2024, our co-founder, Soleil Sabalja, traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to work on a clean water project with WATERisLIFE. During her time there, Soleil began exploring parts of the city to gather real-world experiences and insights to bring back to her climate justice class in New York City. One visit to the Dandora dumpsite changed everything.
There, Soleil met Solomon and Joyce, two community leaders who introduced her to the world of waste pickers working within the landfill. Moved by their stories and resilience, Soleil and a friend launched a small campaign to provide essential supplies like gumboots and sanitary pads to the waste pickers.
What began as a simple act of support quickly evolved into something much bigger. As the needs became clearer, so did the mission. The Jua Foundation began sponsoring school fees to help children who were either working in the dumpsite or assisting their families there transition out and into the classroom.
As of April 2025, we have helped 40 children transition out of the dumpsite into the classroom—and we’re just getting started. We believe in the power of education, dignity, and opportunity. Together, we’re building brighter futures, one child at a time.
What’s in a Name?
“Jua” means “sun” in Swahili — a symbol of the bright, hopeful future we envision for the children and families of Dandora.