Ajabna Hassan
Executive Director, Voice for Equity
From Under the Tree to a Community Hub
The Success Story of Voice for Equity
In May 2022, what is now known as Voice for Equity began as a simple, community-driven initiative called Initiative and Advocacy for Orphans Development (IAOD). It was not born out of abundance, funding, or infrastructure. Instead, it emerged from a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and a powerful belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to education and an opportunity to build a better future.
At the time, the situation in the community was clear and urgent. Many children, especially orphans and those from vulnerable families had dropped out of school. Some lacked school fees, others had no guidance or support, and many had simply lost hope. The education system, while present, was not reaching everyone equally. There was a gap, and someone needed to step in.
That is where our journey began. Humble beginnings, Learning under the tree without funding, facilities, or external support, we started with what we had commitment, time and a willingness to serve. Classes were conducted under a tree, sometimes in borrowed spaces and often in Ajabna’s own home. These were not ideal conditions, but they were enough to begin.
From 2022 to 2024, we worked tirelessly in the community, identifying children who had dropped out of school and encouraging them to return. We provided informal learning support, mentorship, and basic education to help them regain confidence and catch up academically. Our approach was simple but impactful, meet children where they are, understand their challenges, and walk with them step by step.
Despite the lack of resources, the impact began to grow. Word spread throughout the community. Parents started to trust us. Children came back, eager to learn. By 2024, we had reached a total of 276 learners, both from primary and secondary school levels. This was achieved without any funding, purely through volunteer efforts and community support.
The Turning Point: A Visit That Changed Everything
On August 23, 2024, at around 3:30 PM, something significant happened. Representatives from Cohere visited our program. What they saw was not a polished project with buildings and materials, but a committed grassroots initiative driven by purpose and resilience.
They saw children learning under a tree.
They saw volunteers dedicating their time without pay.
They saw a vision that was real, raw, and deeply rooted in community needs. That visit marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Following this interaction, we engaged in a series of capacity-building training facilitated by Cohere. These sessions strengthened our organizational structure, improved our planning processes, and enhanced our ability to manage programs effectively and transparently.
By the end of 2024, our relationship with Cohere had grown into a formal partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This was a milestone moment not just for Voice for Equity, but for the entire community we serve.
Growth Through Partnership and Funding
In 2025, we received funding support through this partnership. This was the first time we had access to financial resources, and it allowed us to transform our operations in ways we had only imagined before.
With this support, we were able to
Expand our reach and support more children in need
Construct a learning center with classrooms
Establish access to clean water at the center
Install power to support learning activities
Create a safe and structured learning environment
We moved from teaching under a tree to operating from a dedicated center, something that once felt like a distant dream.
This transformation was not just physical. It also improved the quality of education, the consistency of learning, and the dignity of both learners and educators. Children now had a space where they felt valued, safe, and motivated.
Lessons Learned: The Value of Consistency and Accountability
Our journey has taught us powerful lessons.
One of the most important is this: work without consistency cannot sustain impact, and impact without humanity loses its purpose.
Voice for Equity has remained grounded in the principles of.
Consistency in service delivery
Transparency in operations
Accountability to donors, partners and the community
Commitment to human dignity and inclusion
We understand that trust is earned, not given. That is why we ensure that every resource entrusted to us is used responsibly and for its intended purpose. We communicate openly with stakeholders, track our progress, and continuously improve our systems.
Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Organization
Today, Voice for Equity has grown into a structured organization with a dedicated team. We are proud to have 8 staff members, with a balanced representation of both women and men. Inclusion is not just a statement for us it is a practice embedded in how we recruit, lead, and serve.
Our programs are designed to reach all children, regardless of gender, ability, or background. We actively promote equal opportunities and ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
A Call to Partners and Donors
While we celebrate how far we have come, we are equally aware of the journey ahead.
The need in our community is still great. Many children are still out of school. Many families still struggle. And many opportunities remain untapped due to limited resources. This is why we are reaching out to partners and donors.
We invite you to trust Voice for Equity as a reliable, community-rooted organization that delivers real impact. Our track record demonstrates that even without funding, we were able to reach hundreds of children. With support, we have expanded, improved, and strengthened our work. Imagine what more can be achieved with sustained and flexible funding.
Unrestricted funding, in particular, allows us to
Respond quickly to emerging community needs
Invest in long-term sustainability
Strengthen internal systems and staff capacity
Scale our impact without limitations
We are not just asking for support, we are offering partnership. A partnership built on shared values, transparency, and a commitment to transforming lives through education.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
We extend our deepest gratitude to Cohere for believing in us, supporting us, and walking with us throughout this journey. From that first visit in 2024 to the continued partnership today, your support has been instrumental in our growth.
You did not just fund a project you invested in a vision, empowered a community, and changed lives. As we look to the future, Voice for Equity remains committed to expanding access to education and the partnership we had, strengthening community engagement, and building a more inclusive and equitable society.
From under a tree to a center of learning this is our story.
And with your support, the next chapter can reach even further.
Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind.
