As a teacher, enclosed in the four walls of a staffroom, I always dreamt of working for the community. I didn’t have any plans on how, but I kept asking God to give me a chance to serve the community, not as a school teacher but as someone who would interact with both young and old, listen to them, and bring joy to their lives. 

Luckily, I got to know about a volunteer position in 2023, the year International Samaritan expanded to Kenya. When we were interviewed, Country Director Esther Muhia explained to us what was expected of us. She asked us to visit the Dandora dumpsite, familiarize ourselves with the place, smell, informal settlements, and all the characteristics of the dumpsites. I wore gumboots, left my phone at home, and took a matatau (similar to a taxi) to visit the Dandora dumpsite. 

The Dandora dumpsite in Kenya.

When I went there, I met many children and my heart bled for them. I told Esther that I was ready to volunteer, and she gave me the chance to contribute outside the classroom. The sight of the dumpsite, full of children and adults working there stuck with me. I thought of the children who have limited access to education and a clean environment, and I developed a love for the children.

I started engaging the scholars and their parents, going deep into the dumpsite. I also conducted home visits to vet the neediest ones. Personally, I may have thought that that was it, but Esther saw something else. She saw capacity in me. When I met her, I felt that even if I may not be exactly like her, I can be something on my own through her guidance.

I currently serve in the position of program assistant, and I develop programs for the scholars and coordinate them. I feel honored because Esther believed in me. 

As program assistant, Esther Njoroge develops and coordinates programs for International Samaritan scholarship students in Kenya.

Esther stepped up as my mentor and coach, giving me authentic feedback, not to demotivate me but to make me grow. She invited me to webinars and shared short courses and materials with me to strengthen my capacity. She can be strict sometimes, but I believe that the strictness adds to the growth part on my side. In her, I not only found a leader, but I found a mentor who has held my hand and showed me how to love and uplift others with humility. 

It doesn’t end there. When I first returned to work after losing my mum this past May, I was physically present but emotionally absent. My smile was forced, my focus scattered, and my motivation almost non-existent. Esther has been very intentional with her support by connecting me to people who have gone through what I have gone through and who are in the healing process. She also keeps checking up on how I’m doing, just to be sure that I am okay and that I’m able to serve the community.

Country Director Esther Muhia (left) with Program Assistant Esther Njoroge (right) in one of the settlements next to the Dandora dumpsite.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible, the Good Samaritan stopped for the wounded stranger. Esther stopped for me, simply because she cares. 

I choose to celebrate her as my Good Samaritan because she has shaped my life in a way I will never forget. She has also shielded me from sinking into grief and has reminded me that even in the most unbearable pain, there is hope. May God bless her.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

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Esther Njoroge, Program Assistant

Esther has spent the last four years working closely with the community to drive a positive change. She focuses on education and empowerment. She has a great passion for girls’ and women’s empowerment. Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts Education from Chuka University, Kenya. She loves reading and writing short stories and poems, which she uses as a tool for connection and growth.