Welcome to MEA
Empower Vulnerable Communities Through Education
& Opportunity
30 +
Years Experience
About
Meet Our Founder: Gary Lichtenstein, Ed.D.
Gary Lichtenstein, Ed.D., completed his doctorate in education at Stanford University in 1997 and has been running an education consulting and program evaluation business since then (see ww.QualityEvaluationDesigns.com). He made his first visit to Kenya in 2005 as Board Chair of International Peace Initiatives (IPI).
In 2006, he launched the IPI College Scholars Program (ICSP), sending seven young people orphaned by AIDS to college who otherwise would never have had the opportunity. At that time, those who lived in poverty rarely attended college, and conventional beliefs were that orphans could never be successful. The effects of ICSP were transformative for the students as well as Gary. By 2016, all 7 had graduated, attained middle- or upper-class jobs, and had broken the cycle of poverty in their families. In 2016, IPI took over the program and over 70 other students and their families have experienced similar results.
In 2008, Gary started Mutethia Enterprises Africa, a for-profit business designed to ensure fair profits for farmers who are typically exploited by brokers.
Girls Education Support
We provide scholarships and mentorship to help vulnerable girls access higher education.
Mentorship & Leadership
Guiding young women to build confidence, leadership, and professional skills.
Skills Development
Empowering youth with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Health & Wellbeing Programs
Promoting safety, health, and holistic development for youth.
Community Economic Growth
Supporting sustainable business initiatives in local communities.
Outreach & Awareness
Raising awareness about challenges faced by vulnerable communities and promoting support.
Making a Difference, One
Step at a Time
MEA College Scholars Program
Wisdom in the philanthropy world (proven with research) is: Support a man, help one; support a woman, lift the community. MCSP supports vulnerable young women in achieving a college education. We have witnessed this being enough to break the cycle of poverty in a family and raise the economic tide of a community.
Community Engagement
Over 20 years of community engagement in Kenya, Gary has formed long-standing relationships within the communities he serves. Among the Meru, Gary is known as Mutethia, meaning helper. Among the Samburu, he is called Menye Ltungai, father of the village
Building Skills, Creating Opportunities
MEA support includes programming in employability assets, entrepreneurial mindset, and financial literacy—uncommon in Kenya—that make the difference between getting a degree and getting a job. We also require that all beneficiaries take a 3-month course in some vocation, such as nail technology, beauty, therapy, or catering. These skills can bring in income during and after college. But more important,
they provide a means for our students to expand their social and professional network—two critical assets that our beneficiaries lack compared to 90% of other college-going students. MEA’s In-Country staff also provide counseling and guidance, as well as support navigating issues such as landlord problems or bureaucratic glitches with scholarship funds.
Why MEA?
Accountable & On-the-Ground Assistance
MEA doesn’t simply send money. We have a native In-Country Director and Accountant. The In-Country Director provides social, emotional, and logistics support to our beneficiaries to ensure that our projects achieve their intended outcomes. We also provide support for helping vulnerable women and communities navigate education, land disputes, and other challenges. Our Accountant ensures that funds are spent as intended and every shilling is accounted for. Donating to MEA is an investment in impact
Our Testimonials
What Our Customer Say Us
— Michelle R.
Customer
"Donating to MEA gives me confidence that my contributions are making a real difference. Their transparency and on-the-ground support ensure every dollar is used effectively."
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