We’re thrilled to share that the fundraising phase of Target Project 5.0: Awesome Blossoms has officially come to a close—and thanks to the incredible generosity and dedication of our FAWCO community, we’ve far exceeded our goals.

Our final total?

$211,095.98

That’s well beyond our second fundraising goal of $190,000—an extraordinary achievement made possible by this global network of changemakers.

This moment is the result of deep collaboration. We’re filled with gratitude for Amanda Drollinger, who led the Target Project with focus and heart; to Lauren Mescon and her fundraising team, whose energy and creativity kept the momentum going; to FAWCO clubs across the world, who organized events, ran campaigns, and collectively raised over $180,000; and to every individual donor, whose contribution helped us reach this milestone.

And of course, our deepest admiration goes to Peninah Musyimi, the visionary founder of Safe Spaces and the driving force behind Awesome Blossoms. Peninah’s story is one of strength, determination, and unwavering service. As the first woman from the Eastland slums to attend university and become an attorney—and the only one to become a Kenyan basketball star—she chose to return to her community to create Safe Spaces: a place where girls and young women could build a better future. Her mission to foster leadership, environmental stewardship, and opportunity has been the soul of this project.

In a recent note to us, Peninah shared: “By myself I can go fast, but together we can go far.”

Thanks to all of you, we have gone far—and helped ensure that the work of Awesome Blossoms will continue to grow.

Though FAWCO’s formal involvement with Awesome Blossoms concludes here, the impact will endure. These funds will help Safe Spaces acquire permanent farmland, expand their vertical farming systems, and provide sustainable support for young women entrepreneurs.

As we look ahead to the next Target Program, which will focus on Human Rights, we carry forward the same spirit of purpose, collaboration, and hope.

Thank you for standing beside us—and beside Peninah. You have helped turn a vision into something lasting.

💚 With gratitude,

The FAWCO Foundation

28 March 2025

28 March 2025

Awesome Blossoms: Celebrating Our Success and Looking Forward to the Future

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! Thanks to the incredible generosity and support from our FAWCO members and donors, we have reached our initial fundraising goal of $140,000 for the Target Project: Awesome Blossoms. This remarkable achievement comes eight months ahead of our timeline, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. Your commitment and enthusiasm have truly made a difference.

What’s Next: Sustainability and Growth

Now that we have reached this significant milestone, we are excited to announce the next phase of our journey: ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the Awesome Blossoms project. Our new goal is to raise an additional $50,000 to purchase permanent farmland, which will provide a stable foundation for our hydroponic urban farming initiatives.

Securing Permanent Land

One of the key challenges Awesome Blossoms faces is the uncertainty and limitation of leasing land. To address this, with the continuing support of the FAWCO community, Safe Spaces plans to acquire a plot of land (minimum 80 x 60 meters) in Kikuyu, Zambezi, or Uthiru. This land will be used to establish sustainable vertical farming systems that are crucial for the continued success of the Awesome Blossoms project. By owning the land, Safe Spaces can ensure accessibility, proximity to target communities, and the availability of necessary infrastructure.

Developing Infrastructure

Once the land is secured, the next step is to develop the necessary infrastructure. This involves uninstalling the current farm infrastructure from the existing leased farms and relocating the hydroponic equipment to the new site. These vertical farming structures will support optimal production efficiency and sustainability. 

Long-Term Viability and Impact

Owning the land opens up new possibilities for growth and sustainability. The new farm will have the capacity to house additional vertical systems, allowing Safe Spaces to expand operations incrementally each year. The business model for Awesome Blossoms allocates 80% of the profits to fund Safe Spaces programs and 20% for expansion. This approach ensures that the project can continually grow, serving more communities and making a lasting impact.

How You Can Help

Our journey doesn’t end here. To make this vision a reality, we need your continued support. The cost of purchasing the land, preparing it, and relocating the existing farms is approximately $50,000. By reaching this goal, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of Awesome Blossoms, providing stable employment for micro-entrepreneurs and peer educators involved in the project.

We encourage all FAWCO members and supporters to keep the momentum going. Your donations, fundraising efforts, and enthusiasm have brought us this far, and with your help, we can achieve even greater heights. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to securing the future of Awesome Blossoms and making a profound difference in the lives of many.

Let’s continue to grow together and support this transformative project. Pledge your commitment to Target 5.0 and be part of this exciting journey. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.

21 June 2024

20 June 2024