About us
GirlSmart Education is a youth-focused project developing a “Sugar Daddy” awareness intervention that helps adolescents understand that older partners, often seen as more trustworthy or stable, actually pose higher health and social risks, including a greater likelihood of HIV infection. Unlike traditional abstinence-only programs, GirlSmart promotes better choices, encouraging young people to pursue relationships with peers where the power dynamic is fair. The program empowers Grade 8 and 9 girls and boys to make informed, confident, and healthy relationship decisions.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build and scale sexual risk awareness programs across Kenya that help youth make safer choices, delay pregnancy, and pursue education.
Our Values
1. High Impact
We are committed to doing the most good we can in improving adolescent health and education. We act urgently, think ambitiously, and continuously refine our model to deliver exceptional results backed by real-world evidence.
2. Evidence-Based
Our decisions are grounded in rigorous data and scientific research. We test, learn, and adapt, ensuring every intervention is driven by measurable outcomes rather than assumptions.
3. Cost-Effective
We hold ourselves accountable for using resources wisely. Every dollar spent must translate into the greatest possible benefit for young people. Cost-effectiveness is not just a metric, it is a moral duty.
4. Transparency and Openness
We believe in open reasoning and honest communication. Feedback flows freely across all levels, and every decision is open to questioning and improvement. We see transparency as the foundation of trust and learning.
5. Nimbleness
We act quickly, iterate fast, and adjust with agility. Even when uncertainty is high, we take thoughtful action, guided by evidence and the promise of meaningful impact.
6. Ownership
We take full responsibility for our work and outcomes. Each team member acts as a steward of our mission, questioning assumptions, seeking context, and taking initiative to do what’s right, not just what’s assigned.
7. Calibration
We think and communicate clearly about what we know and what we don’t. We value accurate judgment over certainty, seek evidence to refine our views, and remain open to correction as we learn.
8. Inclusiveness
We are committed to a culture where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or identity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, foster respect, and value collaboration built on empathy and shared purpose.
Meet the Team
Kalori Wesonga
Founder & Project Manager, GirlSmart Education
Kalori Wesonga is the Founder and Project Manager of GirlSmart Education, where he leads strategy, partnerships, and program design to reduce teenage pregnancy and empower youth across Kenya. A generalist with a focus on human resources, research, and operations, Kalori previously worked with Animal Advocacy Africa, Shamiri Institute, and the Kenyan Ministry of Health. A D-Prize Global Competition winner, he is passionate about creating evidence-driven breakthroughs that expand opportunities for young people across Africa.
Faith Mutinda
Program Coordinator, GirlSmart Education
Faith Mutinda is the Program Coordinator at GirlSmart Education, where she supports program implementation, ensuring that all operational systems, logistics, and program processes run efficiently. With a background in law and experience in both legal and administrative roles, Faith brings structure and empathy to the team. She is deeply driven by a desire to see young girls, especially those who are at risk of becoming pregnant and risk losing their futures, find hope, opportunity, and empowerment through education and informed choices
Coming soon
Bilasio Wandera
Location
We are currently a remote team, located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Address
Nairobi, Kenya
Hours
9 AM - 5 PM
