Home | TERJA Foundation

Lend a Helping Hand

Linking Diverse Students across Communities

From Providing Scholarships to students in need to elevating student stories for global visibility and connection.

A Nonprofit Organization

TERJA Foundation inc.

TERJA Foundation works with communities to create quality education, equitable and sustainable opportunities for learning and growth, and collaborative problem-solving for children and youth around the world, especially for those who are marginalized.

Storytelling at Hartsfiled Elementary in Houston, Texas

TERJA Storytellers Gain Global Recognition

Honored by the World of 8 Billion International Youth Video Competition

We are proud to celebrate three exceptional young storytellers from rural Kenya—Perpetual Moraa, Eclay Sifuna, and Clotilda Wanga—whose powerful voices and creativity have reached global audiences through the TERJA Foundation’s Global Storytelling Exchange.

Finalist

Perpetual Moraa

Her moving video stood out across age groups and countries, earning praise for its emotional depth and authenticity.

“This video made me really emotional and brought me to tears… These children were not just talking about change—they were creating it.”

— Competition Judge

Regional Honor (Africa)

Eclay Sifuna

Her bold, heartfelt narrative highlighted the real-life challenges faced by girls growing up in underserved rural communities.

Changemaker

Clotilda Wanga

Bravely spoke on sanitation issues in her village, making an important contribution to global dialogue about health equity.

Despite limited internet and technology access, these storytellers broke global barriers—proving that with creativity, courage, and community support, youth from any corner of the world can make their voices heard.

Events

TERJA Foundation – 2025 Impact Recap

Empowering Communities Through Education, Storytelling, and Sustainable Solutions

International Recognition & Research

Menstrual Health, Sewing & Women’s Economic Empowerment

Community Infrastructure & Local Investment

Creativity, Fashion & Community Expression

Community Visits & Partnerships in Kenya

Houston & U.S.-Based Engagement

Visual Storytelling & Documentation

Looking Ahead to 2026

In 2026, TERJA plans to:

Continue the Global Storytelling Project
Host a film screening event showcasing student videos
Hold a fundraising event supporting:
- The Namasanda community center
- Sewing and income-generating projects
Expand women’s projects (underwear, bags, dresses)
Strengthen table banking and leadership
Conduct research on:
- Reusable pads using banana fiber
- Soap making using goat milk

Get Involved

Support TERJA by donating, volunteering and partnering.

Uplifting Underserved Children and Youth by providing resources and education

Our Mission

TERJA

Our Vision

To be the lead contributor to the independence and self-reliance of the world’s children and youth, through sustainable, inclusive, quality holistic education and mindful experiential learning systems.

TERJA Presents at Oxford University

Oxford Education Research Symposium

In March 2025, Dr. Ashika Skeele presented at the Oxford Education Research Symposium at St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford (UK). Her presentation, “Bridging Global Menstrual Equity: A Comparative Study of a Reusable Sanitary Pad Project in Rural Kenya and Inner-City Houston,” highlighted TERJA’s work and the power of grassroots, sustainable initiatives to create meaningful impact across borders.

Empowering Menstrual Health: Breaking the Silence, Ending the Stigma, and Tackling Period Poverty with Sustainable Solutions

TERJA’s Reusable Sanitary Pads Project originated as an extension of the storytelling initiative at Namasanda Primary School in Western Kenya. With TERJA’s support, three students and their mothers launched this project to provide sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions, improve school attendance, and empower the local community. The project has made a significant impact by conducting menstrual health workshops and sewing over 250 reusable pads, which have benefited 50 students, each receiving five pads and a bar of soap. Additionally, these students are now passing on their knowledge, teaching other young girls how to sew reusable pads. Testimonials from the community highlight improvements in school attendance and increased self-esteem among the girls involved.

Menstrual Health Awareness in Houston

In February 2024, TERJA partnered with Dapper Daisy LLC, a tailoring company specializing in custom women’s clothing, to address period poverty and promote menstrual health equity for youth in Houston. This collaboration expanded the Reusable Sanitary Pads Project from Kenya to Houston. The initiative now includes Menstrual Health workshops designed to raise awareness of period poverty and advocate for sustainable, eco-friendly solutions. During these workshops, young girls and women learn how to create reusable sanitary pads and underwear using organic, natural, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic materials.

Meet Documentary Photographer & Filmmaker, Reagan Kearns

Reagan Kearns is photographer and filmmaker who resides in Houston, Texas with her husband, Alex. Through her business, RLM Film, Reagan has documented stories across the U.S. and in more than 25 countries to date. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Louisville with minors in English and Arabic. In 2022, Reagan was awarded a Fulbright grant through which she taught English in Casablanca, Morocco at Ben M’Sik Faculté des Lettres. With a background in Arabic language study and global service, Reagan was pleased to volunteer with TERJA’s Global Storytelling Exchange project in Houston. She expanded her involvement with TERJA in 2025 when she traveled to Kenya to capture TERJA’s initiatives first-hand. Having documented programs like the women’s sewing group, the Lubinu School Scholarship, and sustainable agriculture projects, Reagan is currently producing a documentary film that highlights these stories. Some of Reagans work in the village- Fashion show with their own creations. https://rlmfilm.pixieset.com/namasanda2025/

Providing school supplies & words of advice to scholarship recipients

Mentoring

Girls making wellness boxes Empowerment Group

Providing Sanitary and Dignity products

Facilitating Storytelling

Engaging the Community

Do Good

Support TERJA and Help us Make a Difference

“TERJA” couldn’t exist without its treasured supporters. From raising money to volunteering or simply spreading the word – only you can help us fulfill our mission.

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