2024
2024 SeaVuria Annual Report

Solving Problems, Changing Futures

Tekla Machaki reports that after receiving the boarding scholarship, she has more time to study, participate in school activities, and is now a leader in her school.

Josie Beebe, "Getting the opportunity to see how the scholars learn taught me how much these students value their education, and made me realize how much I should value my own education."

Zawadi Hamadi, who is earning her bachelor’s in chemical engineering at Moi University, wrote that the WEE Scholarship “has been truly life-changing.”
When I first traveled to Kenya in 2010 to establish a sister school partnership, I never imagined the deep and lasting connection I would build with the Taita-Taveta community.
What began as a seed of curiosity and collaboration has grown into something extraordinary.
Fifteen years later, SeaVuria is making powerful contributions to STEM teaching and learning across the region—and most importantly, helping build a new generation of local leadership. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished—alongside dedicated teachers, resilient students, and remarkable young women from Seattle who lead our scholarship efforts with passion and empathy. Across continents, these partnerships reflect what SeaVuria is all about: a belief in the power of education to transform lives—and a community rooted in purpose, respect, and connection.
It’s with immense gratitude and pride that I share SeaVuria’s first-ever Annual Report. In these pages, you’ll see how our work is transforming lives—and leadership.
Behind every initiative are the stories that fuel this work. I think of the girls from St. Joseph’s—once shy and uncertain—who found their voice through science and placed 8th nationally at the Kenyan Science and Engineering Fair. I think of a Mercer Island student who met her scholarship partner from Kenya and said, “I’ll never take my education for granted again—and I want to help make sure she never has to fight so hard for hers.” That transformation—from curiosity and empathy to action—is what global citizenship looks like.
I think, too, of the Kenyan teachers leading the shift to student-centered classrooms and modeling innovation with technology, often in resource-limited settings.
Their courage and commitment are the foundation of lasting change. They are not just implementing new practices—they are shaping the future of education in their communities.
This year, a transformational grant from a generous family foundation allowed us to take a bold leap forward in our technology initiative. Their one-time investment connected all ten partner schools to the internet, increased student access to devices, and brought in local expertise to support digital learning. As we continue to bridge the digital divide, we’re not just connecting schools—we’re connecting students to opportunity, innovation, and one another.
Our work is sustained by a growing community of supporters who believe in what we’re building and contribute in meaningful ways—through time, resources, and trust. We are deeply grateful.
Looking ahead, SeaVuria’s future will be driven by Kenyan leadership. Teachers are mentoring teachers. Students are stepping forward as changemakers. Local expertise is shaping programs. Our role is to support and grow this leadership—building a future where Kenyan educators and students are not just participants in change—they are the architects of it.
That’s the heart of our mission—and the future we believe in.
With Deep Appreciation,
MaryMargaret Welch
Executive Director, SeaVuria
Executive Director’s Message

Join us in empowering Kenya’s next generation of scientists, engineers, and changemakers.
Your support equips students with the skills, tools, and confidence to lead—transforming classrooms, communities, and futures through locally driven STEM education.
By the Numbers



Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Teachers Leading Teachers
◉ 75% of the 95 trained teachers report increased confidence in delivering hands-on STEM lessons, leading to higher student engagement and deeper learning.
◉ Teachers are adopting student-centered strategies and mentoring their peers to create ripple effects across classrooms contributing to a 30% increase in STEM performance.
Scholarship
Youth Leading Change
◉ High School students from the Seattle area support 116 scholars, with school fees and friendships, ensuring peers stay in school and continue learning without the risk of being sent home due to unpaid fees.
◉ 100% of our eligible scholars graduated from high school last year, opening doors to further education and new opportunities.
◉ Seattle SeaVuria graduates founded WEE (Women’s Empowerment through Education) to help their Kenyan peers continue their education. Today, seven young women are pursuing college degrees, transforming their futures.
Mentorship
Fueling Academic and Emotional Growth
◉ 420 students participated in structured mentorship this year.
◉ 85% of mentees reported growth in critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
◉ 82% said mentorship deepened their appreciation for STEM.
STEM Extravaganza
Students as Innovators & Problem-Solvers
◉ 160 student leaders identified real-world STEM challenges and designed community-based solutions.
◉ Underdog to Champion: St. Joseph’s, a school with fewer than 100 students, won 1st place regionally and placed 8th nationally at the National Kenyan Science and Engineering Fair.
◉ Inspiring the Next Generation: 97% of participants left the event motivated to pursue a STEM career, proving that exposure and opportunity can shape futures.
Technology Integration
Local Innovation in Action
◉ 10 partner schools in Taita-Taveta are now connected to the internet, bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for learning and connection.
◉ 161 new devices deployed, increasing student access to valuable digital resources by 30%.
◉ Kenyan educators are leading the way— 73% are integrating digital tools into classroom lessons.
Bright Minds. Bold Futures. Rooted in STEM. Powered by Partnership.
SeaVuria believes that lasting change happens when leadership grows from within. We invest in teachers, students, and communities—building the capacity to drive sustainable solutions through STEM education and cross-cultural partnerships.
Because of donors like you, in 2024 we have been able to:
Our Results Per Program

Serve 4,501 total students

Award scholarships to 116 scholars
