About HWF
Henry's Story & Inspiration
"I have lost my sight but I haven't lost my vision"
In many parts of the world today, the name Henry Wanyoike is a household name. He has caught the world in storm for his achievements in the athletic world. Born in 1974 in Kanjeru Slums in Kikuyu a rural area in Kenya, he grew up well until he completed his secondary school in 1993. On May 1st 1995, Henry awoke in complete darkness. After arguing with his mother that it wasn't yet daytime it dwelled on him he had gone blind. Caused by mild stroke during the night, Henry's eyesight was now 95% depleted.
After a series of counseling and therapy at a local Mission Hospital and overcoming a suicidal depression, he joined Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind for a rehabilitation programme. It is here the athlete bug bit him once and he took part in an Olympic day run and this enabled him to participate in the national trials for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics in Australia where he easily bugged a gold medal in 5,000 meters. Since then Henry has won both local and international track competitions and marathons for disabled and able. His residence is awash with medals accolades and he has been recognized internationally and locally.
In Kenya he has been awarded of grand warrior medals by the 2nd and 3rd presidents of Kenya H.E. Hon Daniel T. Moi and H.E. Hon Mwai Kibaki and also as UN runners up 2005 personality of the year among other international awards and ambassadorial posts. Currently he is ranked among one hundreds most influential people and sportsman in Kenya.
Besides his athletic career, Henry Wanyoike has always given something back to the community. He has participated in many charitable activities in Kenya particularly to assist the poor, persons with disabilities, orphans and other less privileged people. He contributes through giving donations, participating in charitable events, initiating community service projects, partnering with other organizations / corporates among others.
More about Henry Wanyoike, www.henry4gold.comOur Vision, Our Values
An empowered integrated society which can fully sustain itself in all aspects of life. We make it our daily mission to work towards the empowerment and betterment of people with disability, vulnerable and less fortunate in the society.
Core ValuesTo promote the core aspects of life
- Socially
- Economically
- Physically
- Emotional
- Spiritually
- To empower less fortunate in the society through socio economic empowerment programs
- Aid disabled people through socio economic activities
- To train and promote upcoming blind athletes
- To promote, advocate and protect the rights of people with disability
- To promote and support sports among the children and the youth
- To create networks, partnerships with like minded organizations, individuals, churches and corporate bodies
- To counsel and encourage all people to face life positively through motivational talks on henrys real life experience
- Rights of orphans and also give care and support
- Environmental conservation
- Education formal and informal for both physically challenged and abled
- Psycho-social support for the vulnerable groups in the society
- Orphans and vulnerable children
- Youth
- Disabled
- Needy families
- Programs development
- Networking and partnerships
- Fundraising and events
Partnership Programs
Seeing is Believing
www.seeingisbelieving.org.ukAt the inaugural Nairobi Marathon held on 2 November, 2003, Henry Wanyoike finished the 10-km road race in just over 30 minutes. His performance so impressed Standard Chartered Bank, the official sponsors of the Marathon, that he was quickly adopted as a Goodwill Ambassador for the bank. In line with the banks "Seeing is Believing" campaign that will seek to restore sight to over ten million people. By the year 2010 across the globe. The bank has since sponsored Henry for a number of international athletics meetings around the world. Under this sponsorship, Henry has run in marathons as far-flung as Mumbai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai and participated in other fundraising campaigns all over the world.
Henry "I cannot adequately express my gratitude to Standard Chartered Bank for what they have done for me over the years," he says. "They have given me new confidence to face my situation and exploit my potential as no other organization has done for me and I do give fully to inspire many and restore sight to millions."
This confidence has not been infused only into Henry Wanyoike. It has been infused into hundreds of other visually impaired persons worldwide, through the bank's "Seeing is Believing" campaign. The bank is donating USD 1 to Seeing is Believing for every single meter Henry and Joseph run in different race.