International education NGO, So They Can will welcome its Kenya Country Manager, Boniface Ontungo Mouti, to Sydney from 29 July to 5 August, accompanied by Samuel Munyonyo, a Kenyan university student whose journey from rural poverty to university highlights the transformative power of education for children living in extreme poverty around the world.

During their visit, Boniface and Samuel will be available for media interviews and speaking engagements, offering Australian audiences a real, firsthand perspective on how access to education can change the trajectory of individuals, families and communities.

From rural Kenya to a future in medicine

Samuel enrolled into primary education at Aberdare Ranges Primary in Kenya, So They Can’s first partner school in 2009 at just six years old, growing up in a family where financial hardship meant pursuing higher education was almost impossible.

Without support, he says staying in school would have been nearly impossible.

“If not for the support to stay in school, I may have been forced into child labour to help pay school fees,” Samuel said.

“Many young people in my community drop out for this reason. Education gave me the chance to continue learning and pursue my goals.”

Today, Samuel is in his fourth year studying pharmacy at Kenyatta University and preparing to begin clinical placements at a Nairobi hospital.

“Becoming a pharmacist is a dream come true for me and my family,” he said.

“Education is the best gift you can give a child. One educated person can change the future of an entire family.”

Samuel hopes to specialise in oncology research, contributing to the development of new treatments for cancer while helping improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Education as a pathway out of poverty

Boniface Ontungo Mouti brings more than 17 years of experience working in child-rights and development organisations across East Africa.

Born in Kisii County, Kenya, the 10th of 11 children of farmers, Boniface defied odds and pursued an extensive academic journey that includes a Master’s in International Relations, degrees in Development Studies, Philosophy and Education, and he is currently undertaking a PhD at Kenyatta University.

Since joining So They Can Kenya in 2013, he has helped lead programs focused on improving education access, community health awareness and economic opportunity in some of the region’s most marginalised communities.

“Education breaks poverty cycles because it compounds over time,” Boniface said.

“One educated child doesn’t just change their own life — they often change the trajectory of an entire household and community.”

Across communities where So They Can works, he says education programs have contributed to higher school attendance, improved health awareness and stronger economic opportunities for families.

Keynote speakers at Sydney Town Hall

Boniface and Samuel will be keynote speakers at So They Can’s Annual Sydney Dinner on 31 July at Sydney Town Hall, where supporters and partners will gather to celebrate progress toward ending child poverty through education.

“I’m looking forward to sharing Samuel’s story with Australians,” Boniface said.

“He represents what is possible when communities invest in education and opportunity.”

Interview opportunities

Boniface and Samuel are available for:

• Media interviews
• Corporate speaking engagements
• Panel discussions
• School and community presentations

Availability: Sydney, 29th July – 5th August 2026

About So They Can

So They Can is an international non-profit organisation working to end extreme child poverty in East Africa through education and community development.

The organisation partners with communities, schools and local governments to ensure children have the knowledge, opportunity and agency to shape their own futures.

To date, So They Can has reached 55,000 children across 55 partner schools in Kenya and Tanzania, and supported 36,000 community members through its community development programs.

So They Can is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

All media enquiries

Ellie Knight
Communications & Marketing Manager, So They Can
+61 423 286 917
ellie@sotheycan.org