Our Stories

A few weeks ago in Menlo Park, California, we witnessed something truly special. Surrounded by a room full of compassionate, driven individuals, our CEO, Cassandra Treadwell and US Board Director, Valerie Danielewicz, joined our growing US community for an unforgettable evening centered on one shared goal: Empowering children and their families to rise out of extreme poverty through the power of education.

Valerie’s family was also part of the evening – her husband, Brian, and their eldest son, Blake, spoke about their time at Aberdare Ranges Primary School in Kenya (So They Can’s first partner school), and their experience meeting the students there, bringing a deeply personal perspective to the night.

The energy in the room was electric. From heartfelt conversations to stories of hope and transformation, the evening reminded us that when people come together with purpose, real and lasting change becomes possible.

To date, So They Can’s Education and Community Development Programs have reached more than 49,500 children, providing access to quality education and the opportunity to build brighter futures. Thanks to our growing network of US supporters, that impact continues to expand.

Businesses taking action for change

Earlier this year, our new partner DocStyle, based in Florida, took part in our 1HumanRace initiative, joining the 60 for 60 Challenge to raise funds for our Keeping Girls in School project. Their participation was about more than meeting a fundraising goal – it was a reflection of their values, their belief in equality, and their commitment to meaningful social impact.

In other parts of the US, our partnership with Lesaffre North America, focused on advancing food and water security, continues to go from strength to strength. By combining innovation, education, and sustainability, we’re helping communities in Kenya and Tanzania not only meet their basic needs today, but also build the skills and systems to end poverty for generations to come.

In September, So They Can’s Partnerships Manager, Emily Whitehouse, joined the Lesaffre team in Las Vegas to share our story and take part in a panel discussion on food security. 

Here’s what Tom Benner, President and CEO at Lesaffre North America, and one of our US Board Directors, has said about our partnership:

“So They Can’s regular updates keep our connection strong and our support personal. We share them across Lesaffre and Red Star, uniting our teams behind a common cause. Their work in African communities mirrors our mission to nourish and protect the planet – and we couldn’t be more proud to stand alongside them.” 

A growing movement – and how you can join

The Menlo Park event and our partnerships across the US are only the beginning. As our presence grows, we’re thrilled to welcome new supporters who believe in the power of education to transform lives. Whether you’re an individual, a family, or a business, there are many ways to get involved:

• Donate – Every contribution supports our Education and Community Development Programs, helping us reach more children.
   
• Become an Advocate – Share our story with your network. Awareness amplifies impact.
   
• Host a Community Event – Gather friends, family, or colleagues to raise funds, learn more about our work, and inspire others to join.
   
• Business Partnership – Partner with us through team-bonding experiences like 1HumanRace, sponsor a project, or co-create a bespoke employee engagement program.
   
• Family Giving – Establishing a recurring family gift is a powerful way to be part of the solution to end child poverty.

At So They Can, we believe education is the most sustainable pathway out of extreme poverty. When children have access to quality learning opportunities, families gain hope, communities thrive, and futures open up.

We invite you to join this growing movement. To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to emily@sotheycan.org.