Sophia for Children is a non-profit organization supporting children in need in Cyprus and Kenya. It provides daily nutritious meals, medical care, and clean water to ensure access to education.
In Cyprus, the organization offers school lunches, while in Kenya, it delivers life-saving meals to vulnerable children. Through the OPAP Limassol Marathon, Sophia for Children aims to raise funds to provide meals for 100 children for an entire school year.
Can you introduce your charity and provide an overview of its mission and purpose?
Sophia for Children is a non-profit NGO established in 2008 by Cypriot volunteers committed to supporting children in need in Cyprus and Kenya. Our mission is to fight poverty by ensuring all children have access to education. In Cyprus, we provide nutritious lunches in all-day schools, while in Kenya, we offer two daily meals, medical care, and clean water.
What inspired the establishment of your charity, and what motivated its founders to address this cause?
Witnessing the devastating effects of poverty, especially on children in developing countries like those in Africa, motivated us to take action. Our goal is to empower children through education and care, helping them build a better future.
Are there specific populations or communities your charity focuses on serving? What led to the decision to prioritize these groups?
Sophia for Children supports financially vulnerable communities. Since 2013, following Cyprus’ economic collapse, we have worked alongside the Ministry of Education to provide balanced school lunches to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through our I Cook and I Offer program, we provide freshly cooked meals in 18 primary and 10 nursery schools across Cyprus. In Kenya, where poverty and climate challenges are severe, we supply life-saving meals, clean water, and medical care to children in remote and high-risk urban areas. We currently serve nearly 10,000 meals daily across 9 primary and 9 nursery schools. Additionally, we manage the Makarios Children’s Home in Nyeri, providing safety, education, and long-term care for over 200 orphaned children, from toddlers to university students.
Is there a specific case or individual your charity is supporting through this year’s marathon fundraising campaign?
As a non-profit, we rely on sponsorships and donations to fund our programs. The demand for school meals has increased, along with food costs, making this year’s support more critical than ever.
Funds raised from the OPAP Limassol Marathon will directly cover the cost of providing school lunches to 100 children for an entire school year, ensuring they receive daily, nutritious meals.