Meet the team

Get to know the remarkable individuals who form the backbone of MBEGU, each contributing their unique skills, experiences and passion to our mission of empowering children and creating lasting change.

Jim Walker Peter

Operations Manager

Jim was born on Mfangano Island, where our journey began. Growing up witnessing his parents, Peter and Jane, dedicatedly supporting marginalized children in their community, Jim developed an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Studying to become a high school geography and history teacher in Nairobi, Jim's expertise perfectly aligns with our program. With an older brother-like approach, he has earned the respect and admiration of the children, inspiring them to reach for the stars. 

Anna Llorens Minguito

Administrative director

Hailing from Spain, Anna discovered her true calling amidst the captivating shores of Mfangano Island. At 18 years old, she embarked on a journey at Saint Mary's School, where her path intersected with destiny.

Mesmerized by the island's magic, Anna returned multiple times and found love in Jim. They are now engaged and share a mutual aspiration to make a long-term impact by managing the school.

With her studies in business administration and a heart captivated by the island's allure, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our team.

Communications and project manager

Juana María Collado

Born in Colombia, Juana possesses a deep sense of wanderlust. Having studied marketing and digital media in the United Kingdom, she embarked on an unconventional life at sea as a superyacht stewardess.

Driven by a burning desire to help others, Juana's journey led her to Saint Mary's School where she soon connected with Anna and Jim. Eager to go beyond ordinary acts of kindness, she joined forces with her visionary teammates to create a program that fosters the inner and emotional growth of the children she deeply cares for.

Juana's experience extends beyond; she has worked with a renowned British charity and lent her expertise to various start-up projects across the African continent. Her boundless creativity and adventurous spirit continually infuse our team with a fresh perspective.

Peter Odhiambo and Jane Akumu

Local representatives

Peter Odhiambo and Jane Akumu are the parents of Jim Walker, valued member of Mbegu, and also the owners of the land where we are building our facilities. They play a crucial role in this project as they act as intermediaries between the program's aspirations, the families and the community.

Many years ago, Peter and Jane opened their hearts and home to a few vulnerable children from the community, providing them with food and shelter.

Over time, supported by a different Spanish organization, they established Sant Mary's Primary School Academy, which now caters to over 100 kids. It was at this school that we first encountered the children who inspired us to create Mbegu.

With this land, Mbegu aims to create a nurturing environment where these children can continue to enrich their education, emotional intelligence, creativity, and individuality. Their talents are boundless, and we are committed to accompanying them on their journey to becoming the individuals and professionals they aspire to be.

Supporting team

This dynamic team of professionals is dedicated to making a meaningful difference. Through their specialized expertise, they play an essential role in our mission to empower our students and uplift our community.

Their training and experience support us to create a safe and nurturing space where children can thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially.


  • Psychologist and psychotherapist

    With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology specializing in clinical studies and a Master's in Individual Psychotherapy from Barcelona, Andrea became a support pillar to Mbegu. Her extensive training includes various postgraduate programs, allowing her to work with a diverse range of individuals and fulfil her passion in a comprehensive and efficient manner.

    Andrea holds a diploma in play therapy for children and has completed seminars in family and couples therapy. She is qualified in sexual education with a focus on preventing abuse for children and adolescents and accomplished a diploma in Gestalt psychotherapy for teens.

    She forms the managing team through workshops related to children’s psychology, safeguarding and care. Her background and knowledge allow our team to develop our educational initiatives with real impact.


  • Social worker and educator

    With a Bachelor's degree in Social Education and Social Work from the University of Lleida and specialized training in family intervention through a master's program at the University of La Rioja, Spain, Ainhoa brings a wealth of knowledge to our team.

    Her journey into this professional field began when she lived alongside a Sahrawi family in the refugee camps of Tindouf. Their influence unknowingly set her on a path to becoming who she is today.

    Ainhoa's four years of professional experience have been dedicated to nurturing and educating children and adolescents in situations of vulnerability who reside in a Residential Centre for Educational Action (Centros Residenciales de Acción Educativa) as an alternative to their birth family.

    Her journey, empathy and experience, make her a great addition to designing an educational program that aligns with safeguarding principles.

COLLABORATING FOR A PURPOSE

COLLABORATING FOR A PURPOSE

To promote a circular economy and empower the local community, our team also includes local teachers, a security guard, a cook, and maintenance personnel. By providing employment opportunities, we ensure that the benefits of our program extend beyond those simply enrolled.

Together, our dedicated team – both local and international – strives to make a profound impact on the lives of the children of Mfangano Island, igniting a spark of hope, opportunity, and limitless potential.