The Founder's History
Fostine Opiyo Odhiambo – Co-Founder MBCC
Imagine a world where family isn’t defined by blood ties, but by the strength of support and compassion. This is the vision behind Madam Benta Community Centre, a remarkable initiative brought to life by Mr. Fostine Opiyo Odhiambo in the wake of personal hardship.
When the Covid pandemic struck, Fostine found himself without employment and faced the harsh realities of city and village life. He discovered that during tough times, few family members or neighbours were willing to offer a helping hand whole-heartedly. It was a lonely and isolating experience, leading Fostine to silently suffer from mental health-related problems.
However, amidst the struggles, Fostine stumbled upon a glimmer of hope. He encountered one of the writings by the late Madam Benta Asingo. The writing that emphasised on family ties bound by compassion and care and not blood was an attitude game changer. The great slogan of ‘Human being is more than a profit’ Inspired Fostine, He realized that he was not alone in his struggles, and that many others families faced various difficulties without a community of compassion and care or place to turn to for help.
As the post-corona pandemic era unfolded, Fostine continued to engage with families and villagers and witnessed a rise in joblessness, unskilled youths, families suffering silently (mental health cases), Malnutrition, and increase in crime within his neighbourhood. It was a wake-up call for him. He felt compelled to create a platform for youths and families to help them navigate life’s realities, live within their means, acquire vital life skills, utilize locally available resources to restore the lost happiness they once had.
Fostine collaborated with local leaders, like-minded individuals and the late Madam Benta Family, leading to the establishment of the Madam Benta Community Centre.
Madam Benta Community Centre is not just an organization; it is a transformational community movement. A community that believed in the ideologies of the Big Teacher. A community that challenges the conventional notion of family, emphasizing that it is not defined by blood, but by those willing to extend a helping hand when it’s needed most. A community that provides basic solutions to families in rural communities.
By supporting Madam Benta Community Centre, you are embracing a ground-breaking concept that has the power to change lives globally. Starting from families, homes to the world
Madam Benta Odhiambo (Mama Benta or Big Teacher
Madam Benta Odhiambo, Mama Benta or Big Teacher (deceased) was the founder and Executive Director of the Kanyala Little Stars organization in Kenya. Kanyala Little Stars Organization promoted and provided humanitarian support, technical assistance and emergency relief to disadvantaged people (orphans, widows and those living with HIV/AIDS) through its pre-primary and primary school and horticulture model farm. The goal of Kanyala Little Stars School and farm was to promote holistic community development through education and sustainable agriculture. “A Human being is more than a profit”. This was the slogan for late Mama Benta Odhiambo Asingo, Born on 9th September 1953 in Ahero Nyando in Kano plains, she started her schooling in Nyakakana-AIC School. She was married to the Late Timothy Odhiambo Asingo of Kolo Kanyala – Rusinga Island. It was in this Island where the late Madam Benta exemplary dedicated herself for the benefit of her community and beyond. She died in July 2013.
Madam Benta Odhiambo had a wealth of experience in community development and educationalist, She cumulatively taught for 40-years in both private and public Kenyan schools. Her motivation was to see every community member young or old in a position to read and write. She dedicated much of her life to fighting for children and women’s rights, especially the orphans and vulnerable children and people living with HIV/AIDS. Through her great love for women and children, Madam Benta was driven to start a women group to empower her community economically, socially and even spiritually. She mentored many women, men and girls. She empowered families and individuals that has continued with her legacy and brand of compassion and care for all.
It is in this spirit of love, compassion and care that enabled a community of her dependants from the great projects she initiated as well as continued legacy that has led to the birth of Madam Benta Community Centre.
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