Our Story

The Charity grew out of a successful Global Schools Partnership Project between two UK schools and two Kenyan schools:

Thomas Adams in Wem partnered with Miriu Secondary School, Kenya

Buntingsdale Primary in Market Drayton partnered with Innis Primary, Kenya

Both Kenyan schools are located on the Sondu plateau in Upper Nyakach District, a remote rural area in the west of the country where subsistence farming is the main source of income.

Alongside the classroom links, a student sponsorship scheme, supported by parents and friends of the school, was set up to support individuals at Miriu who struggled to achieve regular attendance due to lack of family means.

Shortly after the scheme started Ross Jones, a Thomas Adams student, died in a motor accident. His parents created a project to celebrate his life and to generate income for the partnership - a memorial rose named Zest for Life.

As the scheme grew it became apparent that a more formal mechanism was needed to manage the sponsorship scheme, one that could also aid fundraising from external sources. Thus in 2008, the name of the rose was adopted as the name of a new Charity. Zest for Life now operates independently of the schools partnership.

Our income is generated via 20+ monthly donors, community fundraising efforts (coffee mornings, quiz nights, presentations to local philanthropic societies, sponsored events and one off donations) and occasional grants from trusts and foundations. In a typical year, for every £1 donated 97p is spent directly on our charitable work.

External funding has been sourced from a number of UK trusts and foundations, networking opportunities continue to raise our profile. As Chairman, Karen has twice been successful in Vodafone’s World of Difference Awards participating in events at the Reading HQ.

Our Team & Partners

We are currently a Trustee board of 3 meeting 3-4 times a year. We issue quarterly newsletters to update our 20+ regular donors plus friends and supporters.

In Kenya, alongside our regular contact with the Head teacher at Innis, we rely on 2 associates:

Martin Ogondi a former sponsored student, now a secondary school teacher, is our projects manager and link with the women’s groups we support.

Seth Osano is the former Deputy Head at Miriu and now Head Teacher at Senator Otieno Kajwang High School. Seth is our educational advisor offering invaluable advice and keeping us up to date with education policy.

Our Impact

Our regular support for Innis primary has improved enrolment which in turn has enabled the school to grow.

Our feeding programme at Innis has improved overall student health, reduced illness and improved academic achievement. This costs around £1,300 per annum.

Our building projects at both schools have improved the learning environment and contributed to a raising of hygiene standards.

Our support for literature through the provision of books and other learning resources has improved classroom experience at both schools and raised academic results.

Our secondary school bursaries have given families relief from financial burden. Students have been able to learn secure in the knowledge that their fees are paid on time. Secondary school education costs around £250 - £350 per annum

Our further education bursaries have offered students the opportunity to achieve their potential, to secure well paid employment and to ‘pay back’ to their communities.

Upcoming Events

Annual General Meeting 2026

Wednesday 5th April 2026

Location: The Bull & Dog, 30 Coton,

Whitchurch, SY13 2RA

Time: 5pm

Further Details:

Papers available upon request by email from

March 31st.

Can't make it? Proxy votes welcome -

submitted by email by 9th April please.