Mahjong for Makindu
Learn to play American Mahjong while doing good. All profits support the Makindu Children's Program — and you can give directly anytime.
Founded in 1998, still rooted in community.
Started by Oregon paramedic Winnie Barron and Kenyan teacher Dianah Nzomo, the Program supports the Makindu Children's Center in arid eastern Kenya, on the Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
Rather than run an orphanage, it places children with guardians in their own community. The children come to the Center each day for meals, bathing, laundry, medical care, and emotional support — and the whole community grows stronger for it.
Three lessons. One sister. A bigger purpose.
I took three Mahjong lessons with my sister and was instantly hooked. As the game grew in popularity, I saw an opportunity hiding in plain sight: a way to teach others, build community, and support a cause close to my heart — all at the same time.
I'm a board member of the Makindu Children's Program, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for the Makindu Children's Center in Kenya. In 2024, I traveled there myself. Meeting the children and guardians changed how I think about giving — and made me want to spread the word that this remarkable place exists.
“My hope is inspire people to become involved in the Makindu Children's Program to ensure it's long-term stability. Mahjong has a long history of being connected to charitable giving, so it's a natural fit. As long-time supporter and MCP board member Michael Farley says, 'When you're involved in something good, tell people about it. Most people want to be involved in something good.'”
What your support pays for
Nutrition
Offering a daily nutritious meal to hundreds of its children as well as Unimix supplemental nutrition to those who need it. The Center also distributes bulk food supplies to families in need, addressing malnutrition, an issue intensified by various socio-political and economic factors across Africa.
Education
Providing education to enrolled children from preschool to high school/vocational school, addressing challenges in Kenya's public school system, emphasizing the transformative power of education to inspire hope, broaden horizons, and nurture dreams, with MCC sponsoring students at affordable costs.
Health care
Ensuring comprehensive healthcare for children under its care, ranging from regular check-ups to treatment for acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and malnutrition. With a relentless commitment to the children's health, MCC continuously stives for improvements to better serve its beneficiaries.
Psychosocial support
Providing an atmosphere of love and hope, alongside essential crisis intervention. Personal check-ins with Community Health Volunteers and social workers on a regular basis. Quarterly workshops focus on behavioral and communication skills.
Guardians
Children are placed under the care of loving guardians - typically elderly grandparents or distant relatives - to instill a sense of family and belonging. Guardians are trained in income-generating activities and keep goats and chickens to sustain their households.
Advocacy & Protection
Helping children access important resources such as obtaining birth certificates and free community seminars on a multitude of topics, including child advocacy and protection, women's rights, HIV/AIDS and more.
Shelter & Support
Ensuring homeless children find a safe haven in vetted homes within the community. The Center ensures care, support, and a sense of belonging within the community.
Projects
Capital improvement and upgrades, such as a community water tank, borehole for water access, installing wash stations in every household and solar panel installation, to name a few.
How you can help
Buying from the shop is one way. Here are a few more — each one reaches children in Makindu directly.
Give monthly
Set up a recurring gift — especially through an employer match program, which can double your impact.
One-time gift
Make a single donation in any amount. A dollar goes a remarkably long way in Makindu.
Travel to Kenya
Join a trip organized by board members and see the Center's work first-hand.
Spread the word
Share the Program with your circle, host a Mahjong class, or join the board and share your talents.
Spread the word about Makindu Children’s Program
Thank you for considering a donation!
Makindu Children’s Program EIN 93-1153131
