In 1997, the founders of Lavenda visited a community in the Kenyan Nyandarua (Aberdare) Ranges. This community had no facilities and were in the grip of a 3 year drought and famine. As a result of consultation with the local community, they purchased 8 acres of land there and the planning began to build a school, medical centre/hospital, homes for children with no parents, leadership training centre and a TAFE (Vocational training programs).

In 2001 the primary school was opened with 5 children and by the end of that year there were 63 children in attendance.  In 2004 Lavenda opened its first high school.  The first children’s home (Kivuli) was also started in August of 2004 with younger children moving in who have no parents.  A 'house mum’ is looking after them and providing a home environment.

Today Lavenda is working with a network of schools encompassing nearly 1000 children.  The Kivuli children's village is providing many children who have been orphaned with a home and security.  Lavenda is working with women's groups and microfinance and is passionately involved with children in building and equipping them with skills and confidence for the future.

 Lavenda is named in honour of the founders first daughter, Lavenda Wairimu, who died in childbirth in 1996.