Lighting the Way in Turkana: The Yaroshenko Family’s Journey of Hope

When Volodymyr and Viktoriia Yaroshenko left Ukraine as teenagers to serve in Kenya, they never imagined Turkana would become their lifelong home. But over time, the desert region — one of Kenya’s most remote and economically challenged — became the place where they met, married, grew their family, and discovered the ministry God was preparing them for.

Today, the Yaroshenkos are the heartbeat of a community where opportunity once felt impossibly out of reach. Their calling began with a simple love for children and education. Viktoriia, whose passion has always centered on caring for youth in difficult circumstances, now mothers and mentors 13 children who live with their family. For her, this home is a living classroom — a space to nurture, disciple, and equip the next generation of Turkana leaders. Some of these children are already helping in ministry, proving just how powerful long‑term investment can be.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr took on a challenge few would dare: launching a free school in the settlement of Natidao, a community where formal education had never before existed. What began as a small vision has grown into a transformative project that now serves more than 570 students each day. The school offers far more than lessons — it provides clean water, balanced meals, fair local employment, and the daily proclamation of the Gospel.

In a region where illiteracy and malnutrition are widespread, these essentials mean everything. Children who once struggled for food now eat twice a day. Families who never had access to schooling now watch their sons and daughters learn to read. And for the first time, clean, safe water is available right in the settlement.

The Yaroshenkos believe deeply that the greatest change happens over generations, not weeks. Their dream is to see these students become future teachers, pastors, parents, and leaders who carry God’s truth and values into every corner of Turkana. Watching the school grow — building by building, staff member by staff member — has strengthened their conviction that transformation is already taking root.

“There’s still much to build, much to develop,” they say. “But God is changing this place, one child at a time. And to Him be the glory.”