Empowering Young People to Build Successful Futures

Here at MustardSeed, we understand the pain of joblessness, spiraling debts, rent arrears, skipping meals, and the emotional strain that an empty wallet begets. So we’re here to help you get a job and keep a job.

Who we are

The MustardSeed Programme is a youth empowerment initiative that equips high school graduates, college and university graduates, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical skills, mentorship, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s world of work and business.

We believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s why we work with ambitious young people who have clear goals but face genuine barriers to employment or entrepreneurship, helping them transform their potential into lasting success.

Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants develop essential life and career skills, including:

Professional communication and interpersonal skills
Personal branding and career readiness
Leadership and teamwork
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Financial literacy and money management
Ethical leadership and integrity
Resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence

Whether your goal is to secure your first job, advance your career, or start and grow your own business, the MustardSeed Programme provides the knowledge, support, and network to help you succeed.

Where it all began

The MustardSeed Programme was founded by Chris O’Hare in June 2014 following a visit to Kenya, where he met several graduates of St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School who, despite receiving a quality education and demonstrating strong character, struggled to secure meaningful employment.
Recognizing the gap between education and employability, Chris established MustardSeed to bridge that divide by providing practical life and career skills alongside mentorship and professional guidance.
Since its inception, the programme has grown significantly, positively impacting hundreds of young people by helping them build confidence, develop employable skills, launch businesses, and take ownership of their futures.

Preparing Future Graduates

MustardSeed’s commitment extends beyond graduates. The programme also works with current students at St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School, equipping them with career readiness skills before they complete their education.
Students receive guidance on career planning, CV writing, interview preparation, professional communication, and personal development, ensuring they leave school with a clear vision, practical skills, and a strong foundation for the next stage of their journey.

Vision

To develop a generation of confident, skilled, ethical, and purpose-driven young leaders who create meaningful careers, build sustainable businesses, and positively transform their communities.

Mission

To empower young people through practical training, mentorship, and leadership development, enabling them to overcome barriers, achieve their career and entrepreneurial aspirations, and become catalysts for positive social and economic change.

Support the Program

We are where we are today because of the sacrifices of our esteemed benefactors. Whatever you contribute goes a long way in sustaining the program.
With a donation of $10 a month, you can pay for a MustardSeed intern bus fare and lunch. For a $100 a month, you sponsor a student for a whole year. All of us work unpaid, so your donation makes the most impact in the lives of the youth we serve.

Our Impact to Society

Career Readiness and Employability

The MustardSeed Programme prepares high school graduates, college and university graduates with the practical skills employers seek. Through training in communication, personal branding, professionalism, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, participants become confident, job-ready professionals who can successfully transition from education into meaningful employment.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment

The programme empowers young people who aspire to start and grow their own businesses. Participants gain entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, innovation, financial management, business planning, and decision-making skills that enable them to create sustainable enterprises, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth within their communities.

Leadership, Character and Personal Development

Beyond technical skills, the programme nurtures ethical leaders with integrity, resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Participants develop confidence, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and the ability to lead with purpose, enabling them to make positive contributions in their workplaces, businesses, and communities.

Community Impact and Social Responsibility

The MustardSeed Programme inspires participants to become agents of positive change by embracing the values of service, mentorship, and giving back. Graduates are encouraged to support others, promote responsible citizenship, and actively participate in initiatives that strengthen families, uplift communities, and create lasting social impact for future generations.

We Dedicate Our Time To Deliver Great Results

The MustardSeed Programme continues to transform the lives of young people by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to excel in employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Every event brings together ambitious youth who are eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in their communities. The strong turnout and active participation at each programme reflect the trust and confidence young people have in MustardSeed. These milestones are more than just numbers—they represent lives transformed, potential unlocked, and a growing generation of empowered leaders ready to shape a better future.

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Youths Trained Every Year

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Training Sessions Every Year

Testimonials-Real Stories. Real Impact.

Discover how the MustardSeed Programme has empowered young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build successful careers, grow businesses, and transform their lives.

Zipporah kavuu mumo – Joined MSD 2020 | Graduate of St. AL’s

Before joining MustardSeed, I was a student seeking direction. The programme built my confidence and equipped me with job search, interview, and workplace skills. I secured a 3-month attachment at Tourism Fund in 2022, followed by my current job in 2023. Today, I support my family, pay my sibling’s school fees, and continue my studies. MustardSeed taught me that while qualifications open doors, character keeps them open.

Boniface Omondi — University Graduate & Graduate of St AL’s.

“MustardSeed helped me secure my first job at Genpact International by equipping me with interview skills and professional work ethics. They also supported me financially during my first months, helping me dress professionally and meet work expenses. One year later, I can provide for my family, support my siblings’ education, and mentor other MustardSeeds, passing on the impact that transformed my life.”

Dorcas Atieno, University Graduate in Mass Communication.

Before joining MustardSeed, I struggled to get interviews despite many job applications. MustardSeed helped me improve my CV, cover letter, and interview skills, leading to a job at Bright Technologies. They also supported my passion for fashion design by giving me a platform to showcase my work. Today, I mentor other job seekers, grateful to be part of a programme that restores hope and transforms lives..