Established in 1977, Global Alliance’s longevity is a key asset of its success. The organization was initially launched to respond to the locally identified needs of women and children impacted by the AIDS epidemic in East Africa. In its earliest years, GAA developed, in partnership with communities, self-sustaining HIV+ prevention programs, malnutrition prevention programs and water catchment projects, including the construction of clean water wells. More than 7,000 orphans and vulnerable children were served between 1997 and 2005.

In 2005, GAA shifted its resources to establishing community libraries in Kibera, Nairobi’s largest urban slum, and in Kibosho in rural Tanzania. These libraries, which are stocked with government-approved textbooks for use by students who cannot afford them, also serve as safe spaces within their challenging communities.

As an outgrowth of our library program, GAA was asked in 2019 to provide basic computer literacy programs in underserved public schools where only minor computer infrastructures exist. This robust digital learning program has now extended beyond Kenya and Tanzania to include sites in Uganda and Morocco.