get TO KNOW us

Across the Globe, We Are United in Our Dedication to Children’s Rights

Who We Are

Meet the founder.

Rael Lomoti is a social worker, football enthusiast, and founder of Desert Roses, a community-based organization she launched in 2017 to empower girls in Turkana. Growing up in the region, she saw how early marriages and limited opportunities held girls back, and she turned to football as a tool for change—organizing teams, engaging parents, and promoting education.
Trained as both a referee and coach, Rael established Desert Roses FC, which now fields senior and junior teams despite facing harsh conditions and limited resources. Beyond her organization, she serves as the FKF Women Representative for Turkana County, where she advocates for better facilities, talent development, and recognition of women’s football.
Through her work, Rael is reshaping sports and creating new opportunities for girls, proving that even in challenging environments, roses can bloom when nurtured with passion and commitment.

We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces

At Desert Roses, we create safe and supportive environments where girls can learn, grow, and thrive. Our approach combines football, education, mentorship, and life skills programs to ensure girls have access to opportunities that empower them both on and off the field. Through structured football training, girls develop teamwork, discipline, and confidence, while our educational initiatives—ranging from tutoring sessions to career guidance—help them excel academically and build a foundation for future success.
We also run mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and health and wellness sessions, covering topics such as reproductive health, hygiene, nutrition, and self-esteem. By engaging parents, schools, and community leaders, we foster supportive networks that protect girls from early marriages, gender-based violence, and other barriers that limit their potential.
Through these integrated programs, Desert Roses provides spaces where girls can explore their talents, develop essential skills, and pursue their dreams safely. Our safe learning spaces are not just physical—they are environments of encouragement, opportunity, and empowerment, shaping resilient young women who can lead and inspire their communities.

01.

— Our Mission

To empower girls in Turkana through football and education, creating safe spaces where they can learn, play, and thrive.

02.

— Our Vision

A community where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, free from early marriage and empowered through sport, education, and mentorship.

03.

— Our Story

Founded in 2017 by Rael Lomoti, Desert Roses was born out of the need to give girls in Turkana a chance to dream beyond early marriages and limited opportunities. What began with local football teams has grown into a movement that combines sport, education, and advocacy. Despite harsh conditions and scarce resources, Desert Roses continues to break barriers, proving that with passion and resilience, girls can rise, lead, and inspire lasting change.