At Ocean Sole, our mission doesn’t stop at the shoreline. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to creating resilience both in the ocean and on land. One of our most inspiring initiatives is the Community Garden Project, led by the incredible Ocean Mamaz group in Kilifi.
What started as a neglected, rubbish-strewn plot of land has been transformed into a thriving space for food, health, and hope. This garden is more than just a patch of green it’s a movement for better nutrition, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship.
Why the Community Garden Matters
Food insecurity is one of the biggest challenges faced by coastal families in Kenya. In fact, 100% of the women in our Ocean Mamaz group reported stress over feeding their families, often surviving on little more than maize meal and spinach.
The Community Garden tackles this challenge head-on by:
🌱 Teaching permaculture & regenerative agriculture empowering families and
fishermen with sustainable farming skills.
💪 Creating economic opportunities through the production and sale of soil
amendments like compost, leachate, and coco peat.
🍲 Improving food security ensuring local families have access to healthier,
more diverse diets.
🌍 Connecting land and sea as part of our Reef to Roots initiative, the garden
bridges marine conservation with sustainable agriculture. Working with the wives of
fishermen to support fishing families so they don’t have to depend on the depleted
marine resources.
Mama’s Miracle Grow 🌱
One of the garden’s proudest achievements is the creation of Mama’s Miracle Grow a
nutrient-rich compost produced right here in Kilifi. By turning organic waste into soil-enriching compost, the Mamaz not only generate income but also promote circular, sustainable farming. Every bag sold supports the continuation and expansion of the garden.
Our Impact in 2025 & What’s Next
Since its launch, the Ocean Mamaz Community Garden has become a true hub of
regeneration both ecological and social. So far in 2025, we have:
- Expanded the garden to support dozens of local families 🌾
- Trained community members and fishermen in permaculture and composting
practices 📚 - Produced and sold our first batches of Mama’s Miracle Grow compost 🌱
- Begun reinvesting sales back into the garden and other food security projects such
as poultry to ensure its long-term sustainability 💙
Our next goal is to scale production of Mama’s Miracle Grow, making it a recognized
local resource for farmers and gardeners while expanding the garden to feed even more
families in Kilifi.
This project is proof that when communities come together, we can protect the ocean, restore the land, and build healthier futures from reef to roots.
Ocean Sole’s Nonprofit Commitment
Ocean Sole is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States,
dedicated to supporting community, conservation, and creative impact in Kenya.
Through funding, partnerships, and global awareness campaigns, the U.S. nonprofit
empowers our Kenyan social enterprise to turn ocean waste into opportunity through art,
dignified jobs, and environmental action. We don’t just create upcycled sculptures we support a wide range of impact initiatives that uplift communities, protect marine life, and inspire global change.
✨ Every time you shop with Ocean Sole, you’re not just buying art you’re helping
grow food security, restore coastlines, and empower women in Kenya. Click here to Shop
🌍 Ocean Sole Programs at a Glance
🐢 TurtleSafe Project: Protecting endangered sea turtles by hiring local rangers to safeguard nests, prevent poaching, and educate communities.
🌊 Coastal Cleanups: Removing tonnes of plastic and flip-flops from beaches and rivers before they reach the Indian Ocean.
🌱 Mangrove Planting: Partnering with The Leaf Charity to restore coastal forests, protect biodiversity, and fight climate change.
🌾 Community Garden (Ocean Mamaz): Empowering the Ocean Mamaz with food security, permaculture training, and sustainable income through Mama’s Miracle Grow compost.
Children’s Safe House & Upskilling Centre: Supporting 104 orphans and vulnerable children in Kilifi with vital resources. We provide sanitary towels for 40+ girls, clean water, weekly meals, art supplies, and a kitchen garden to grow vegetables, transforming a coral mine wasteland into a place of nourishment. This initiative builds dignity, health, and hope for children who need it most.
📚 Marine Education Outreach Program: Launched in 2024, this program partners with schools and the Safe House to embed ocean literacy, conservation skills, and creative recycling for children aged 5–12. Through storytelling, games, and hands-on activities, we nurture the next generation of ocean guardians.
💙 Ocean Sole CARES: Supporting our artisans and staff with healthcare, education, fair pay, and essential resources for their families.
✨ Every donation and every purchase fuels these programs, helping us clean oceans, protect wildlife, and create dignified jobs in Kenya.
