The Savings and Credit Group known as MAEKO UNITY SELF HELP GROUP was founded from the shared vision and unity of a group of young men and women in Kenya who reunited during a gathering organized by the founder, Mr. Francesco Vezzoso, in Nairobi in December 2025.

The members of the group spent their childhood and adolescent years together in an orphanage located in the Utawala area of Nairobi. Mr. Francesco Vezzoso, who was the first Italian volunteer to serve at the orphanage nearly 18 years ago, built a strong and lasting bond with the children and has remained closely connected to them throughout the years.

During his family visit to Kenya in December 2025, Mr. Vezzoso organized a reunion bringing together the former residents of the orphanage. It was during this emotional and inspiring meeting that the idea of forming a united self-help group was born.

The members agreed to establish a platform through which they could support one another socially and economically while creating sustainable opportunities for their future.

The primary objective of MAEKO UNITY SELF HELP GROUP is to empower young people who are currently facing financial hardships or unemployment, but who are responsible, determined, and willing to contribute through regular monthly savings, teamwork, and investment initiatives.

In support of this vision, Mr. Francesco Vezzoso voluntarily offered to serve as the sponsor of the GROUP and committed himself to financing investment projects proposed under the Group’s development plan.

These projects are expected to be implemented within three years from the date of registration and will cover four key geographical regions in Kenya: • Homa Bay County • Kisumu County • Eldama Ravine – Baringo County • Nairobi County These are areas where most of the members currently reside. The founder’s vision is to actively involve members experiencing employment challenges and encourage collective participation in income-generating activities aimed at improving livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and securing a better future for members, their families, and their children.

The name “MAEKO UNITY SELF HELP GROUP” was proposed by the founder, Mr. Francesco Vezzoso, and was respectfully and unanimously accepted by all members.

The name symbolizes the strong spirit of unity, brotherhood, and family connection that has always existed between Mr. Vezzoso’s family and his brothers and sisters in Kenya, who are now proud members of MAEKO UNITY SELF HELP GROUP. Motto “When in trouble, we come together as brothers and sisters to assist.

This is the real soul and spirit of MAEKO!”