In 2010, Cathy Booth, shearer's daughter, dedicated teacher, Rotarian and mother from Bundaberg, Australia, travelled on a life-changing journey to Kenya. Witnessing the profound poverty and the plight of orphaned children, she felt an unwavering call to action. This experience reignited her childhood dream of working in an orphanage. Determined to make a tangible difference, Cathy returned to Kenya three times, volunteering in orphanages along the East Coast. She immersed herself in local communities, assessing the needs of vulnerable children and envisioning a sanctuary where they could thrive.

In 2011, with meticulous planning and an unyielding spirit, having done her due diligence, Cathy founded the NGO Umoja Orphanage Kenya, the Australian arm of the project. January 2012 she purchased 15 acres of fertile land in Kenya's Kwale District, near Ukunda and the picturesque Diani Beach. Here, she registered the NGO known locally as Umoja Children's Village.

Since 2012, over 200 passionate volunteers and local contractors have joined Cathy in transforming this once-bushland into a beacon of hope. Together and with local help, they've built a safe haven for orphaned, abandoned, neglected children, and a short-term haven for young rape victims, providing not just shelter, but also education, love, and a nurturing environment. Remarkably, Cathy achieved all this while working full-time as a teacher for 10 of the 13 years since Umoja's inception, exemplifying her extraordinary dedication and resilience.

Cathy's unwavering passion and commitment have transformed the lives of many, fulfilling her lifelong aspiration to support and care for vulnerable children. Her journey stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual's dedication and those who assist, can have on countless lives, turning dreams into reality and offering brighter futures to those in need.