Our Story

About the Bar JUNI & Irene Menakaya Foundation

A global nonprofit rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — regardless of geography or circumstance.

Our Mission

Building on a Legacy of Educational Excellence

The Bar JUNI and Irene Menakaya Foundation International USA was born from a pioneering legacy. Our founders established the first early childhood education centre east of the Niger River in Nigeria — a landmark achievement that set the course for everything we do today.

Guided by the timeless conviction that My Child Is My Pride, the Foundation advances education and community development on a global scale. We work at the intersection of technology, policy, and community engagement to create sustainable, inclusive pathways to quality learning for underserved populations worldwide.

Aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 4, our programs — from the Global Teachers Classroom and Community Education Centers to the RURAL+ digital learning initiative and our scholarship fund — reach thousands of learners across Africa, the Americas, and beyond.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Six principles that shape every program, partnership, and decision we make.

Integrity

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship in everything we do.

Inclusion

We believe every child — regardless of background, ability, or location — deserves equal access to a quality education.

Community

Lasting change is built from within communities. We engage, empower, and walk alongside the people we serve.

Innovation

We harness technology and creative thinking to break down barriers to education in even the most resource-constrained settings.

Sustainability

Every initiative we build is designed to outlast our direct involvement — creating self-sustaining systems that communities own.

Pride in Every Child

Our founding principle: My Child Is My Pride. Every scholarship awarded, every center opened is a promise kept.

500+ Students Supported

4 Core Programs

12+ Partner Organizations

30+ Years of Legacy

Our Team

Meet the Executive Board

Accomplished professionals from medicine, law, engineering, and international affairs — united by a shared commitment to educational excellence.

Professor Adaeze C. JUNI Menakaya

Consultant, United Nations Affairs / Educationist

Engr. Chuma Menakaya

President / Chief Executive Officer

Barrister Chinelo Emedoh

Director, Riches Enterprise Philadelphia

Dr. Jideofor Obidinma Menakaya

Consultant Neonatal Pediatrician

Dr. Uchefuna A. Menakaya

Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Sonologist

Dr. Nnamdi Chukwunweze Menakaya

Consultant Physician

View Full Board

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bar JUNI and Irene Menakaya Foundation International is headquartered in the Bronx, New York, USA, with programs operating across Nigeria and beyond.

Our programs directly advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 — Quality Education — through inclusive learning initiatives, teacher development, digital access infrastructure, and scholarships for underserved learners.

You can support us by donating, volunteering, or exploring partnership opportunities. Visit our Contact page to get in touch, or reach us directly at info@barjunifoundationintl.org.

Yes. Our Less Privileged Education and Scholarship program accepts applications from students who demonstrate both academic promise and financial need. Visit the Programs page or contact us for details on the current application cycle.

RURAL+ establishes solar-powered learning centres, trains local teachers in digital tools, and subsidises access to educational content — addressing the three core barriers of unreliable electricity, teacher shortage, and unaffordable materials simultaneously.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you're an educator, a donor, or a community leader — there's a place for you in our mission. My Child Is My Pride.

Get Involved OR Explore Programs

A global nonprofit based in the Bronx, New York, dedicated to advancing education and community development. Empowering underserved communities since our founding — because My Child Is My Pride.