Our Story
The Simba Trust is rooted in a legacy of compassion, resilience, and the belief that education is the foundation for success. This journey began with a deeply personal inspiration: the commitment of our founder’s grandfather to supporting education. He raised funds to build an all-girls school and dormitory for underprivileged girls in India, transforming the lives of countless young women. This taught us that when you invest in education, you lay the groundwork for a lifetime of opportunity and empowerment.
At its heart, The Simba Trust represents strength, pride, and leadership—values embodied in its name. Inspired by Simba, a beloved K9 member of our family, whose name means “lion” in Swahili, the Trust’s name also honors the rich culture of Africa, where our work began. Simba’s legacy is a dual one: it celebrates a cherished companion while symbolizing the courage and vision to create a brighter future for children in need.
Our first program, the Maasai Kids Education Project, began in Amboseli, Kenya. The program provided school uniforms and T-shirts to Maasai children, giving them the opportunity to attend school and fostering a sense of belonging and pride. The initiative received heartfelt gratitude from the Maasai community, whose leaders described the transformative impact of this simple yet powerful act.
Since that milestone, The Simba Trust has expanded its mission to serve children in underserved communities across Africa. By covering school fees, supplies, meals, and health services, we aim to remove barriers to education and ensure children can continue their studies and build better futures. Education is not just a tool—it’s a lifeline, a pathway to opportunity, and a chance to empower one community at a time.
Giving and helping others are at the core of The Simba Trust. We believe that every contribution—whether it’s a donation, a volunteer’s time, or a partner’s support—has the power to uplift lives. With each uniform distributed, each textbook delivered, and each scholarship granted, we strive to create a ripple effect of hope and transformation that inspires future generations.
Today, The Simba Trust stands as a testament to what’s possible when people come together to make a difference. With your support, we can continue this journey of empowerment, investing in children and communities to ensure brighter, more equitable futures for all.
Mission and Vision
We envision a world where every child has access to education and the tools to succeed. Guided by a mission to break barriers to education, we strive to build equitable, educated communities that inspire a ripple effect of positive change for future generations.
Core Values
Integrity: Ensuring transparency and accountability in all operations.
Compassion: Acting with empathy and care to meet the needs of children.
Empowerment: Providing tools and opportunities for children to achieve their potential.
Equity: Focusing on underserved communities to reduce educational disparities.
Sustainability: Supporting long-term solutions for lasting impact.
Mital Patel, the founder of The Simba Trust, is an accomplished fine art photographer, filmmaker, and advocate for environmental and social causes. As a Managing Partner at NewcrestImage, a leading hospitality firm, Mital has built a career rooted in leadership, innovation, and creating value for communities. His experience in business has instilled a commitment to strategic planning and sustainable impact, principles that guide the work of The Simba Trust.
Through his professional and creative endeavors, Mital has traveled the globe, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by children in underserved communities. This inspired the founding of The Simba Trust, which combines a legacy of compassion with the drive to create opportunities for education and empowerment.
"Whether through my work in hospitality, photography, or philanthropy, my mission has always been to foster growth and create lasting positive change for people and communities." - Mital Patel