Seeded in May 2010 by Amanda Lindhout, a former freelance journalist, following her release from 460 days as a hostage in Somalia. Following her release in 2009, Lindhout established the Global Enrichment Foundation (GEF) and dedicated the program to encouraging leadership in Somalia through community-based educational empowerment programs. In addition GEF undertakes humanitarian and life-saving emergency interventions in times of crisis and heightened conflict.