• 2025-04-10

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY LIVELIHOODS SINCE 2009

L'Afrikana Community-Based Organization began as a humble initiative in 2009, founded by a group of resilient refugees and committed local community members who believed that true transformation must come from within. What started as a small, grassroots movement under the banner of "Women and Youth Alive" quickly grew into a vital platform that has empowered thousands of individuals through education, skills development, advocacy, and social inclusion. Officially registered in 2015, L'Afrikana has since evolved into one of the most respected refugee-led organizations in Kenya, offering sustainable solutions to the livelihood challenges facing both refugee and host communities.

From Women and Youth Alive to a Movement of Empowerment In its earliest days, L'Afrikana focused on supporting refugee women and youth who had been marginalized and overlooked. Through self-help groups, small-scale economic initiatives, and peer counseling, the organization created safe spaces for healing, learning, and resilience. The foundation of the organization was built on the belief that dignity, self-reliance, and inclusion are fundamental human rights. Women were trained in tailoring, hairdressing, and micro-enterprise management. Youth were engaged in music, drama, digital skills, and community leadership. The success of these initial programs proved that change is possible when communities are trusted to lead their own development. Expansion and Official Registration In 2015, L'Afrikana was officially registered as a community-based organization. This marked a significant milestone that opened doors to partnerships, funding, and a wider reach. With this new status, L'Afrikana expanded its programs to include: Education sponsorships for vulnerable children and youth Vocational training for refugees and low-income urban youth Livelihood programs such as urban farming, soap making, and digital literacy Gender-based violence prevention and survivor support Refugee protection and documentation support in partnership with national and international organizations Rebuilding Lives through the Rebuild Project One of L'Afrikana's most impactful collaborations to date has been the Rebuild Project, implemented in partnership with international NGOs and local agencies. The project targeted long-term refugees in Nairobi who lacked access to stable incomes, education, or legal documentation. Through the Rebuild initiative, L'Afrikana facilitated: Household assessments and community mapping Livelihood support including business grants and mentorship Psychosocial support services for survivors of trauma Advocacy for policy reforms that support urban refugees The Rebuild Project not only empowered individuals but also strengthened entire communities by fostering economic resilience, reducing dependency, and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Why You Should Support L'Afrikana L'Afrikana is more than a service provider—it is a movement led by the very people it serves. What makes this organization truly unique is its refugee-led model, where solutions are informed by lived experience and implemented by local leadership. In a world where refugee voices are often excluded, L'Afrikana champions inclusion, dignity, and action. Your support for L'Afrikana is a direct investment in: Empowering refugee and host communities to become self-reliant Promoting gender equality and education for all Supporting youth-driven innovation and leadership Advocating for policies that protect human rights and expand opportunity Every donation, partnership, or volunteer hour helps extend the reach of L'Afrikana's life-changing work. When you support L'Afrikana, you are not just supporting a cause—you are standing with a community determined to shape its own future. Join us. Empower dignity. Rebuild lives. Transform futures. For more information, visit: www.lafrikana.or.ke