Kijani Youth Initiative Inc. works with youth groups in Nairobi, Kenya to develop small, sustainable enterprises by providing them with mentoring, training, and startup capital.
Since 2010, Kijani has facilitated the launch of six successful businesses, helping over 400 people to better their lives, family's wellbeing, and communities. As a 100% student-run, volunteer organisation, we think that is a pretty spectacular achievement.
Our successful businesses, past and present, include:
- Greenhouse and water well to provide food and water to the community
- Social enterprise telecommunications business to fund a mentoring program for young girls to navigate womanhood and avoid sexual violence
- Rubbish collection and clean-up service
- Installed clean water tank, shower and tap with drinking water for the community
- Car cleaning service
- Closed loop chicken farm agribusiness
We've relied on the passionate work of 30 young, student volunteers in Australia to fund these incredible projects. Much to our bittersweet sentiments, Kijani has reached a size where it can no longer be supported by volunteer efforts alone, yet we lack the financial capacity to maintain paid positions.
After six wonderful years of operation, we're devastated to be closing our doors.
We need you - we're calling out to help us leave our Kenyan beneficiaries in the best position possible so they're able to combat the effects of poverty and the harsh prospects of life in Nairobi's most overpopulated slums. Our beneficiaries include two spectacular, hard-working, and dedicated mentors, along with our beloved six youth groups consisting of approximately 20 people each.
Give these beautiful people one last chance to build the future that they deserve! An investment in an individual is an investment in a community.
Please take a moment to learn about Kijani's stories and make one last investment in our community.