Home | Wake na Vijana Initiatives

Empower vulnerable women and youth in Kenya

Socio-economic empowerment to end poverty and promote gender equity

Your donation equips the most vulnerable women and youth in Kenya to become socio-economically empowered ending the cycle of extreme poverty and gender inequality.

Ending socio-economic disparity. Building a sustainable and dignified future for all.

We believe that all people have a right to a dignified quality of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status. But lack of access to resources, gender inequality, climate change and other adverse circumstances continue to keep vulnerable women and youth from underserved geographies from achieving this.

We have a solution. Locally-led, community based and through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships with governments, private companies, conservation organizations, learning institutions and nonprofits, Wake na Vijana Initiatives equips women and youth with resources and skills to start businesses, prepare for employment and address gender inequality and other socio-economic issues improving the quality of life for current and future generations.

Our Priority Areas

Imarisha Mama and Imarisha Vijana Economic Empowerment Initiatives (EEIs)

We commit to poverty eradication through two programs specially designed for women and youth:

The “Imarisha Mama” Women Economic Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship (WEETE) program targets women aged 36 and above from underserved communities, providing them with the tools, training and support needed to start and grow businesses, while the “Imarisha Vijana” Youth Economic Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship (YEETE) program designed for youth aged 18-35 from underserved communities and high risk backgrounds, offering entrepreneurial training and resources start and grow businesses

"Reach for the Stars" Youth Capacity Building Initiatives(YCBIs)

Education has a transformative power in breaking the cycle of poverty. As such, we place a strong emphasis on capacity building for high school, college, and university students through our “Reach for the Stars” Youth Building Program(YCBP). By equipping young individuals with the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape, we aim to pave the way for sustainable growth and social mobility.

Gender Equity Initiatives (GEIs)

We believe that sustainable development requires a multifaceted approach in addressing root inequality. As such, we are committed to empowering both women and girls while also providing mentorship and support for the boy-child. Through targeted Lea Ndugu boy-child mentorship program, Lea Dada girl child empowerment program, and the Gender Based Violence Awareness program, we seek to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equal opportunities, fostering more inclusive and balanced communities.

We share the same vision as the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development. These are the nine Sustainable Development Goals we intend to meet.