Refugee Thrive Initiative
EMPOWER · EDUCATE · ELEVATE
Refugee Thrive Initiative (RTI) is a refugee-led community-based organisation empowering displaced men, women, and youth in Nairobi with the skills, support, and confidence to rebuild their lives with dignity.
RTI was founded by refugees living in Nairobi who understand first-hand the barriers to digital access, economic empowerment, and emotional wellbeing that displaced communities face. We are building practical, community-owned programs that restore dignity and open doors to opportunity.
To equip refugees in Nairobi with digital skills, economic empowerment opportunities, and mental health support that enable them to thrive with dignity and independence.
A future where every refugee — regardless of status — has equal access to opportunity, wellbeing, and a thriving, self-reliant life within their host community.
We lead with empathy, transparency, and community ownership — building solutions rooted in the lived experience of the people we serve.
RTI runs four official programs, each designed collaboratively with the community to meet the most pressing needs of refugee children, youth, women, and men in Nairobi.
After-school tutoring, mentorship, scholastic material support, and school enrollment & retention support for refugee children and youth.
Computer training (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), CV writing, online job search skills, coding & cybersecurity awareness, and career mentorship.
Small business coaching, financial literacy, women & youth savings groups (table banking/chamas), vocational skills, and market linkages.
Trauma healing support groups, stress management, one-on-one counselling & referrals, and peacebuilding & conflict prevention sessions.
*Figures reflect broadly cited regional estimates for refugee populations in Kenya, provided as context. See our full Impact page for our approach to measuring real program results.
A small, dedicated team of refugee community leaders and program staff — each bringing lived experience to every program we run.
Leads RTI's overall vision and strategy, rooted in lived refugee experience and community trust.
Oversees day-to-day delivery of all four core programs, ensuring quality and consistency.
Facilitates trauma healing groups and one-on-one counselling with compassion and care.
Whether you're a teacher, tech professional, business coach, or counsellor, RTI welcomes volunteers and mentors to walk alongside our community across all four programs.
As an emerging, refugee-led CBO, your partnership at this early stage has an outsized impact.
Sponsor scholastic materials, digital skills kits, entrepreneurship training, or mental health support sessions.
Donate NowShare your expertise in tech, business, counselling, or M&E with our community members.
Join UsSupport our registration journey and co-design scalable, sustainable programs with us.
Partner With RTI