Refugee Thrive Initiative
EMPOWER · EDUCATE · ELEVATE
RTI was born from lived experience — built by refugees, for refugees, to close the gaps that host-community systems often overlook.
Refugee Thrive Initiative (RTI) began with a small group of refugees in Nairobi who kept seeing the same barriers repeat themselves in their community: no digital skills to access remote work, limited pathways to economic independence, and almost no safe space to talk about the trauma of displacement. Rather than wait for outside solutions, they organized their own.
Today, RTI is a growing community-based organisation delivering four core programs — Education & Learning Support, Digital Skills & Career Development, Livelihood & Entrepreneurship Empowerment, and Mental Health & Psychosocial Support — built entirely around the real, everyday needs of refugee children, youth, women, and men living in Nairobi.
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.
A small circle of refugee community members began meeting informally in Nairobi to discuss shared challenges — from unemployment to isolation and mental strain.
Education Support, Digital Skills, Livelihood & Entrepreneurship, and Mental Health & Psychosocial Support were shaped directly from community input as the four most urgent needs.
On 28 October 2026, RTI was officially registered as a Community Based Organization in Kenya (Reg. No. DSD/47/289/02/265016) — a major milestone built on community trust and years of grassroots work.
With official registration secured, we are building donor and mentor relationships, expanding our reach across all four programs, and formally tracking and reporting community impact.
RTI is run by a small, dedicated team of refugee community leaders and program staff — each bringing lived experience and hands-on commitment to every program we deliver.
Leads RTI's overall vision and strategy, bringing lived refugee experience and deep community trust to every decision.
Guides youth through practical, job-ready digital literacy, CV writing, and online work-readiness training.
Coaches small business training, financial literacy, and savings group (chama) formation for women and youth.
Facilitates trauma healing groups, one-on-one counselling, and peacebuilding sessions with compassion and care.
Connects RTI with families and schools, supporting enrollment, tutoring logistics, and community awareness.
Provides strategic guidance and advisory support to RTI's leadership as the organisation grows and formalizes.
Whether as a donor, mentor, or partner organisation — your involvement helps us grow from a grassroots idea into a lasting institution.
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