Celebrating World Refugee Day in Nairobi: Building Community Cohesion and a Journey of Hope and Education

June 20, 2024. People posing for a photo as they commemorate World Refugee Day in the Dandara Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: Edgar Otieno, IRC)  

Re:BUiLD,  Pamoja trust, in collaboration with Nairobi City County, Hias  Refugee Brotherz and like-minded partners gathered to commemorate World Refugee Day 2024 themed: Solidarity with refugees-for a world where refugees are welcomed. The activity brought together refugee and host communities to play friendly a soccer match at Dandora stadium aimed at building community cohesion, as well as understanding and appreciating refugees’ issues within the Nairobi community.

Refugee participants in the match were mainly of Congolese, Burundian, and Rwandan origins. They played against a local team of young Kenyans, who also participated in educational and cultural activities to learn more about the importance of welcoming refugees.

Bringing Hope to Refugee Kids: Winnie Mbiti is a Hero With No cape 

June 12, 2024 Nairobi. Winfred posing for a photo with her students in Kitengela, Nairobi (Photo: Edgar Otieno for IRC)  

In the busy streets of Kitengela, a suburb of Nairobi, we meet Winnie Mbiti, a 40-year-old teacher, orphan, and mother of three. As a child, well-wishers took her in and educated her. This experience motivated her to help other underprivileged children who lack access to basic education.

She moved to Nairobi in 2016 with her family and soon noticed a problem that would later impact her life. Winfred saw many refugee children, especially from Congo, struggling to access education. Some had never been to school, while others were placed in classes that didn't suit their needs due to language barriers and other challenges.

Determined to make a difference, Winfred decided to start teaching these children in her  home. She joined the Pot of Manna Urban Savings & Loans Association (USLA) Group, facilitated by the IRC’s Re:BUiLD program. This group of 24 members, including both refugees and Kenyan nationals, fosters a culture of group savings and promotes social integration in Winnie's community.  

Through this group, Winnie connected with many refugees. She encouraged parents who couldn’t afford school fees to bring their children to her, offering to educate them for free. She began with just two kids, one nine-year-old and one six-year-old, both of whom had never attended school. As word spread, more parents who couldn't afford school fees brought their children . She continued to open her doors to any child in need, regardless of their background.

Today, Winfred teaches 28 children, both refugees and nationals  from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her dedication goes beyond just teaching; she provides clothes and shares food with families in need. Many of these children come from tough situations, including broken homes and financial hardship. Winfred's goal is to offer them a safe, supportive environment where they can learn and grow.

“I was left when I was young. I was left as an orphan when I was a child. I was educated by sponsors that I don’t know. Out of appreciation, I want to give back to the community.”

June 12, 2024 Nairobi. Winnie playing with her students after class time in Kitengela, Nairobi (Photo: Edgar Otieno for IRC)  

Winfred's story highlights the importance of community support and compassion. She believes in giving back because she, too, was helped by strangers when she was a child. Now, she  offers the same hope and opportunity to others. Despite different challenges, Winfred finds immense joy in seeing her students’ progress. According to  her, the real reward is knowing she's made a positive impact on their lives.

This World Refugee Day, we celebrate heroes like Winfred Fundi who work tirelessly to create a better future for refugee children. Her story is a reminder that with kindness and dedication, we can make a significant difference in our communities.

Watch the story on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8cEO_OCsws/?igsh=emxiOXRpbDdtN25u