Donate to end Dependence for Refugees

There haven’t been this many refugees or internally displaced people (IDPs) since the end of World War II. 

The media concentrates on the latest troubles while neglecting many ongoing crises and it is these that we continue to support viz Myanmar, Lebanon and parts of Africa.

How is it best to support the displaced communities?

What choices do refugees and IDPs face? The options, depending on the policies of host countries, are usually free settlement, shelter in a refugee camp or returning home where ideally they can help to create a new peace.

The majority prefer to remain in their home region to maintain a connection with the cultural, linguistic and traditional institutions of the home country. They do not want to become strangers to their home. Another consideration is that it is difficult to reclaim their family land if repatriated. Many refugees therefore chose to remain in exile.

REI provides opportunities for refugees and IDPs in these forgotten areas. Our support brings a longer term impact.

Kenya is home to refugees from many countries including Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Refugee camps such as Dadaab and Kakuma in are mostly without any income generating and livelihood opportunities. This means refugees are unable to take care of themselves and move ahead, so many choose to move to Nairobi where they face personal and financial insecurity. There they can make a valuable economic contribution to the society and the entrepreneur program funded by REI enables beneficiaries to earn an income for their family as well as contribute to the local economy.

One beneficiary explained her finances: “one bag of dengu, plus other expenses will cost 320 shillings, and I sell that bag at 650 making a profit of 230 per bag. On a normal day, I purchase and sell 4 bags translating to 920 shillings’ profit per day. That is what I use to feed my two children and cater for bills including rent.”

Your support to REI provides a future that we all hope for.

As the number of people displaced from their homes due to conflict, violence and persecution continues to increase – it hit an amazing 100 million people in 2022 – our mission to empower displaced communities through bottom-up support makes a sustainable impact.

Hand-outs are necessary in emergency and relief situations but in the longer term, people need a 'hand-up' to give them a chance to regain some control over their lives. We listen to the recipients and learn what they can do and what they want to do to protect their way of life.

Of the 100 million or so displaced people, approximately 4.5 million are asylum seekers. This highlights the fact that most refugees and internally displaced people want to stay in their region of origin. The projects we support encourage integration and understanding of local culture.

We see how beneficiaries in the projects go on to give back to their families and society, giving them a role in life, pride in their people and a new sense of purpose.

We know that if funding can empower communities to build independence, then they will need less aid in the long term. This is a big aim but a little goes a long way and we want you to work with us to achieve it.

Thank you for joining us on the journey to independence.