By Nduwimana Joseph | Managing Director
In Kakuma Refugee Camp, refugees with disabilities continue to face some of the most severe and overlooked challenges. While daily survival is already difficult, living with a disability further limits access to opportunities, mobility, and essential services. Many are excluded from education, skills training, and employment due to stigma and lack of inclusive programs, leaving them dependent on diminishing humanitarian aid.
According to UNHCR data, more than 2,011 refugees with disabilities reside in Kakuma. Recent funding cuts, including reductions linked to USAID support, have worsened living conditions. Food insecurity has increased, opportunities have declined, and many families especially those led by persons with disabilities are struggling to survive. Without targeted interventions, this population remains trapped in cycles of poverty, exclusion, and vulnerability.
This project is designed to respond directly to these challenges by creating an inclusive and empowering environment for refugees with disabilities. Through this initiative, 40 participants are being equipped with practical, income-generating skills in tailoring, hairdressing, and digital literacy. These skills are carefully selected to match local market opportunities, ensuring that participants can transition toward sustainable livelihoods.
Beyond technical training, the project places strong emphasis on mentorship and emotional support. Participants are receiving guidance, peer support, and confidence-building sessions that help them rediscover their self-worth, rebuild resilience, and develop a sense of purpose. This holistic approach ensures that empowerment goes beyond skills, addressing both economic and psychosocial needs.
To further enhance participation and inclusion, the project is providing essential assistive tools such as wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, and hearing aids. These tools are critical in removing physical barriers, enabling beneficiaries to actively engage in training, community activities, and daily life with greater independence.
Early observations from the project indicate positive progress. Participants are demonstrating increased confidence, improved social interaction, and strong commitment to learning. Access to assistive devices has significantly improved mobility and participation, allowing individuals who were previously isolated to become active members of their community.
In the long term, the project aims to expand its reach to support up to 100 refugees with disabilities. By equipping individuals with skills and opportunities, the initiative seeks to reduce dependency on aid, increase household income, and promote self-reliance. As beneficiaries begin to earn and support their families, the impact extends beyond individuals to entire households and the wider community.
This project is not only transforming lives but also shifting perceptions. It is challenging stigma and demonstrating that refugees with disabilities are capable, resilient, and full of potential. By investing in their empowerment, we are contributing to a more inclusive, dignified, and self-reliant community in Kakuma.
By Nduwimana Joseph | Managing Director
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
