HEALTH

We Lead Program: Advancing SRHR

In 2024, AFOSI made remarkable strides in promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for young women living with HIV and those with disabilities within Nairobi’s urban informal settlements (Kibera, Korogocho, Mukuru kwa Ruben, and Mukuru kwa Njenga).

Empowering Communities: AFOSI placed rights holders—young women living with HIV and disabilities—at the center of its initiatives, fostering a sense of agency and leadership. Through workshops, peer mentoring, and involvement in decision-making, these rights holders became architects of change, addressing topics like mental health, menstrual hygiene, and SRHR advocacy.

Collaborative Impact: AFOSI partnered with organizations like Positive Young Women Voices (PYWV), GEM Trust, and The Constellation to pool resources and expertise. Community radio talk shows and audiovisual dramas, produced with the Association of Grassroots Journalists Kenya (AGJK), amplified marginalized voices.

Capacity Building & Advocacy: AFOSI delivered training programs in partnership with FEMNET and CSA, focusing on feminist advocacy, risk assessment, and resilience-building. Rights holders trained as Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) led community advocacy efforts, influencing policies and improving SRHR access.

EDUCATION

Empowering Future Leaders: Academic Career Mentorship Session in Kibera

As part of our ongoing commitment to empowering young people, AFOSI organized an academic career mentorship session targeting 73 Form 4 students at Raila Educational Center - Secondary School in Kibera on July 30, 2024. This timely initiative took place just before the August holidays, ensuring students had valuable guidance as they prepared for their next steps in life.

Career mentorship plays a pivotal role in equipping students with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their futures. For high school students in their final year, this support is particularly significant as they stand on the brink of transitioning to higher education, vocational training, or employment. By providing practical insights into career options, skill requirements, and opportunities for further education, mentorship sessions like these act as a compass, guiding students toward pathways that align with their aspirations and potential.

AFOSI recognizes that creating a sustainable impact in the lives of young people requires a collective effort. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like ours play a crucial role in bridging gaps by offering resources and mentorship opportunities that may not always be available through conventional school systems. Through these initiatives, we aim to nurture self-confidence and decision-making skills among students, fostering a generation of empowered individuals ready to navigate their career journeys with clarity and purpose.

This session was more than just an event; it was a step toward building a community of informed, resilient, and ambitious youth who can contribute to Kenya’s sustainable development. AFOSI remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting young people, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to pursue fulfilling careers and realize their full potential.

HUMANITARIAN

Empowering Young Learners through Menstrual Health Education

In our commitment to promoting health and well-being among young people, AFOSI hosted an engaging session on menstrual health for Grade 6 and 7 students in Mukuru Kwa Ruben. This event provided age-appropriate education on the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, symptom management, and the importance of challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation.

The session was designed to foster confidence and reduce misconceptions, equipping young learners with accurate knowledge to support their health and dignity. The highlight of the day was the distribution of sanitary towels to the students, ensuring they were better prepared to manage their menstrual health with confidence.

By initiating these conversations early, AFOSI is shaping a future generation that values reproductive health and inclusivity, ensuring that young learners grow in a supportive environment that promotes their overall well-being.

Bridging the Gap for Vulnerable Children through STEM & Mental Health Mentorship

Orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs), as well as children in conflict with the law, face unique challenges that hinder their access to education, STEM mentorship, and emotional support. Recognizing these gaps, AFOSI collaborated with STEM Impact Center Kenya and Millennium Solutions EA Limited to host a transformative session reaching 69 children at the Precious Blood Rehab Center in Riruta.

The session introduced participants to the exciting world of robotics, sparking curiosity and confidence in STEM-related fields. Simultaneously, mental health awareness and stress-management strategies equipped the children with tools to navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and focus on their futures.

This impactful mentorship program is a step toward empowering these young minds with practical skills and emotional well-being. By inspiring confidence and curiosity, AFOSI contributes to shaping a brighter, more equitable future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Conservation: Promoting Sustainability Through Community Engagement

Action for Sustainability Initiative is dedicated to enhancing environmental conservation and sustainability by fostering access to resources and knowledge that support sustainable practices. Recognizing the diverse environmental needs of different communities, AFOSI adopts an inclusive approach to address these unique challenges effectively.

Through targeted outreach programs, AFOSI engaged 120 community members, stakeholders, duty bearers, and rights holders in meaningful conversations and actions. These initiatives focus on raising awareness about critical environmental topics, including biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the importance of maintaining ecological balance.

By cultivating these interactions, AFOSI not only informs but also empowers communities to take proactive steps toward environmental conservation. This collaborative approach ensures that community-specific environmental needs are met while fostering a shared commitment to sustainability. Through these efforts, AFOSI continues to build a foundation for long-term environmental stewardship and resilience.

LIVELIHOODS

Empowering Communities in Informal Settlements for Sustainable Livelihoods

AFOSI’s Livelihoods pillar is dedicated to improving the economic well-being of individuals and families living in informal settlements like Kibera, Korogocho, Mukuru kwa Ruben, and Mukuru kwa Njenga. These communities face significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and limited access to resources. Through targeted programs, AFOSI empowers residents with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty.

Vocational Training and Skill Development

In informal settlements, many youth and women lack access to formal education and vocational training, limiting their employment opportunities. AFOSI addresses this gap by offering vocational training programs in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, and digital skills. These programs equip participants with marketable skills, enabling them to secure employment or start their own small businesses. By focusing on practical, income-generating skills, AFOSI helps individuals achieve financial independence and contribute to their households’ economic stability.

Entrepreneurship and Microfinance Support

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth in informal settlements. AFOSI supports aspiring entrepreneurs through training in business management, financial literacy, and access to microfinance opportunities. By providing seed funding and mentorship, AFOSI enables individuals to start or expand small businesses, such as retail shops, food stalls, or artisan crafts. These initiatives not only create jobs but also foster a culture of innovation and self-reliance within the community.

Agricultural Initiatives for Urban Farming

In densely populated slums like Kibera, access to arable land is limited. AFOSI promotes urban farming initiatives, such as sack gardening and vertical farming, to help residents grow their own food and generate income. These projects provide training on sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and crop management. Urban farming not only improves food security but also creates opportunities for residents to sell surplus produce in local markets, enhancing their livelihoods.

Youth Empowerment through Livelihood Programs

Youth in informal settlements often face high unemployment rates and limited opportunities for economic advancement. AFOSI’s youth-focused livelihood programs provide training in areas such as ICT, renewable energy, and construction. These programs are designed to align with market demands, ensuring that young people acquire skills that are relevant and in demand. Additionally, AFOSI connects youth with internships, apprenticeships, and job placement services, helping them transition into the workforce.

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Women in informal settlements often bear the brunt of poverty, with limited access to income-generating opportunities. AFOSI’s women-focused livelihood programs provide training in entrepreneurship, handicrafts, and agribusiness. By empowering women with skills and resources, AFOSI enables them to contribute to their families’ income and gain greater decision-making power within their households. These initiatives also address gender-based barriers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

Impact on Informal Settlements

AFOSI’s Livelihoods programs have a transformative impact on informal settlements like Kibera. By equipping residents with skills, resources, and opportunities, AFOSI helps communities break the cycle of poverty and build a foundation for sustainable development. Through these efforts, AFOSI is creating a future where individuals and families in informal settlements can thrive and achieve their full potential.

LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

Empowering Youth and Women through Leadership and Governance Initiatives

AFOSI’s Leadership & Governance pillar provides leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help young people engage in governance and policymaking. This pillar focuses on equipping youth with the skills and confidence to take active roles in decision-making, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping policies and community initiatives. By fostering advocacy, civic engagement, and governance training, AFOSI empowers young leaders to become agents of change in their communities.

Addressing Stigma and Discrimination for Youth and Women Living with HIV

For youth and women living with HIV, AFOSI’s programs help address the challenges of stigma and discrimination by building confidence and advocacy skills. These initiatives enable them to champion their rights, influence healthcare policies, and take up leadership roles. Additionally, AFOSI provides economic empowerment training, ensuring they have access to opportunities that promote self-reliance and financial independence.

Inclusive Leadership for Youth with Disabilities

For youth with disabilities, AFOSI ensures leadership training is accessible and inclusive, breaking barriers that often prevent them from participating in governance. The organization advocates for their representation in decision-making spaces and provides mentorship programs that connect them with leadership opportunities. By fostering inclusion, AFOSI ensures that youth with disabilities are not just participants but active leaders in shaping policies and community development.

The Kiongozi Platform: A Launchpad for Emerging Leaders

A key initiative under this pillar is the Kiongozi Platform, which serves as a launchpad for emerging leaders. Through mentorship, leadership training, and a collaborative network, Kiongozi provides young people, regardless of background, health status, or disability, with the skills and support needed to create meaningful change. By investing in leadership development, AFOSI is shaping a future where all youth, especially marginalized groups, have the opportunity to lead and contribute to sustainable development.

HUMANITARIAN

Humanitarian Support: AFOSI provides social safety nets and reduces vulnerability for the poor through targeted humanitarian programs.