What we do: 
Since 2012 YOD has followed an autonomous, community-led approach to development in Nairobi’s 2nd largest slum, Mukuru. Families strengthen themselves through job creation via AGRICULTURE, ART & ENTREPRENEURSHIP within and for the community.  YOD funds community leaders who foster a micro-economy that is self-reliant, improving the lives of  families and children who live in the slum.  

Telluride Flights Worldwide Children's Relief Fund dba YODinternational

Child and Youth empowerment through self-expression for confidence building.

 Effective Poverty Reduction requires engagement with people first, then politics, economics, foreign relations, trade, and the humanitarian goals of the United Nations (Sustainable Development Goals - SDG's). In hard-to reach places like the informal settlements of Nairobi, the first thing needed is a "place" to gather.  YOD's Community-led development program funds the creation of Community Mosaics, the anchors of  Productive Community Spaces where residents can meet and think critically about ways to reach economic stability. 

The "New Frontier" of development must be inclusive of pandemic preparedness, climate disasters, and economic downturns.   YOD simply gives money to community leaders for programs are autonomous, human-centered, and based on what the community needs most.  Women, children, men, youth, and persons with disabilities are all included.

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UN Appeal for Support 2022

Locals learn entrepreneurship from each other and look for value-chain opportunities that serve the community. The goal is to shift from inconsistent income earned outside the community, to steady income earned within the community.

COMMUNITY-LED

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY. 

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Urban farming in small spaces using vertical techniques is what works in the slums. Micro-farm coops offer vegetables, eggs, and foul for consumption PLUS training  for women, youth and persons with disabilities. 

COMMUNITY-LED

FOOD SECURITY.

 Community leaders foster common values through creating "Community Productive Spaces" anchored by Mosaics that reflect the VOICES of the COMMUNITY. Made with recycled materials, the mosaics serve as a hub for vital information, local trade, human services, and they instill pride.

COMMUNITY-LED

DIGNITY.

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