Livelihood Activities HOPE INTERNATIONAL ZENTRUM (CBO & RLO)
“Empowering Refugee Voices for Change”
At HOPE INTERNATIONAL ZENTRUM (HIZ), we believe that every individual deserves a fair opportunity to live a dignified, self-reliant, and fulfilling life.
Our livelihood programs are designed to empower the less privileged and highly marginalized groups from both refugee and host communities in Nairobi and beyond.
By equipping them with practical skills, financial literacy, and economic opportunities, we aim to reduce dependency and promote social and economic inclusion for the sustainable integration.
Core Objectives
- To enhance self-reliance among refugees and host community members through vocational and entrepreneurial skills training.
- To create sustainable income-generating opportunities for vulnerable households.
- To strengthen community resilience and promote peaceful coexistence through shared economic activities.
- To support women and youth with resources, mentorship, and access to small business development opportunities.
Key Livelihood Activities
- Vocational and Skills Training:
We offer hands-on vocational training in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing and ICT. We also offer languages courses and translation in English, French, Swahili, Spanish and German languages.
These programs equip participants with market-relevant skills that increase their employability and enable them to start their own micro-enterprises. - Entrepreneurship and Business Development:
HIZ supports aspiring entrepreneurs through business incubation, mentorship, and financial literacy workshops. We help participants develop business plans, access seed funding, and strengthen their capacity to manage and grow small enterprises. - Microfinance and Savings Groups:
Through our Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), community members -Especially women- are empowered to save collectively, access small loans, and invest in income-generating activities. This approach promotes financial independence and strengthens local economic resilience. - Agribusiness and Urban Farming:
Recognizing the potential of agriculture in urban settings, HIZ supports small-scale farmers and youth in urban farming, poultry keeping, and pig farming projects. These initiatives contribute to food security and provide steady sources of income. - Digital Livelihood and Innovation:
Through our digital inclusion projects such as the HIZ DIGITAL HUB, we provide digital literacy training and remote work opportunities. Participants learn to use technology for business, freelancing, and online employment, bridging the digital divide among refugee and host communities.
Impact and Achievements
Our livelihood programs have transformed the lives of thousands of refugees and host community members. Many beneficiaries have started small businesses, gained employment, and improved their household income. Women and youth, in particular, have become more financially independent, confident, and active in community development.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, HOPE INTERNATIONAL ZENTRUM aims to expand its livelihood programs to reach more vulnerable individuals across Kenya.
We are committed to building stronger partnerships with local and international stakeholders to promote sustainable livelihoods, economic empowerment, inclusive community development and sustainable refugees integration.