In the heart of Nairobi, Youth Voices Community (YVC) stands as a beacon of hope and innovation for refugees who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. Rather than waiting for opportunities, these resilient individuals are building their own—thanks in part to the empowerment and training programs offered by YVC.
YVC works at the intersection of ICT training, entrepreneurship, justice advocacy, and economic empowerment, with a core focus on refugees and marginalized youth. Through its DIGIKAZI program, YVC equips refugees with digital skills in areas such as graphic design, web development, programming, and motion graphics. Many graduates of the program have gone on to launch freelance businesses, tech startups, and creative agencies, creating jobs not only for themselves but for others in their communities.
Beyond digital skills, YVC nurtures entrepreneurial thinking. Refugees are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and solve local problems using the skills they’ve acquired. Whether it’s launching a small design studio, offering coding lessons, or starting a community-based business, YVC alumni are transforming the narrative of refugees from job-seekers to job-creators.
Crucially, YVC also advocates for systemic change, raising awareness about the barriers refugees face, such as lack of documentation, and works with local partners to improve access to opportunities. In doing so, YVC is not only training entrepreneurs but also shaping inclusive systems where refugee-led businesses can thrive.
