Today, Kakenya’s Dream joins the global community in celebrating International Youth Day and this year’s theme: Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond. It’s a theme that speaks directly to the heart of our mission and values.
We know that lasting change begins with the people who live, work, and dream in the communities where it’s needed most. That’s why we’ve always championed local knowledge and expertise, ensuring our programs are shaped and led by those who understand the challenges and opportunities from the inside out.
Our team itself is a testament to this commitment. 77% of our staff hail from the very communities we serve, bringing deep cultural insight and lived experience to every decision we make. Even more inspiring, 14% of our team are alumnae of our own programs—young women who once walked the paths of our schools and now dedicate themselves to guiding the next generation. And with 69% of our staff aged 30 and under, we are truly powered by youth leadership every single day.
From improving health and well-being (SDG 3) to advancing quality education (SDG 4), promoting gender equality (SDG 5), fostering decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and championing climate action (SDG 13), our work directly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ways that are rooted in local realities. By investing in youth-led solutions, we’re not just meeting global targets, we’re building futures that are sustainable, equitable, and community-driven.
On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the creativity, vision, and leadership of young people everywhere, especially those right here in rural Kenya who are changing their own futures and, in doing so, changing the world.