Empowering Refugees Through Digital and Entrepreneurship Livelihoods

The project is implemented by Community Development and Opportunities Inspiration (CDOI CBO) in Kenya. It began in January 2024 and is ongoing.

CDOI empowers refugees and host communities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei through peacebuilding, mental health support, disability inclusion, and digital entrepreneurship. CREATE connects refugee traders to customers via an innovative e-commerce platform.

The main goals of the project are: 

• Promote refugee self-reliance through digital skills and entrepreneurship
• Foster peace and social cohesion
• Improve mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
• Ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities

Main activities of the Good Practice

• Community Mobilization: Facilitating participatory planning and collective action among refugees and host communities.
• Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution: Training peace committees and conducting reconciliation workshops.
• Mental Health Support (MHPSS): Offering counseling, trauma healing, and support groups.
• WASH Initiatives: Promoting hygiene and improving access to clean water and sanitation.
• Disability Inclusion: Providing assistive devices and advocating for accessible infrastructure.
• Digital Livelihoods (CREATE): Training refugees in e-commerce, marketing, dropshipping, and remote work. CREATE connects traders to customers through a localized online marketplace.

Elements which helped facilitate the implementation of the good practice

• Supportive refugee policies in Kenya
• Community-based volunteer networks
• Access to digital tools and training platforms

Partners involved

• RCK Kakuma office
• UNHCR Kakuma office

What challenges were encountered in delivering the project and how were they overcome?

Challenges

• Limited access to internet and digital devices
• Language barriers in training sessions
• Stigma around mental health services
• Lack of resources (funds and capacity building)

How they were overcome

• Partnered with local tech providers for device access
• Developed multilingual training materials
• Conducted awareness campaigns to normalize mental health support

Results of the Good Practice

• Over 1,200 individuals reached across programs
• Refugees trained in digital entrepreneurship and remote work
• Increased community cohesion through peacebuilding
• Improved mental health outcomes and reduced stigma
• Greater inclusion of persons with disabilities

In what way does the good practice meet one or more of the four objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees?

Objective 1: Ease the pressures on host countries

By promoting refugee self-reliance and reducing dependency on aid, the project eases economic and social pressures on host communities.

Objective 2: Enhance refugee self-reliance

Digital training and entrepreneurship programs empower refugees to generate income and build sustainable livelihoods.

Objective 4: Support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity

Mental health support and skills development prepare refugees for potential reintegration into their home countries.

Next steps

• Expand CREATE and YPO platform to additional refugee settlements
• Scale digital training programs
• Strengthen partnerships with private sector and donors

Are there areas in which support would be required to continue and/or scale up your good practice?

• Funding for digital infrastructure and devices
• Technical support for platform development
• Capacity building for volunteers and trainers

Ali Osman Abdulle, Chairperson/Founder, CDOI CBO

[email protected]

[email protected]