Nairobi, January 2011

Over the years, Rafiki’s work has evolved from implementing ad-hoc activities to executing holistic programs. Our capacity has progressed from being a mom-and-pop shop to a professional organization, whose impact in the lives of youth and community members is now felt by thousands of people throughout the region.

When I began this mission, I only knew that I believed in people and the power of faith. I did not know and am still unsure as to how all this will unfold. This knowledge will only come from working through and with the local people.

Rafiki's role within the community has been to act as a catalyst to promote change, focusing on empowerment and on building skills, character, ethics and integrity, all as necessary pre-conditions for change. Building skills that encourage a positive and value-based approach to problem solving has produced remarkable changes.

Therein lies the challenges and greatest risks; persuading individuals that change is a genuine possibility and convincing them that every individual, through effective interaction with other members of the community, is able to achieve change for themselves and the community, as well. Listening and understanding with patience, tolerance, and compassion helps to mitigate the challenges and obstacles, thus giving impetus to permanent change. Our approach lies in the belief that change comes from within, not by imposition, and not by dependency, but by self-empowerment.

I would like to extend a special thanks to all Rafiki trustees, our development partners, staff, well-wishers and friends for their passion, commitment, and financial support, as all these are responsible for strengthening this organization and enabling it to be an avenue of hope for a better future.

Faithfully,

Michele Ostertag