Under the sprawling skies of Turkana in the northwestern parts of Kenya, where the land sways between a diverse array of architecture and hope, Kakuma refugee camp hums with an extraordinary rhythm.
It is a place alive and vibrant, where lives are suspended in a delicate dance between survival and dreams. Here, among the benevolent settlements, Joseph Nduwimana, a Burundian visionary, has planted seeds of transformation, much like the stubborn baobabs that thrive in unforgiving terrain.
This is the story of Discovery Organization, a movement born from the mind of a young man and sustained by the collective will of a community. It is a story of defying the odds, sculpting a future from the clay of adversity, and proving that even in exile, greatness can take root.
A Seedling in the Dust
Co-founder of Discovery Organization, Joseph, the man at the center of this narrative, is a Burundian who has called Kakuma home for more than 12 years. To the untrained eye, the camp might seem like a maze of monotony—rows of settlements punctuated by desperation. But for him, it was a canvas. Growing up in this world, he saw the silent stories etched on every face, the quiet despair, and the unspoken ambition.
“Growing up in a refugee community, I saw firsthand the challenges that people face, especially those living in camps. Living in Kakuma, with its large population of refugees, pushed me to work on solutions to improve our lives. Our organization’s goal is to give vulnerable refugees the tools and skills they need to become self-sufficient,” Joseph recalls.
The spark came early—while volunteering around the camp. He realized that refugees did not want handouts; they wanted tools. Not charity, but a chance.
“My personal experience with volunteering inspired me to find ways to help refugees not just survive, but thrive,” he reflects.
That understanding was the germination of what would become Discovery Organization, a name that would later carry the weight of an entire community’s aspirations, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential of a community bound together by circumstance. The organization equips refugees, notably children, with 21st-century skills in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork. These young change-makers are addressing real challenges and creating solutions to transform their community.
Cultivating the Dream
Building an organization in a refugee camp is no small feat. It is akin to farming during a drought—resources are scarce, skepticism abundant, and progress often slow. But patience can cook a stone, and like the desert acacia, it is a virtue that thrives in hardship.
The journey was fraught with challenges: limited funding, poor infrastructure, and the mammoth task of convincing the world that Kakuma was not just a pit of needs but a wellspring of potential. Slowly, partnerships sprouted. Collaborations with Netherlands-based Designathon Works and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) brought fresh perspectives and resources. The focus was simple but radical: programs by the community, for the community.
“We have faced many challenges, such as limited resources, poor infrastructure, and difficulty in finding funding. But over time, we have built partnerships with organizations like Designathon. Working with these global partners is key to making sure our projects last and grow. Organizations like Designathon and UNHCR bring important knowledge, resources, and networks to support our work. By focusing on programs created by the community and for the community, we have found ways to make a real and lasting difference. Patience, teamwork, and flexibility have helped us overcome many obstacles,” Joseph said.
One such initiative, the Designathon Works Workshop, became the crown jewel of their efforts. It wasn’t just a workshop—it was a revolution in thought. In the midst of scarcity, children were encouraged to dream. Five groups emerged, each tackling real-world problems with unyielding creativity. Two groups envisioned playgrounds that would transform dust into laughter. Another dreamed of planting trees to bring shade and greenery to the barren expanse. Even the humble act of a community cleaning drive, proposed by another team, was elevated to a manifesto for dignity and pride.
These were not just ideas; they were declarations of ownership, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Kakuma’s youngest minds. The community has now blossomed into a movement that dares to rewrite the refugee narrative.
“This program encourages children in Kakuma refugee camp to think creatively, solve problems, and develop skills that build their confidence. I believe activities like this are important because they help refugees become leaders, innovators, and more involved in their own lives, which is crucial for solving problems in the camp,” Joseph says.
Here, refugee children have dared to dream beyond survival. They’ve imagined initiatives that radiate joy and breathe life into the arid landscape.
Kakuma’s Revival: A Vision Beyond Aid
The impact of these programs rippled beyond the immediate participants. For Joseph, they were proof that innovation could flourish even in exile. Kakuma is no longer just a refugee camp; it is a crucible of leadership and ingenuity.
“My dream for Kakuma and other refugee camps is that refugees are not just people receiving aid, but active participants in their own development,” he says with conviction. “I hope for a future where refugees have access to good education, meaningful work, and the chance to build stable futures. To make this happen, we need to invest in programs that provide refugees with skills, resources, and opportunities, and support policies that allow refugees to fully contribute to society.”
His vision extends far beyond Kakuma’s borders. He dreams of a world where refugees are recognized as architects of their own futures, equipped with the education, skills, and opportunities to rebuild lives shattered by conflict.
“Our work is not just about giving temporary help; it’s about creating long-term solutions that give refugees the chance to rebuild their lives. We are always open to new partnerships and ideas to keep moving forward with this mission. Together, we can help build a better, stronger future for refugees everywhere.”
The Time is Now: A Powerful Call to Action
Joseph’s story is far from finished, and the work of Discovery Organization is far from complete. Yet, it offers a blueprint for what refugee empowerment can look like. The success of projects like the Designathon Works Workshop proves that collaboration—when rooted in respect and mutual learning—can yield extraordinary results.
Kakuma’s story is far from unique. Across the continent, millions languish in camps, their potential locked behind systemic barriers. It is time to turn these camps into hubs of innovation, where global challenges meet local solutions.
Joseph Nduwimana’s vision for Kakuma is simple but profound: a place where aid is temporary, but solutions are permanent. A place where every child, regardless of circumstance, knows they are part of something larger than themselves. Kakuma Refugee Camp is no longer a story of scarcity. It is a story of fruit-bearing individuals—of ideas that grow despite the odds, of a community that dares to dream, and of a man who refused to accept that exile was the end of the road.