IAD: Bridging Gaps, Creating Opportunities for Kenyan Development

Our Story:

We envision a society where young and women are empowered to realize their full potential

The Initiative for Awareness and Development (IAD!) initially emerged as a youth welfare group and subsequently transitioned into a formally registered community-based organization in October 2021.

Over the span of two years, IAD! has remarkably evolved into a pivotal force in advancing justice and development. Its profound emphasis on empowering youth and women is evident in its multifaceted involvement across policy formulation, service provision, and program expansion.

Beginning with a singular focus on HIV/AIDS Awareness, IAD! has dynamically expanded its scope to encompass four pivotal program areas: health, justice & human rights, democracy & governance, and environment & livelihoods, marking a significant transformation by 2023.

Where it started:

2020
Informal discussion

The idea of IAD! blossomed from a series of casual conversations about reconnecting with individuals and collectively engaging in rational discourse prior to initiating any action, aiming for an informed and collaborative start.

IAD! Then, was conceived as both a rallying point and a platform, empowering individuals to foster crucial awareness before engaging with matters impacting their overall well-being and development.

2021
Registered CBO

2024
Aligning with Like Minds

Our strategy:

At IAD, our commitment to empowering young people and women, and fostering their well-being, is intrinsic to our work. Anchored in a clear vision, mission, and core values, we ensure our actions are guided and impactful, striving to make a difference in their lives every day.

Our Vision

A society where young people and women are empowered to realize their full potential

Our mission statements

To promote the welfare and involvement of young people and women in development through partnerships, capacity building and advocacy.

Our core values:

The Initiative for Awareness and Development (IAD) operates on the foundation of five fundamental principles that profoundly shape its actions: represented by the acronym HEART:

H - Humanity--
encompasses our capacity for compassion, kindness, and understanding towards others, acknowledging their emotions and experiences.

E – Equity--
embodies our principles of fairness and justice, ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their background or circumstances, has equal access to opportunities and fair treatment.

A - Adaptability--
Our art of embracing change, being flexible, and adjusting to diverse situations. It involves resilience, an open mind, and the willingness to evolve in the face of challenges, fostering growth and progress.

R - Remarkability--
signifies our pursuit of excellence and distinction, going beyond expectations to make exceptional contributions.

T – Transparency--
involves our nature of being open, honest, and clear in both communication and actions. It's about freely sharing information, being accountable for decisions, and maintaining honesty in behavior, fostering trust and integrity.

Our strategic plan

In our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, we have identified three core strategic priority areas that will guide our efforts:

Good Governance, Democracy & Human Rights:

Amplifying the Voices of Youth and Women: Empowerment in Action
At IAD! we steadfastly champion the tenets of good governance, and democracy recognizing them as the cornerstone of an equitable and inclusive society. Our unwavering dedication is centered on the empowerment of youth and women, fostering their active engagement in decision-making processes.

We ardently advocate for amplifying the voices of young people and women, seamlessly integrating them into the tapestry of local, national, and global policymaking. Our tireless efforts extend to advocating for the implementation of crucial policies and frameworks that foster the development of youth and women.

By equipping today's youth and women with the necessary tools and platforms to shape tomorrow's world, we are committed to paving the way for a more just and progressive society.

Projects 2023-2024

The Ignite African Youth Project-
A collaborative initiative between the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and the Youth Democracy Cohort, executed by The Youth Café (TYC) convening IAD, is dedicated to amplifying youth involvement, with a specific emphasis on empowering young women across Africa. This project aims to elevate their participation in democratic processes by bolstering and enriching their political and civic capabilities, enabling them to assume active and impactful roles.

Economic Empowerment, Environment & Livelihoods-
IAD is dedicated to uplifting youth and women in rural Homabay and Migori counties, Kenya, addressing economic hardships, unemployment, and environmental barriers. Through innovative initiatives and policy advocacy, we aim to strengthen economic empowerment locally and beyond. Collaboration with like-minded organizations is crucial to nurturing sustainable livelihoods. Together, we envision a future where economic empowerment and environmental sustainability unlock the potential of youth and women in these communities.

Social Wellbeing and gender equity-
We Invest in Youth and women for a Sustainable Future.
At the core of our mission lies a multifaceted approach embracing table banking, vocational training, and regenerative agriculture. By investing in these pillars, we empower youth and women to cultivate sustainable livelihoods. Through table banking, we promote financial inclusivity, enabling them to access capital. Vocational training equips them with skills for diverse industries, fostering independence. Our focus on regenerative agriculture ensures ecological stewardship while enhancing food security. All these efforts intertwine, promoting social well-being and advancing gender equity. We strive not just to address unemployment but to create an inclusive landscape where every individual thrives, shaping a sustainable future for all.