Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust

Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust is a charitable organization working in the rural area of Rarieda sub-County in Siaya County, Kenya. Our vision is people believing in themselves and working together to build a vibrant and progressive community. Our mission is to empower communities and build their capacities to create positive change for children and youth within their community. Rafiki started as a community development founded by the Director Michele Ostertag and her two friends, Monica and Solomon Ochieng. Touched by the hardships faced by children and villagers, the founding friends began with health treatment and education to the villagers. During the first two years, it became increasingly clear that given the socio-economic hardships of the area, one could not focus on treatment of diseases alone. In September 2003, the initiative was registered as a Community Based organization called Lusi Community Orphans Project. The CBO emphasized self-help through income generating init...