Welcome to WAKA Watoto Kesho Africa International
A Message From the Founder
I am the Founder of WAKA, Watoto Kesho Africa. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I spent 15 years as a refugee in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, after fleeing war, persecution, and violence in my homeland. My experiences witnessing the suffering of displaced children, women, single mothers, refugees and families deeply shaped my commitment to humanitarian service.
Before founding WAKA, I worked with organizations like Polyclinic Task Reproductive Health, CARE International and IRC International providing education, healthcare, and support to vulnerable communities. I witnessed major humanitarian crises, including the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and two devastating wars in Congo, in 1996 and 1998...
In December 2007, I traveled to Nairobi from Kakuma and witnessed the devastating impact of Kenya’s post-election violence. At the Jamhuri Park Encampment, I saw thousands of displaced, unaccompanied children wandering like sheep without a shepherd. Those experiences motivated and inspired me to take action on behalf of children's right. Soon afterwards WAKA was formed to advocate for the rights of the children and insure their positive development to give them a bright future.
WAKA International is an organization that is devoted to promoting children's rights, by giving them access to education, healthcare, and protection throughout Africa and across the Globe and meet their basic needs like foods and clean water, clothes, shelter, education, healthcare and secure environment.
-Etienne Katamea Mbukani
Our Mission
WAKA Watoto Kesho Africa International is committed to empowering children and communities globally by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, paving the way for a brighter future. Our mission is to inspire hope and create opportunities for vulnerable children worldwide, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. At WAKA, we aim to break the cycle of poverty by investing in education and community development, enabling children to build a better tomorrow. We connect people worldwide in the fight to end poverty, investing in children's lives to create lasting change. Your support makes this possible.
Our Impact
WAKA was founded in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, by Etienne Katamea Mbukani, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Witnessing dire conditions, I established WAKA to promote children's rights. We have saved lives by providing education, food, and healthcare in refugee camps. Supporting 1,500 children in Africa, we now care for 3,500 children in conflict zones like Congo.
In the US, we assist 35 children and 15 youth refugees in integrating into American communities. We address mental health challenges with recreational activities. In Africa, we built vocational schools for young mothers affected by war, helping them establish small businesses. Over 3,000 children in refugee camps received medical check-ups, increasing healthcare access by 60% through local partnerships.
Get Involved
Support WAKA Watoto Kesho Africa International
Our donations benefit
Children, families & global communities—especially refugees—receive education, healthcare & development support to break poverty cycles.
WAKA International, Watoto Kesho Africa Inc.
100 Franklin Street, Morristown,
New Jersey, 07960 US
Email Address:
[email protected]
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