About Safiri Youth Impact
A youth-led journey from exclusion to dignity, opportunity and community leadership.
Our Founding Story & Philosophy
The foundation of Safiri Youth Impact is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of our founder, Vincent Olwanda. After losing his father at age four, Vincent witnessed his mother face severe gender-based violence and systemic exclusion, forcing him into exploitative labor simply to survive. Watching brilliantly talented female classmates abandon their education due to period poverty and early marriage forged a lifelong conviction: traditional aid is insufficient. We are driven by the unwavering belief that marginalized youth are not passive victims waiting to be rescued. They are the active “Ascending Architects” of their own futures.
Vision, Mission & Our 10-Year Target
Our vision
A self-sustaining rural Kenya where every young person lives entirely free from violence, operates a resilient livelihood and independently leads their community.
Our mission
Equipping vulnerable children and youth in rural Kenya to overcome systemic violence, complete their education and build sustainable livelihoods.
Our 10-Year Target
By 2036, scale our integrated 3-Pillar model across rural Kenya to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem where a generation of marginalized youth permanently breaks the cycle of violence to operate robust micro-enterprises, practice climate-resilient agriculture and hold local leadership roles.
Our core values
Youth Leadership
Young people are the present. Every program is shaped by their voices.
Dignity & Safety
Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen and respected.
Trauma-Informed Care
We respond to invisible wounds with patience, competence and compassion.
Integrity & Transparency
We have zero tolerance for corruption in all its forms.
Inclusion & Equity
We center young women, persons with disabilities and adolescent mothers.
Environmental Stewardship
Caring for the earth and caring for people are the same work.
Economic Dignity
We measure genuine independence and self-determination.
Collaborative Spirit
Change is built with schools, government, civil society and communities.
Cross-cutting approaches
Disability inclusion
Making digital, agricultural and safety platforms accessible to youth with disabilities.
Human rights & legal advocacy
Anchoring safety programs in a human rights-based approach.
Evidence-based research
Generating local field evidence to improve programs and inform partners.
SDG alignment
Our integrated model advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable livelihoods, decent work, micro-savings and digital skills
Food security through vertical gardening and psychosocial well-being
Menstrual dignity, education for adolescent mothers and gender equality
Centering marginalized rural youth
Climate resilience and referral pathways for peace and justice
Partnerships across sectors