At Aidez Nous à Aider (ANA), we believe in the power of collaboration and community-led change. That’s why we are proud to announce our newest partnership with Restore Hope for Street Children, a youth shelter based in Kenya, founded by two incredible Congolese refugees, Nyongolo Patrick and Zacharia Mwanuke. These two visionary leaders are doing vital work to support street children and vulnerable youth in Kenya and beyond—providing not only shelter and basic necessities but also something even more transformative: education and digital literacy.
This partnership is not just a symbolic alliance; it’s a practical, hands-on collaboration rooted in shared values and mutual goals. Both our organizations recognize that digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. In a world increasingly driven by technology, knowing how to navigate the digital space opens doors to education, employment, creative expression, and long-term empowerment. For youth coming from displaced, marginalized, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, access to digital tools can mean the difference between continued exclusion and meaningful participation in society.
Meet Our Partners: Patrick and Zacharia
Patrick and Zacharia, both refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, have turned personal adversity into purposeful action. As refugees themselves, they understand the complexity of displacement and the long-term challenges youth face when left without support systems. In founding Restore Hope for Street Children, they created a safe and nurturing space for street-connected children—many of whom have experienced trauma, family separation, and extreme poverty.
But their vision goes beyond rescue and rehabilitation. They are focused on giving these children tools to shape their own futures, which is why digital literacy is at the heart of their programming.
What This Partnership Means
Our collaboration is multifaceted and rooted in mutual learning and growth. Here’s what we’re working on together:
1. Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship
We will create shared spaces—both online and eventually in-person—where youth from our respective communities can learn from one another. Our teams will co-host workshops, mentorship sessions, and training programs focused on essential digital skills like Canva, video editing, motion graphics, social media marketing, and more.
We also aim to establish mentorship bridges between experienced youth in our programs and those just starting out in digital education. This peer-to-peer model ensures that knowledge doesn’t just come from outside experts—it comes from within our own communities.
2. Joint Online Courses
Together, we will design and implement online courses that reflect the needs and realities of marginalized youth. These will be accessible on low-bandwidth platforms and supplemented with offline learning materials. Our content will be created by and for the youth we work with, ensuring it is relevant, relatable, and engaging.
3. Technology Access Campaign
One of the most pressing needs we currently face—both in Morocco and in Kenya—is the lack of adequate technology. Most of our youth have little or no access to functioning laptops, and this creates a major barrier to participation in digital learning programs.
That’s why ANA and Restore Hope for Children are launching a joint campaign to acquire new laptops for both organizations. We are actively reaching out to tech companies, donors, and institutional partners who believe in digital inclusion and are ready to support real, grassroots impact. These laptops will directly benefit dozens of youth, allowing them to access training, complete online work, and pursue freelance opportunities.
4. Storytelling and Visibility
We also plan to co-create digital content that highlights the voices and stories of the youth involved in both organizations. This includes video documentaries, interviews, and social media campaigns that center their perspectives. We believe storytelling is a powerful tool—not only to raise awareness but also to build confidence and dignity among those often portrayed as mere victims.
Why This Matters
Refugee-led initiatives are often underfunded, under-supported, and under-recognized. By building this partnership between ANA and Restore Hope for Street Children, we are working to change that narrative. We are two organizations, led by people with lived experience, coming together across borders to amplify impact and deliver real-world solutions.
This collaboration reflects the future we want to see: one where displaced communities are not only supported but empowered to lead. Where education is accessible to all. Where youth have the tools they need to dream, create, and contribute.
This is only the beginning. With shared purpose and strategic action, we believe this partnership will become a model for others around the world.
We invite you to follow our journey, support our efforts, and help us spread the word.