Case file · Est. 2013
A group of strangers with the same problem, and no one else to solve it.
THE FACE SELF-HELP ASSOCIATION was not designed in an office. It was built by refugees who had exhausted every other door.
Origins
Different countries, one shared struggle.
In 2013, a group of refugees from different nationalities, races, religions and origins found themselves facing the same barrier: they could not reliably reach the service providers meant to intervene in their issues — neither in ordinary circumstances nor in urgent ones.
Rather than continue struggling separately, that group made a decision that would define the association ever since: they would constitute themselves as a group, approach UNHCR directly to raise their issues and those of their counterparts, and follow up on every response themselves.
Kayole, Nairobi
Starting where the need was greatest.
The group began initiating livelihood activities almost immediately — providing refugee youth with start-up kit materials, especially for barbershops, salons and tailoring, in Kayole, one of the areas in Nairobi where refugees are found in large numbers.
It was practical, close to home, and built on skills refugees already had. Small kits became small businesses; small businesses became a reason for neighbours to trust the association with bigger problems.
Timeline
How ten-plus years of self-help unfolded
The group forms in Kayole
Refugees of different backgrounds unite around a shared difficulty accessing service providers, and begin approaching UNHCR together on behalf of themselves and their counterparts.
First livelihood kits distributed
Refugee youth in Kayole receive start-up kit materials for barbershops, salons and tailoring — the association's first practical intervention.
Official registration
THE FACE SELF-HELP ASSOCIATION receives its certificate of registration, formalising a group that had already been active for a year.
UNHCR notices the potential
Frequent, persistent engagement with UNHCR leads to training opportunities and introductions to other stakeholders, expanding what the association can offer its members.
The waste paper project begins
UNHCR entrusts the group with a defining project: collecting used paper and recycling it into a profitable activity. Proceeds fund school items for children, start-up kits for youth, support for existing activities, and training costs for members in professional programs.
Referrals and follow-up become routine
Cases beyond the association's capacity are referred to the right stakeholders, with the association following up to ensure members actually get assisted — not just referred.
A solid record, continued passionately
THE FACE SELF-HELP ASSOCIATION continues its work across Kenya, partnering with UNHCR and the Jesuit Refugee Service, because refugees deserve to feel at home and to continue their lives despite what they've been through.
What we stand for
Self-help, not hand-outs.
Dignity in work
Refugees share job opportunities and build income of their own, individually or in groups, instead of waiting to be fed by someone else.
Community over case number
Members come from different nationalities, races and religions — united by shared circumstance, not sameness.
Follow-through
Raising an issue is not enough. The association follows up until members are actually assisted.