It all began in the year 2006 in December when our founder Vickie Wambura learned about the dilapidated state of our prisons through a News article which left an indelible mark on her. She pursued a way into prison wanting to make a difference. Her pursuit uncovered more than she had initially imagined. On her first prison visit in the year 2007, she learnt of learning opportunities that prison inmates could have, but the prison lacked the resources to make it a reality. They were in need of books, stationery and learning material let alone teachers. What seemed like an impediment to prison officers became an opportunity to make a difference for Vickie. More than donating learning material, Vickie volunteered as a teacher and before long, she realized that she had found her calling and purpose in life. Not knowing where the road would lead her, she decided to forsake all else and sort to serve those in prison and provide opportunities for learning that so many needed. Thus Nafisika Trust was conceived and began operating (2009).
Na·fi·si·ka (v) (Swahili): "To bring out into well being".
Nafisika Trust is an organization formed with the vision of contributing to the reduction of recidivism rates among inmates.
• Lack of skills or education
• Unemployment or underemployment
• Stigma in society
Economic hardship and lack of gainful employment are the leading cause of crime and re-offence in Kenya. Records show economic crimes ranking at eighty percent while most incarcerated people fall at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Many of them do not have access to (sufficient) education and gainful employment opportunities. The stigma against persons with prison records is the second leading cause of re-offence. When society rejects formerly incarcerated persons, they are pushed back to old lifestyles and environments that lead to repeat crimes.
• Provide skills and education
• Prepare for employment
• Break stigma through volunteering
Nafisika works to bring opportunities into prisons to level the playing field and equip incarcerated persons with skills and tools needed to increase employment rates once released. We engage the local community through our volunteer program to break negative perceptions and create an atmosphere of acceptance. By so doing, prison inmates grow in confidence to transform their lives and aim for greater heights.
• Partnership
• Programmes
• Volunteering
While working in partnership with the Kenyan Prison Service and other partners, Nafisika provides a platform that transforms the lives of professionals, college students and incarcerated people through a volunteer experience in prison. We offer skill-building courses that include entrepreneurship, personal and leadership development, counselling and legal clinics that are delivered by professionals and college students through our volunteer platform. We equip incarcerated persons with the skills and tools needed to successfully reintegrate into society and secure gainful employment thus reducing recidivism and creating safer communities.
Vol·un·teer (n.) a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.
Nafisika Trust is a Non-profit organization working in partnership with the Kenya Prison Service within Prisons and Borstal Institutions. The Trust works to re-skill and rehabilitate inmates towards reduction of re-offence upon their release. It does this through its programmes that focus on behavioural change and economic empowerment. In addition, the Trust works towards strengthening of the Prison Service by running capacity building programmes for prison officers, enabling them to be more effective in inmate rehabilitation. Our programmes run under the 6 Key pillars below.
Equips inmates with practical market skills. It looks at financial skills and soft skills needed in running a successful business. It is coupled with Career Coaching that prepares inmates for job applications; CV writing, cover letters and mock interviews.
Provides individual and group counselling services and influences positive behaviour change. Group counselling includes drug & substance abuse rehabilitation and promotes a social support system among the inmates.
A program that aims to stimulate young people to take initiatives to improve their own communities now and throughout their lives. Young people learn empathy skills, teamwork, leadership, and change making skills.
A pastry-making course that introduces participants to a world of pastries and confectioneries. Participants also learn the practical side of running a business; pricing, marketing and selling.
Provides training on legal criminal procedures; court self-representation, advice on legal queries and city by-laws trainings.
An ex-inmates forum that creates a support system after release and helps individuals through the reintegration journey. They receive business mentorship and get guidance to employment opportunities.
Fatima Apartments, Marcus Garvey Rd, Kilimani.
P.O. Box 6604 -00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
info@nafisikatrust.org
+254 708 385 125