Pictured: Leaders from LGBTIQ refugee-led community-based organizations (CBOs) with ORAM staff after a co-creation workshop.
Two weeks into 2023, the ORAM team is already hard at work collaborating with and supporting members of the LGBTIQ refugee community. ORAM’s Executive Director, Steve Roth, and Senior Program Manager, Anja Limon, flew to Nairobi, Kenya, to visit ORAM team members in the area and members of the queer refugee community.
This trip coincides with significant changes and growth in our program in the area. Winfred Wangari, who joined ORAM as Livelihoods Program Officer, is now the organization’s first East Africa Program Manager. Winfred’s new role is a testament to her leadership in helping grow ORAM’s regional programs and presence. “It was exciting to have in-person discussions with Steve and Anja on the new projects, 2022 successes, changes in the context, and the growth plan for the Kenya program,” Winfred shared.
The two-week trip kicked off with the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony of ORAM’s Digital Learning Center for LGBTIQ refugees. Members of Team No Sleep, a queer refugee-led community-based organization (CBO) that manages the Center, and LGBTIQ refugees who have already participated in the Center’s first training attended the ceremony.
Pictured: The ribbon-cutting ceremony of ORAM's Digital Learning Center for LGBTIQ refugees.
The ORAM team was also thrilled to have Steven Walker, a friend of ORAM’s who has supported the Digital Learning Center, join the ceremony and meet with community members who have benefitted from the training. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, participants enjoyed a celebratory lunch catered by Ronniez Delicacies, an LGBTIQ refugee-led catering business.
Pictured: Steven Walker speaking with a community member at the Digital Learning Center's inaugural ceremony.
That same afternoon, the ORAM team and Steven visited two LGBTIQ refugee-owned businesses that ORAM has supported, one a nail salon and the other a hair salon. Both business owners shared with the team how the business has helped improve their lives in Nairobi.
Pictured: The ORAM team and Steven visiting LGBTIQ refugee-owned businesses that ORAM has supported.
“This trip to Nairobi has meant a chance to connect with the inspiring LGBTIQ refugees we serve and see how they’re improving their lives with new skills and jobs thanks to ORAM’s support,” Steve shared, reflecting on the trip. “It was also great to connect with Winfred and our growing Kenya team as we plan for exciting new programs on deck for 2023.”
Livelihoods Intern Kennedy Gateru is a new member of ORAM’s Kenya team who will be instrumental in implementing and executing new ORAM programs in 2023. Kennedy’s first week at ORAM coincided with Steve and Anja’s visit. “It has been an amazing experience working with Steve and Anja during their trip,” Kennedy told ORAM. “We got to do a lot of field visits, and I had the chance to meet queer refugees in person and interact with them one-on-one.”
ORAM’s team also held a co-creation workshop during the trip. 25 leaders of LGBTIQ refugee-led CBOs came together with ORAM staff members to discuss and brainstorm future programs that will best address the needs of queer refugees in Nairobi. Kennedy, who played a significant role in organizing this workshop, shared it was one of his favorite moments during Steve and Anja’s trip. “I also enjoyed planning for the Co-Creation Workshop we had last Friday, mobilizing CBOs to attend the workshop and generally participating in the event to ensure it was a success,” he said.
Pictured: The co-creation workshop with leaders from LGBTIQ refugee-led community-based organizations (CBOs) and ORAM staff members.
The co-creation session was a success and will help guide future ORAM programs that best support and empower LGBTIQ refugees in Nairobi. ”We got incredible ideas and input from refugee-led organization (RLO) leaders on the best approaches for upcoming activities,” Winfred said on why the co-creation workshop was also one of her favorite activities from the trip.
One of the final workshops the team participated in was a three-day capacity enhancement training. The workshop aimed to enhance [ORAM staff and volunteers] capacity to design, manage, and learn about the capacity strengthening program for refugee-led organizations (RLOs) working to protect and empower LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.
The ORAM team is always grateful for the opportunity to come together and meet with members of the LGBTIQ refugee community whom we serve. “It means the world to me to connect with our team and the people we serve…they’re really at the center of ORAM’s work,” said Steve.
Pictured: Steve and Anja with Samuel, an LGBTIQ refugee who owns a massage business.
By donating, you can support ORAM’s programs in Nairobi, including the Digital Learning Center and economic empowerment opportunities.