ORIONA Organization

ORIONA is a refugee-led community organization committed to fostering psycho-social and

mental health support, education, creative expressions, economic inclusion and community

engagement. It serves as a bridge between refugee communities, host communities,

organizations and stakeholders. We are committed to fostering collaboration, growth and

empowerment.

With our operations based in refugee settings, we dedicate ourselves to the values of equity,

inclusivity, professionalism, transparency and social impact. Our structure ensures effective

governance, financial accountability and sustainable partnerships to achieve our objectives.

MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Mission Statement

To empower youth, particularly refugees, by providing opportunities in education, psycho-social

and mental health support, creative expressions, social and economic programmes, while fostering collaboration between refugee communities, host communities, organizations and

stakeholders.

Goals

• To establish a strong networking and social hub for refugee and host community youth.
• To bridge the gap between refugee communities, local organizations, businesses, securitypersonnel, NGOs, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
• To support youth in accessing educational, economic, psycho-social and mental health support, social and economic opportunities.
• To promote sustainable development through community engagement programs.

Objectives

• Facilitate mentorship, skills training and educational programs.
• Advocate for the rights and welfare of refugee youth.
• Organize community engagement programs and social empowerment projects.
• Develop partnerships to promote inclusion, diversity and sustainable development.
• Provide safe spaces for refugee youth empowerment and development.

CORE VALUES

• Integrity – Commitment to ethical and honest operations.
• Inclusivity – Embracing diversity and promoting equal opportunities.
• Accountability – Ensuring transparency in governance and financial management.
• Innovation – Encouraging creativity in addressing youth development challenges.
• Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships for sustainable growth.

Our Work

ORIONA operates peer counseling clubs in schools, currently reaching over 150 refugee youths

in Kakuma. These clubs provide:

• Safe and inclusive spaces where young people can openly share their challenges
• Peer-to-peer support under trained volunteer facilitation
• Creative expression as a tool for emotional healing and empowerment
• Life skills development, resilience building, and mental wellness education

These programs are volunteer-driven and based on community ownership, reflecting ORIONA’s

grassroots foundation and deep trust within the local community.

Community Engagement

ORIONA actively collaborates with:

• School staff and administrators
• Community counselors
• Local leaders and elders

Together, we ensure that our interventions are contextually relevant, youth-centered and

culturally sensitive.

Sustainability and Funding

ORIONA currently operates without any external funding or grants. Our efforts are sustained by

passionate volunteers, community goodwill and shared commitment to youth well-being. We are

actively seeking partnerships, collaborations, and donors to expand our reach and deepen our

impact in Kakuma Refugee Camp and beyond.

Target Group

Refugee youth aged 15–35 years in Kakuma Refugee Camp, with a focus on students in

schools