Uwezais the Swahili word for opportunity, ability, and power. UwezaAid Foundation aims to combat the cycle of poverty that persists inKenya's Kibera slum through health, education and recreationalempowerment. All of our projects arecommunity-based, developed and/or run by Kenyans, primarily residentsof Kibera who are dedicated to the betterment of their community.

Uweza is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the State of Illinois.Although many of our projects have been in existence since as early as2007, Uweza officially began work in Kibera in 2008 in response to theneed for emergency relief efforts during the crisis that followed the2007 presidential election.We have since expanded and current projects include an after-school program, soccer club, school sponsorships, and acounseling initiative for at-risk and troubled youth.

Uweza was created because we observed the resiliency and ingenuity ofKenyans working to better theircommunities. By working alongside Kenyans and providing the funding andresources to implement their ideas, webelieve that we can find solutions and evoke change in a way that isvalued and sustainable. In June 2011, we celebrated the launch of our new Community Centerin Kibera. The center will serve as our new offices and will provide a safe spacefor community members to meet and for children to engage in productive extracurricular activities, explore their talents and interests, and develop holistically.

Uweza by the numbers: