Volunteers are the lifeblood of NGOs. Since arriving at the Kakuma UNHCR camp, Kadjosi Matabishi Mzaliwa has worked tirelessly to improve the life and self-reliance of his fellow refugees. However, according to human rights organizations, funding for refugee projects such as those offered by DES is currently facing significant challenges. There is a projected drop in official development assistance by 9 to 17% in 2025. This shortfall is impacting the ability to provide essential support to millions of refugees, leading to critical gaps in food, health, and education services.
Dear Partners, Friends, and Supporters of Development and Empowerment of Society (DES),
We greet you with deep gratitude for the support you have continuously shown towards our mission in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Today, we come to you with an important and urgent matter that directly affects the future of our programs, our community, and the impact we continue to make.
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
For years, DES has relied heavily on dedicated volunteers who have given their energy, time, and passion to help build food forests, protect community centers, support youth programs, and ensure the safety and continuity of our activities. They have worked tirelessly, some 3 to 4 hours daily, supporting administration, training, and community mobilization; others, especially our security guards, have worked up to 12 hours a day to protect our center, equipment, and food forest farms. Their commitment has kept DES active, reliable, and impactful.
THE REALITY: VOLUNTEERING IS NOT EASY FOR EVERYONE
While many people desire to serve their community, the reality is that volunteering without financial support is extremely difficult, especially in a refugee setting. Our volunteers are not just individuals, they are parents, spouses, guardians, and breadwinners. Many have families that depend on them for food, school fees, health needs, and basic survival. Without financial motivation:
- Volunteers struggle to sustain their own families
- They face pressure to seek alternative income
- Their ability to serve becomes limited
- Many reach a breaking point.
This is why, in early November, several of our dedicated volunteers made the difficult decision to resign due to the overwhelming financial pressure.
DES leadership requested them to stay just a little longer until December to avoid an immediate shutdown of our activities. But now, January marks a critical turning point.
RISKS IF VOLUNTEER SUPPORT IS NOT SECURED
If DES is unable to provide even modest financial motivation to its volunteers, the consequences are serious:
- Loss of Skilled and Trained Volunteers : We risk losing committed team members who have gained experience working with children, youth, the food forest project, and community programs.
- Complete Inactivity Starting January – With no staff or volunteers available, DES will not be active in January, putting all ongoing programs at risk.
- Community Will Suffer – Security of our food forest and community centers may collapse
Youth, children, and vulnerable groups will lose guidance and support; ongoing projects like environmental activities, education, and food systems may stall; momentum built over years could be lost within weeks. - Loss of Trust and Momentum – The community relies on DES. When we pause activities, we risk losing hard-earned trust, consistency, and progress.
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Your financial support will help us offer basic monthly motivation to our volunteers so they can sustain their families while continuing their vital roles. It will keep DES active, protect our food forest and properties, retain trained volunteers, ensure community safety and the continuity of our programs and maintain our impact in Kakuma Refugee Camp.
A SMALL CONTRIBUTION CAN SAVE AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY PROGRAM
We are not seeking large salaries — only modest financial motivation to help volunteers meet essential needs such as food, transport, and family support. Your contribution can be the reason DES continues its mission in 2026 and beyond.
You can support us by:
- Donating monthly or making a one-time contribution;
- Sponsoring a volunteer for a pre-determined length of time;
- Supporting operational costs;
- Connecting us with partners or funders.
A gift of $40 US per month would make it possible for our teachers, security guards, administrators, coaches and day care workers to continue helping, but if you cannot commit to that, please give what you can. Every contribution counts!
With thanks and very best regards,
Kadjosi Matabishi Mzaliwa
Chairman
Development and Empowerment of Society (DES)