Reintegration of Former Convicts in Kenya and Former Child Soldiers Liberia

A joint initiative dedicated to social impact, empowerment, and community development.

Action 10 has joined forces with local initiatives in Kenya and Liberia to drive reintegration and sustainable business growth. In Kenya, Help Me Home Kenya, led by Ms. Margaret Wambui, has been dedicated to reintegrating former convicts—especially women—through mental health support, counseling, and vocational training. In Liberia, the IDEFOCS programs, including initiatives at the Rilo Foundation Educational School System (RIFES) and Safe Zone Laundry, are empowering vulnerable youth and rehabilitated former child soldiers with sustainable business opportunities. Although resource constraints persist in both countries, this merged effort is set to build brighter futures by equipping participants with the skills, support, and capital they need to thrive.

The potential of business loans

Access to business loans can transform these reintegration programs by:

• Scale production: Increased resources will drive higher output—whether it’s in laundry services in Buchanan City or enhanced vocational training in Kenya.
• Expand Training: With additional funds, both initiatives can broaden their training programs, equipping more individuals with life-changing business and technical skills.
• Enhance financial stability: Sustainable loans will strengthen the capacity of these organizations to support long-term reintegration, ensuring that beneficiaries can gradually move from donor dependency to self-sufficiency.
• Providing Comprehensive Support: Financial backing will bolster not only economic recovery but also mental health and social reintegration, offering a holistic approach to rebuilding lives.

Challenges

In Kenya, Ms. Margaret Wambui’s Help Me Home Kenya has already transformed lives by integrating former convicts back into society through tailored vocational programs in fields such as tailoring, hairdressing, and home care. Her work is a testament to the power of vision and targeted intervention. Meanwhile, in Liberia, IDEFOCS initiatives have identified sustainable business models—a local laundry and a cold water venture in Buchanan City—that offer profitable opportunities while employing rehabilitated youth and community members. Both efforts demonstrate how strategic financial support can turn adversity into opportunity, creating resilient communities and inspiring stories of personal triumph.

Challenges

Both programs face hurdles that limit their growth. In Kenya, resource constraints have curtailed the scale of training and production, while in Liberia, the lack of established infrastructure and competitive markets continues to challenge the sustainability of new businesses. From the need for generators, machinery, and basic materials in Liberia’s laundry and cold water ventures to the equipment and facilities required to deliver comprehensive vocational training in Kenya, these challenges hinder progress. With your support, we can overcome these barriers and extend the reach and impact of these reintegration programs.