About us

Empowering youth. Inspiring change. Building the future.

Youth Development Forum (YDF) is a dynamic, youth-led initiative that unlocks the potential of young people in vulnerable communities.

We believe young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They’re the changemakers of today.

YDF gives young minds a place to engage, grow and lead. With the right support, every young person can become a force for positive change in society.

Smiling secondary school girls in white shirts and ties at their desks

8Kchildren educated

What drives us

Our mission and vision

Our mission

To empower underprivileged children and youth in Kenya’s slums by providing transformative education, life skills, and economic opportunities that unlock their full potential and create lasting change in their communities.

Our vision

A future where every child and youth in Kenya’s informal settlements rises above poverty through equal access to quality education, opportunity, and dignity.

Our principles

What we stand for

YDF was founded on three principles that guide everything we do.

01

Empowerment

We give young people the tools, skills and confidence to shape their own futures.

02

Inclusion

Every young person deserves a place to engage, grow and lead, whatever their background.

03

Sustainable development

We work for lasting change in communities, not quick fixes.

Two boys in blue sweaters share a laptop in class

What we do

Six ways we open doors

  1. Quality education

    Schooling in Kibera from early childhood (ECDE) to senior secondary.

  2. Scholarships

    For bright young students, with 120 awarded every year.

  3. Skills training

    Practical training that prepares young people for work.

  4. Economic empowerment

    Support for small and medium-sized businesses in the slums.

  5. Career guidance

    Helping young people choose a path and plan their next steps.

  6. Job placements

    Connecting young people with real job opportunities.

See our projects
A large group of students, staff and guests pose together outside a blue school building

Our people

Meet the team behind YDF

Professionals, young leaders and volunteers, working together to turn ideas into impact.

Meet the team Get in touch

Get involved

Join us in transforming lives

Donate

Give by M-Pesa or bank transfer to support education, skills and opportunity for young people in Kibera.

Give now

Volunteer

Share your time and skills with the children and young people we work with.

Volunteer with us

Partner

Work with us as a school, business or organisation to reach more young people.

Partner with us