About Initiative for Awareness and Development
The Initiative for Awareness and Development (IAD) is a development- and social impact-driven organization that works with young people, women, supporters, and partners to create just, inclusive communities ensuring equity and opportunity reach every corner, all the way to the last mile.
To do this, we tackle the root causes of inequality and exclusion, working with young people and women to amplify their voices, expand opportunities, and create lasting solutions.
Our Story
We envision a society where young people and women are empowered to realize their full potential
Where it started:
As the world stood still during the COVID-19 lockdown, a small circle of young visionaries met in the heart of Shauriyako, Homa Bay County Kenya. What began as an informal hangout in an informal settlement quickly evolved into a powerful idea: meaningful development begins with critical awareness. We saw a gap projects often arrived before people were truly prepared to own them. We believed the first investment must be in mindset: building informed, inspired communities ready to shape their own futures. Out of that conviction, Initiative for Awareness and Development (IAD) was born merging awareness and action, and driving change that lasts.
Registered CBO
Aligning with Like Minds
Our Strategy & Ambition
Our Core Values
At IAD, we are guided by five core principles the heartbeat of our work and the compass for our actions. Together, they form the acronym HEART, inspiring everything we do to create lasting change.
Our Vision
A society where young people and women are empowered to realize their full potential.
Our Mission
To promote the welfare and involvement of young people and women in development through partnerships, capacity building and advocacy.
Our Theory of Change
At IAD, we see change as both a journey and a design. It begins with a shift in consciousness—a recognition that young people and women are not passive recipients of aid, but agents of transformation.
IF
Women & young people claim their rights and exercise their responsibilities in governance.
IF
They attain sustainable livelihoods and equitable economic opportunities.
IF
Societies uphold inclusive wellbeing, care, protection, and social security.
THEN
Communities will transform into just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
AND
Governments and institutions will deliver inclusive, equitable, and responsive services that meet the needs of all.
Resting on a profound belief that meaningful development begins with critical awareness, and that the first investment must be in mindset: building informed, inspired communities ready to shape their own futures.
Projects 2023-2025
Creating Ripples of Change
Every bottle purchased provides 10 years of water access. Be the drop that sends ripples throughout the world By Young changemakers with Didomi USA turn plastic waste into hope—funding clean water wells, empowering Kenyan communities, and protecting our planet.
The Ignite African Youth Project
The Ignite African Youth Project: 2023. implemented by The Youth Café in collaboration with IAD CBO, to advances youth civic inclusive democratic participation across Africa.
Youth Dialogs
Strengthening the Power of Youth Voices in partnership Siasa place empowers young leaders through training and dialogue forums, enhancing their governance participation and creating meaningful engagement spaces.
Youth economic empowerment
Youth Voice Project 2025, in partnership with SHOFCO, supports IAD in advancing youth self-employment initiatives through regenerative agriculture, tailoring, dressmaking, and curtain-making.
Digital Safety Bootcamps
Since 2025, IAD, in partnership with Trustlab and DW Akademie, has incubated the initiative Together with Young People for Zero Tolerance to Online Harassment, fostering digital safety, resilience, and responsible online engagement.
Our Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
IAD integrates all 12 SDGs into our holistic approach to community development
At IAD, we recognize that sustainable development requires an integrated approach. Our programs are designed to address the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating synergistic impacts across all 12 focus areas.
By aligning our work with the global agenda, we ensure that our local efforts contribute to worldwide progress, creating a better future for all Kenyans while being part of the global movement for sustainable development.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Change
Your support can help us reach more communities and create greater impact
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