ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Many challenges face teens in Kibera and other informal settlements around Kenya. Besides living in deplorable conditions not suitable to academic and personal growth, youth are also bombarded with temptations of drugs, alcohol and sexual or criminal behavior. Thus, the idea was birthed to have a safe place for students to gather and to participate in programs which would build character, challenge them academically and help prepare them practically for a better future for themselves and their families.
OUR CORE VALUES
INTEGRITY
is the motivating factor that drives the organization to realize its main objectives through financial stewardship and moral and ethical conduct in programs and relationships.
TRANSPARENCY
is key as we communicate openly with our stakeholders and beneficiaries and encourage the sharing of ideas with the aim of improving current and future programs.
LOVE
of oneself and others, through Christ, guides our work as we promote unity in communities we reach.
CREATIVITY
is God-breathed into humanity. We provide opportunities and a supportive environment for youth to discover and explore their God-given gifts and talents.
TEAMWORK
is critical among leadership and beneficiaries. Through excursions, teambuilding activities and retreats we build deeper relationships which will lead to better results for individuals and communities.
THE TEAM
Our great team represents a mélange of teamwork, innovation, creativity and passion. Our passion and desire is to serve vulnerable communities, and to see all youths flourish in their careers and their walk with God.
CO-FOUNDER
GRACIE ODHIAMBO
Gracie grew up in California where she lived until moving to Kenya for school in 2014. Since coming to know Christ at a young age, Gracie knew God was calling her to serve Him cross-culturally. After receiving her BA in Political Science from Azusa Pacific University, Gracie returned to APU to pursue her MA which soon led her to Kenya. Gracie wrote her thesis on the issues surrounding domestic violence of women in Kibera, and continues to have a passion to help bring healing and hope to those in both genders affected by abuse and trauma. In her spare time, Gracie enjoys baking, reading, movies and the outdoors.
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Gracie lives and minister in Kibera along with her husband Ken and their two daughters (Khloe and Haisley).
CO-FOUNDER
KEN ODHIAMBO
Having grown up in Kibera himself, Ken can relate with the struggles faced by the students reached at Imarika. He has a passion to see others have opportunities for education, personal growth and, most importantly, experiencing salvation and hope found only in Jesus Christ. Ken came to Christ through a youth program and since has spent over 10 years teaching and mentoring youth in the community. He also has a BA in Business and IT. In his spare time, Ken enjoys reading, movies, music and cycling.
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Ken lives and ministers in Kibera along with his wife Gracie and their two daughters (Khloe and Haisley).
Joseph serves in his local church as the praise and worship pastor. He is happily married to Vivian Adhiambo and a proud father of two beautiful daughters. Joseph has diploma in project management among other short courses he has acquired majorly on resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation and business management and entrepreneurship training.
Having worked with quite a number of organizations in Kibera slums, he has extensive leadership experience working with communities. His passion and desire is to serve vulnerable communities, and his dream is to see all youths flourish in their careers and their walk with God.
JOSEPH WERE
Betro was born and raised in Kibera. Following high school, Betro pursued and obtained a certificate and diploma in Human Resource Management in Kiriri Women's University.
Currently, Betro is serving her community working with local organizations -- Imarika Youth and Love Your Neighbor. As a Christian organization, Betro feels Imarika has motivated her in her passion for God and his people, has given her a better platform to give back to the community, and has enabled her to learn and grow spiritually. She truly has the gift of service! Betro oversees our partnership with Love Your Neighbor, manages girl's mentorship, and assists in other capactities.
BETRO MUHONJA KAMBROSE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are proud to introduce you to our Board! A talented and passionate group of men and women from diverse backgrounds. Working in fields from health, finances, development, fundraising, leadership, business and more, Imarika is blessed to have accountability, partnership and active input from this team. We thank them for their dedication.