CFK Africa is youth-centered and community-aligned.
We envision a future where a generation of healthy, educated, and innovative youth in informal settlements become visionary leaders and change-makers, facilitated by digital connectivity.
Immerse yourself in Still, I Rise: Stories of Resilience from Teenage Mothers in Kenya’s Slums. Book proceeds support our Girls’ Empowerment Program.
On October 10th, we celebrated 25 years of impact in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thank you to our featured speakers and honorees: Siama Yusuf, Charlotte Barcott, Megan Smith, Andi Fuentes, the Sall Family, Brett Bullington, and Binaifer Nowrojee. And thank you to all of our guests for supporting our next chapter where we will connect one million youth to empowering opportunities.
Still, I Rise is a collection of stories told by 28 teen mothers living in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums. The teens write about overcoming barriers and returning to school with support from CFK’s Funzo Project. Read their powerful stories and spread their messages. Proceeds benefit CFK’s Girls’ Empowerment program.
"For some girls in Kajiado, other people start deciding their futures long...
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"There was a need for something that could have an impact on...
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"By working together, we can create stronger referral pathways and achieve greater...
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“I refuse to let the label of ‘teen mother’ define me. I...
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Lisa Mullins chats with Siama and Charlotte about the book, Still, I...
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"Charlotte Barcott wanted to share the powerful stories of teenage mothers she...
Read MoreWe are committed to connecting talented slum youth to opportunities. Our approach confronts the most critical obstacles at each stage of life, from poor childhood nutrition to lack of education and gainful employment.
We remove barriers to accessing quality health care.
We equip youth with education, employment, and advocacy skills.
We bring together partners to tackle community challenges.
CFK Africa is locally led. Since our founding in 2001, our participatory development approach has been rooted in the conviction that sustainable impact and solutions to poverty are only possible when the communities most affected are the real change-makers.
We engage community advisory boards, hold feedback sessions, and strengthen collaborations with like-minded organizations, building trust and credibility essential to the success of our programs.
With over two decades of work in our communities, CFK Africa has a proven track record of leading change.
community members served annually.
years of experience working in slums.
of Kenya’s population is < 35 representing power and promise.
"Still, I Rise" went on a global tour! ✈️ The journey continues with you. Grab a copy, gift one, and amplify their messages 👉 cfkafrica.org/still-i-rise. 📍 Aug 7: Launch day in Nairobi 📍 Aug 10: Gender Desk launch in Mukuru kwa Ruben 📍 Aug 12: Community conversation in Kibera 📍 Oct 9–10: Charlotte, NC, with Queen City News, the EVRYBDY in CLT podcast, and the US launch at our 25th anniversary benefit 📍 Oct 22: NPR's Here & Now with Lisa Mullins "Still, I Rise: Stories of Resilience from Teenage Mothers in Kenya's Slums" is a collection of first-person essays by 28 young mothers. The authors talk about their journeys finding the strength and courage to overcome challenges like violence, extreme poverty, and social stigma. #YouthVoices #CommunityEmpowerment #TeenageMothers #StillIRise
Today, #CFKAfrica’s #WomenatWork trainees joined conversations at the #AfricanEmployabilitySummit2026, where Nairobi National Polytechnic documented their experiences as young women building practical skills and preparing to enter the workforce. Our youth entrepreneurs were invited to participate in the panel titled "Digital Futures: Harnessing the Digital Economy, AI, and Entrepreneurship for African Job Creation." They collaborated with other representatives from the business, finance, and BPO sectors. This is an example of what #PowerfulPartnerships look like in practice. #FutureOfWork
The newly released 2025–26 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey shows continued progress in child health. Under-five mortality has fallen to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, and 8 in 10 children aged 12–23 months are fully vaccinated with basic antigens. For the first time, the survey also measures whether babies and toddlers are reaching important milestones in movement, language, thinking and social development. #CFKAfrica's work reinforces why supporting a child involves nutrition, immunisation, responsive care, early identification of developmental concerns and support for parents! #MNCH #ChildHealth
