Jifunze International: A Kenyan-Australian NGO Changing Lives Through Health and Education
Jifunze International has quickly become one of the most inspiring diaspora-led initiatives connecting Australia and Kenya. Founded in 2020 by Kenyan-Australian Victoria Porter, the organisation was born from a powerful encounter with poverty, poor health literacy, and the lack of basic resources faced by vulnerable families in Kitengela, Kenya. With a Master’s in International Development and a heart deeply tied to both Kenya and Australia, Victoria knew she had to create something different—an organisation that would listen to local voices, act with respect, and empower communities sustainably. The result was Jifunze International, a not-for-profit registered in Australia that operates entirely through volunteers, ensuring 100% of donations go directly into projects on the ground.
From the very beginning, Jifunze International has focused on simple yet life-changing interventions. Its health workshops have reached thousands, teaching about puberty, sexual health, gender-based violence, and first aid in ways that empower children, women, and even street families. Reusable menstrual kits distributed to schoolgirls have reduced absenteeism, while first-aid training has given ambulance drivers, teachers, and even street children the skills to save lives. In schools, the NGO has built community gardens that provide fresh produce for students and feeding programs, and their outreach projects have served over 117,000 meals and distributed more than 850 food packs to drought-affected families. For many in these communities, Jifunze’s work is the difference between hunger and hope.
The achievements are remarkable for a small, diaspora-driven NGO. To date, more than 3,400 individuals have received training in puberty and health education, over 1,800 women and girls have been supported with menstrual health resources, and thousands more have been nourished through food programs and tutoring support. Medical donations valued in millions of shillings have been provided to hospitals, including newborn units, while staff were trained to use the equipment. Victoria’s work has not gone unnoticed; she has been honoured with awards such as the Paul Harris Fellow and the Rotary Avenues of Service Award, recognising her deep commitment to grassroots change.
The journey has not been without challenges. COVID-19 forced Jifunze to shift its focus towards PPE distribution and public health information campaigns, highlighting the need for flexibility when working across borders. Fundraising is also a constant hurdle, but the organisation’s insistence on transparency and volunteer-led management has helped maintain trust among supporters. As Victoria often stresses, listening to communities rather than imposing external solutions has been the key to Jifunze’s resilience and credibility. “Keeping that open dialogue with the local people is very important,” she has said—a philosophy that defines the organisation’s every step.
For the Kenyan-Australian diaspora, Jifunze International is more than just a charity; it is a bridge of connection. Based in Melbourne, the NGO has created opportunities for Kenyans in Australia and their allies to give back, volunteer, and fundraise for causes that have a direct impact back home. It is a living example of how diaspora networks can play a vital role in addressing global inequality while strengthening identity and community ties abroad.
Looking ahead, Jifunze International has bold plans to expand. A community kitchen and learning space for street children is in the works, as is a dialysis support program to deliver lifesaving machines to hospitals in Kenya. The team is also determined to expand their sustainable initiatives—from more food gardens to leadership programs that equip young people with skills for life. Each project reflects a philosophy rooted not in charity, but in empowerment.
For those in the Kenyan-Australian community and beyond, Jifunze International is a cause worth supporting. Every dollar, every volunteer hour, and every shared story makes a tangible difference. By visiting jifunzeinternational.com, following their journey online, or simply spreading the word, you can help ensure this incredible work continues to grow. From Melbourne to Kitengela, Jifunze is proof that when communities come together to learn and to act, they can change lives forever.
