Slow Solutions, Strong Futures: Kakuma’s Regenerative Journey

By Maria Paez

In 2023, we received a message that stood out. It was from Polydord Wasokye, a Congolese refugee living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. His vision was bold and clear: to build a permaculture centre that would help his community move beyond poverty, hunger and dependency - and towards resilience and self-reliance.

At that time, Polydord had done important work with his community, it was a solid group and had (in 2022) registered Life Skills for Better Future (LSBF), as a grassroots organisation focused on permaculture, vocational training and psychosocial support. The excitement in his words was unmistakable. With registration complete, he and his small team were more determined than ever. What they needed now were tools, training and opportunities to turn their ideas into something lasting.

Planting the first seeds
To help Polydord grow his vision, we started to look for potential and beneficial connections. We connected him with Morag Gamble of the Permaculture Education Institute, who offered him a full scholarship for a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). Even without a laptop and with poor internet access, he started the course. He called it transformative. And although connectivity challenges meant he couldn’t finish it right away, he remained determined. We also invited him to join the Permaculture Community Hub, where he connected with a growing global network and PAB's community learning platform. True to his proactive spirit, Polydord began posting updates about his work and community on this platform, which quickly sparked connections and opened the door to new collaborations. That’s when two powerful partnerships began to bloom:

“These connections have changed everything. You were the first person who listened, responded, and helped us connect with others. Now, our communities have access to the knowledge, tools, and skills we need to build a better future. Thank you." 

Polydord Wasokye

LSBF supports refugees in Kakuma who come from different countries across Africa, focusing especially on women - widows, single mothers, and the youth - many of whom face daily struggles just to meet basic needs.

Polydord explains: “The lack of crops, poor agricultural training, access to help and weather changes have worsened disease and hunger. People here have no jobs, and many are struggling to survive.” 

Through permaculture, enterprise and education, LSBF's team is helping families regain dignity and take control of their futures. During 2024, LSBF became a hub for young people and women to learn new skills and heal through nature. Children participate in drawing, storytelling, nature-based games and gardening - activities that offer joy, stability and growth in uncertain times. Some of their achievements are:

Polydord highlighted key challenges they face such as water shortages affecting gardens, limited funding for training and infrastructure, poor internet slowing learning and communication and loss of international food aid. They’ve made impressive progress thanks to creativity, community support and persistence; and already are working towards finding lasting solutions in the years ahead. Their focus and plans include small and slow solutions that will guarantee a strong future, such as:

• Expand permaculture training – train more community members and build a team of local trainers
• Improve water access – invest in tanks and reliable irrigation systems
• Scale soap-making and food projects – support micro-businesses in food and hygiene
• Grow donor and partner network – connect with funders and technical allies.

New initiatives in the pipeline include small enterprises with a big impact that can help to fund their core work and reduce external dependency. LSBF is working on two income-generating social enterprises:

1. Green flame briquette: Turning agricultural waste into eco-friendly charcoal, reducing deforestation and creating jobs
2. Hope poultry farm: Producing eggs while teaching families to raise chickens for nutrition and income.

“We want to be proof that it’s possible - that we can live with dignity, grow our own food and support our families” - shares Polydord.

Polydord Wasokye was born into a farming family in Eastern DRC, Polydord fled conflict in 2015 and arrived in Kakuma with nothing but hope. He taught himself English, found his voice, and began shaping a better future by observing his community and actively looking actively for collaborations that have helped him build systems that restore land, livelihoods and lives.

Want to Help?
LSBF isn’t waiting for change - they’re growing it. If you have time, skills or resources to offer - no matter where you’re based - Polydord and his team would love to connect. They’re especially in need of:

• Support with tools and training
• Help accessing funding and writing grant applications
• Volunteers to support with light tasks - just a few hours a week can go a long way.

Help us find additional support by sharing their story, spreading the word, collaborating or simply reaching out. Contact Life Skills for Better Future (LSBF):
 

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +254 741 217 748
• Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram – @lifeskillsforbetterfuture