To see a society in which the elderly, young people, and children thrive together through intergenerational learning , dignity, and sustainable development.
MISSION
To use the intergenerational model as a tool to bring different generations together, fostering respect, knowledge-sharing, and mutual care.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe that every generation has wisdom, skills, and experiences to share. By connecting the different generations, we create a community built on respect, care, and shared growth. Our approach values dignity, sustainability, and the power of collective knowledge to shape a better future for all.
OUR STORY
“RIEKO” is a word from luo dialect meaning wisdom. RIEKO began in 2021, in Kathing Village, Kisumu- Kenya, with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a space where the old, the young, and the children can come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another. In many communities, the elderly often feel neglected, while young people lack guidance and cultural knowledge. RIEKO bridges this gap by creating a space where the elderly, young people, and children learn from each other, support one another, and grow together.
In 2022, RIEKO was officially registered as a Community-Based Organization.
At RIEKO, we have made remarkable progress in our mission to connect generations and promote sustainable growth within our community. Over the years, we have reached thousands of lives through our intergenerational programs and community-driven initiatives.
We have directly worked with 136 children at RIEKO, offering them not only education but also the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and lunch program.In collaboration with other schools, we have impacted a total of 867 children.
In our work with the elderly, we have reached 300 individuals with training, care, and support. 74 elderly people are directly engaged with RIEKO, benefiting from our programs that provide them with the opportunity to contribute their wisdom and knowledge while also receiving the care they deserve.
We have also engaged 102 young people at RIEKO, equipping them with essential skills and encouraging their involvement in community-building activities.Through our innovative initiatives, we have implemented over 23 vertical gardens,
allowing elderly individuals to grow nutritious indigenous vegetables and promoting food security within the community.
We dream of a future in which RIEKO becomes a hub where the old and young collaborate and inspire, creating lasting solutions for challenges we face today. We invite all to join us in this journey, as we build a stronger, more resilient community that values every individual’s contribution, regardless of age or background.
OUR MODELS
1.The Intergenerational Learning Model
It is designed to bring together the elderly, young people, and children in a way that encourages mutual learning, respect, and knowledge sharing. This model promotes a space where the elderly share their rich life experiences, traditional knowledge, and skills, while the younger generation contributes with their fresh perspectives and modern education.
2. Village Model: Elderly and Child Pairing
The Village Model focuses on pairing elderly individuals with children, creating meaningful relationships and ensuring mutual support. This model is in line with the Kenyan government’s focus on prioritizing care at home, rather than in institutionalized settings like orphanages.
OUR VALUES
Dignity
Respect
Transparency
Patience & compassion
We believe treating people with dignity is being in touch with most basic human need, and enabling our beneficiaries to have a sense of self-worth. Everyone in our world matters as importantly as anyone else, whatever their condition, age, ability or background.
We all come from different places and have different stories in life, we thus accept everybody for who they are even when we differ in opinion.
We are committed to honesty and integrity in achieving desired outcomes for those whom we serve. We ensure deliverables are given to the donors and all the team members get access to information needed.
We are committed to understanding the feelings, needs, and desires of those whom we serve and take action to enhance their quality of life with all patience and compassion that it takes.
WHAT WE DO
Adult Care and Well-Being
We prioritize the care and well-being of the elderly in our community. Through our programs, we provide both physical and emotional support to older adults, focusing on improving their quality of life and ensuring they have access to essential resources. We conduct regular health checkups, offer counseling, and facilitate social gatherings to reduce isolation. We believe that the elderly deserve to live with dignity, respect, and care, and our services are designed to meet these needs while enhancing their independence.
Intergenerational Learning
Our Intergenerational Learning Model brings together the elderly, young people, and children to foster knowledge-sharing and mutual respect. The elderly serve as mentors and teachers, passing down their wisdom and traditional skills to the younger generation. In return, the children and youth provide companionship and fresh insights, creating a two-way learning process. This approach not only enriches the lives of both generations but also strengthens community bonds and preserves cultural heritage. Our model creates a space where all generations contribute to each other’s growth and well-being.
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
We are committed to promoting sustainable agriculture practices that ensure food security for our community. Through the installation of vertical farms, we are providing families, particularly the elderly, with the tools and knowledge needed to grow their own nutritious food. Our focus on indigenous vegetable production is designed to revitalize traditional farming methods, which are environmentally friendly and provide a sustainable source of food. We also work to combat post-harvest loss by teaching effective preservation techniques, ensuring that the food we grow remains available throughout the year.
OUR PROJECTS
Lunch Program
We run a lunch program that provides nutritious meals to both children and the elderly. This initiative helps alleviate food insecurity among vulnerable groups and ensures they have access to balanced diets. The meals are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown in our vertical farms. This program also fosters community engagement as children, youth, and the elderly come together to share meals and interact.
Installation of Vertical Farms
As part of our commitment to sustainable agriculture, we install vertical farms in the homes of the elderly. These farms allow them to grow fresh vegetables even in limited spaces, ensuring they have access to nutritious food year-round. We provide training on how to set up and maintain the farms, enabling the elderly to be self-sufficient in food production. This also helps reduce the cost of buying vegetables and encourages healthy eating habits.
RIEKO School
RIEKO School is at the heart of our education efforts, providing a safe and nurturing environment for 136 children. The school focuses on delivering quality education while integrating intergenerational learning. The elderly play an active role in the school, sharing their knowledge and life experiences with the children. In addition to standard academics, the school emphasizes values such as respect, responsibility, and community.
Indigenous Vegetable Production and Fighting Post-Harvest Loss
We are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of indigenous vegetables, many of which are at risk of disappearing. These vegetables are rich in nutrients and well-suited to our local climate. By encouraging their cultivation, we aim to improve food security while also promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, we educate the community on methods to fight post-harvest loss, such as using solar dryers and charcoal coolers, ensuring that the food produced is not wasted.