Programmes and Initiatives.

RYC develops and implements community-based programmes that respond to locally identified needs. Our work focuses on strengthening climate resilience, improving food security and sustainable livelihoods, and expanding access to education and skills for women, youth and underserved communities.

We work with communities and local partners to develop practical solutions that strengthen resilience, create opportunities and support long-term community development.

Women and youth are at the centre of our work. We prioritise their participation, skills development and access to opportunities across our programmes.

Education & Community Development

RYC supports education access and community development initiatives that respond to barriers affecting children, young people and underserved communities.

Our work combines community engagement, awareness, skills development and practical support to create opportunities for children and young people to learn, participate and thrive.

Evidence-Driven Education Improvement

RYC uses community engagement and evidence to understand barriers to education and support interventions that respond to locally identified needs. Our work focuses on strengthening access to learning opportunities and supporting communities to improve education outcomes. Findings identified:

  • Gender disparities in enrolment

  • Limited infrastructure and learning materials

  • Teacher shortages

  • Low community participation in school management

  • Environmental challenges affecting attendance

The data generated from this study informs RYC’s education programming and advocacy with local stakeholders.

Current Education Interventions

  • Construction and operational support of a community school currently serving 85 learners
  • Distribution of reusable sanitary kits to 200 school-going girls to reduce barriers to school attendance
  • Digital literacy training for youth and women to improve access to information and economic opportunities

RYC continues to work with communities and partners to strengthen equitable access to education and skills development.

Food Security & Sustainable Livelihoods

RYC supports women, youth and communities to strengthen their livelihoods and improve their economic resilience. We promote practical skills, sustainable income-generating activities and opportunities that enable communities to respond to economic and environmental challenges.

Skill Development

RYC supports women and youth to develop practical skills that can improve their ability to pursue employment, entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities.

The initiative:

  • Practical skills development
  • Entrepreneurship and income-generation skills
  • Digital and business skills
  • Skills that respond to local economic opportunities

Participants are supported to explore small enterprise development opportunities.

Digital Literacy & Income Pathways

RYC's Digital Literacy and Income Pathways Programme equips young people with practical digital skills and knowledge that can support their participation in the digital economy and create pathways towards income-generating opportunities.

Programme at a Glance

6
Computers used during training

12
Youth participants

What Participants Learned

Digital Foundations

  • Computer operation
  • File management
  • Word processing

Online Skills

  • Internet navigation
  • Email communication
  • Access to online information and services

Creative Digital Skills

  • Canva design
  • Basic digital content creation
  • Practical use of digital tools

Climate Change Resilience & Community Development

Climate-Responsive Community Development

Communities in Mandera face increasing challenges linked to climate variability, including drought, flooding, water scarcity and pressures on livelihoods. RYC works with communities to strengthen their capacity to respond to these challenges and develop practical, locally led solutions.

Our approach focuses on strengthening community resilience, promoting sustainable practices and supporting initiatives that protect livelihoods and improve communities' ability to respond to climate-related challenges.

Current Climate-Related Interventions

  • Community engagement on climate-related challenges and local resilience
  • Support for climate-resilient agricultural and livelihood activities
  • Community-level initiatives addressing water and livelihood needs
  • Promotion of sustainable practices and community participation in local solutions

RYC works with communities and local partners to identify practical responses that strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Strategic Focus

RYC is positioning climate resilience as a cross-cutting priority, integrating:

  • Community-led climate adaptation
  • Sustainable use of natural resources
  • Climate-resilient livelihoods
  • Water and agricultural resilience
  • Strengthening community capacity to respond to climate-related challenges

Additional Community Initiatives

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Awareness

RYC engages communities in awareness and dialogue around gender-based violence, with a focus on prevention, protection and strengthening community understanding of gender-based risks.

  • Increased awareness and prevention initiatives
  • Strengthened referral pathways
  • Community accountability mechanisms

  • Mental health and psychosocial support

These dialogues support safer environments and informed advocacy.

Programme Outcomes

  • Increased awareness of GBV prevention and reporting pathways

  • Enhanced community dialogue around GBV prevention and response

Scaling Priority

RYC aims to expand women-led micro-enterprise initiatives integrating climate-smart livelihood strategies to improve household income stability.

Breastfeeding Awareness

In collaboration with TECBO, RYC delivered community sessions promoting breastfeeding best practices and maternal nutrition.

The programme:

  • Increased awareness of child development and maternal health

  • Addressed common breastfeeding challenges

  • Encouraged peer support networks among mothers

These interventions contribute to improved child health outcomes at the household level.

Programme Report

Read the full programme report to learn more about RYC's Digital Literacy and Income Pathways Programme, including its implementation approach, activities and outcomes in Mandera Town and Rhamu, Mandera County.

Our Implementation Approach

RYC uses a community-led approach to programme implementation, working with communities and local partners to identify needs, develop practical solutions and strengthen local capacity. We design programmes to be relevant to local contexts, responsive to community priorities, and sustainable beyond individual project cycles.

    • Community-Led Solutions

    We engage communities in identifying challenges, shaping solutions and participating in programme activities. This helps ensure that interventions respond to locally identified needs and build on existing community knowledge and resources.

    • Climate Resilience & Sustainable Practices

    We promote practical approaches that help communities respond to climate-related challenges, protect livelihoods and strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

    • Food Security & Livelihoods

    We support initiatives that strengthen food security, practical skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women, youth and underserved communities.

    • Education & Skills Development

    Through this approach, RYC works to strengthen local capacity and support solutions that communities can sustain and build upon over time.