NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Paul Karanja is Urban Program Coordinator at RefugePoint. He has worked in the humanitarian sector with refugees since 2007, and is currently coordinating the self-reliance program for urban refugees at RefugePoint. He has held this position since 2014 and, through the years, has seen the value of holistic programming in supporting refugees in their quest for self-reliance. It is evident that after stabilizing them by meeting their most basic needs and empowering them to engage in livelihood activities, refugees can generate income to cater to their household needs without needing assistance. Paul is forever challenged and encouraged by the resilience refugees demonstrate. His clients have taught him that no matter how tough one’s situation is, with self-determination, one can move along the recovery path.