Orphan care with a difference
The Village of Love model supports orphaned children in loving family settings, where they find belonging and receive material and emotional support to stay in school and thrive.
Kijiji Cha Upendo (“Village of Love” in Swahili) is the organization in Kibera, Kenya (the largest informal settlement in Africa) that makes this happen. “Kijiji,” as the organization is affectionately known in Kibera, began working with a cluster of 15 women in 2010 and now supports 150 families caring for more than 700 orphans.
Village of Love Canada is a volunteer organization in Canada that raises funds for the work in Kenya.
You are part of this Kenya-Canada partnership through your donations!
Your donation makes a difference
Village of Love Canada is a volunteer-based funding group with very low overhead costs; almost 95 per cent of your donation goes directly to the work in Kenya.
Your gift means “more” in Kibera, Kenya:
More women starting small businesses to support their families
More children helped with school fees and completing their schooling
More nutritional support for women and children living with HIV so they can live their best lives
A Canadian aid worker in Toronto helped Kijiji Cha Upendo find new sources for antiretroviral drugs.
“Kijiji” was able to provide much-needed nutritional support to women and children living with HIV.
A new cluster was added, increasing the number of children supported to more than 700.
The USAID cuts in 2025 significantly affected Kijiji Cha Upendo programs, including HIV/AIDS support. But there was also good news.
What’s new
Kijiji Cha Upendo will purchase office space in 2026, freeing up rent payments for work with families.
A new social enterprise will serve specialized nutrition needs (e.g., for nursing mothers) and generate funds for "Kijiji’s" work.
A new website makes it easier for you to support Village of Love Canada and the “good work” in Kenya!
As 2026 begins, there is renewed commitment in Kenya and Canada to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Kibera!
As of January 1, 2026, Village of Love Canada’s charitable status is in affiliation with Runnymede United Church, a longtime supporter of the Kenyan work. VoLC remains a secular organization, welcoming and working with all.
Impact — 2014 to 2025
1,400+ vulnerable children supported in education
850+ people received health and nutrition support
400+ caregivers trained in income-generating activities
2,000+ children, youth and caregivers received counselling
150+ youth enrolled in vocational training
These results are drawn from a Kijiji Cha Updeno report covering the period 2014 to 2025. Read more about each in the Five program pillars page.
100+ community forums hosted
Waziri’s story
“Before Kijiji came into our lives, I worried every day: Will I go to school tomorrow? Will I eat? But now I wake up excited. My uniform is ready, I can do my homework, my stomach is not empty, and I feel that I have people who believe in me.”
- Waziri, age 14
Read how Kijiji has helped Waziri and his family transform their lives.
You danced to support children
Thank you to all who had a “hoot and a holler,” square dancing in support of women and children in Kenya this January.
You raised the roof and raised $2,600 for Kijiji Cha Updendo's work!
Check out our Upcoming Events for more opportunities to have fun and support a great cause. If you missed the Square Dance, you can still donate on our GIVE page.