Worldwide Offices
Global Reach
Since our establishment in San Diego, California in 1989, the Alliance for African Assistance has been working to expand our reach through the establishment of offices in Europe and Africa. In addition to our hospital in Atiak Uganda, today we carry out our refugee assistance through our offices in Gulu, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya and Rome, Italy. Our programs in these regions aim to promote community development, literacy, self-reliance, health education and disease prevention.
United States
To uplift refugees, immigrants, and the most vulnerable among us. We strive to help them become self-sufficient, thriving community members.
Founded in 1989 by Walter Lam, a refugee himself, the Alliance for African Assistance began its journey in San Diego. We've been unwavering in our commitment to supporting refugees in their resettlement.
For over three decades, we've reached out to refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and those in need worldwide. We focus on providing social, cultural, and educational assistance, including housing, health screenings, education, language classes, and job training.
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As an affiliate of the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) we've successfully resettled 14700 refugees from various countries. But we don't do this alone. We work with a network of dedicated partners, including the UNHCR and fate based institutions, foundations, organizations and coorporations.
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We work with a large number of partners to maximize our impact.
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Kenya
The primary goal of the Kenya office is to offer complementary services as identified by country directors of existing NGOs, especially for youth, including refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and Kenyans, to empower them to serve their communities.
AAA-Kenya's activities include:
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Capacity Building Training: Initially, they provided Software App training to youth, enabling them to design mobile apps. They also organized events such as International Youth Day, World Mental Health Day, International Peace Day, and International Day of People with Disabilities in collaboration with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR).
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Peace Building and Conflict Dialogue: They have trained 30 participants in creating peace amidst complex circumstances and issues.
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Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS): Collaborating with UNHCR and other refugee partners, this initiative has partnered with the Ministry of Health - Kenya, focusing on Psychology First Aid, Quality Rights, and Suicide Prevention for refugees, IDPs, and Kenyan youth.
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Solar Cookers: These are supplied to refugees managed by UNHCR to utilize solar energy for cooking, providing nutritious food without extra costs or environmental impact.
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Regular Training on Employment: In February 2021, they launched a comprehensive training program on "Personal Branding" to prepare learners for employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. This approach aligns with the Work Integrated Learning Model developed by the University of Cincinnati.
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Italy
The mission of the Rome office is deeply rooted in helping refugees rebuild their lives by providing them with essential tools and opportunities for professional and social growth, ultimately leading to self-sufficiency. Here are the key components of the mission:
1. Professional and Social Training: The Rome office is dedicated to offering refugees access to training programs that equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive professionally and integrate into their new communities. These programs are designed to empower refugees with the ability to secure meaningful employment and develop self-sufficiency.
2. Employment Assistance: A significant aspect of the mission is to help refugees find decent work that aligns with their skills and aspirations. This support plays a pivotal role in enabling refugees to achieve financial stability and independence.
3. Language Courses: The Rome office provides language courses in both Italian and English. Language proficiency is a fundamental element of successful integration, as it facilitates effective communication, job prospects, and social engagement in the host country.
4. Translation Services: The office offers translation services to bridge language barriers and ensure that refugees can access vital information and resources in their preferred language. This service aids in various aspects of resettlement and community engagement.
5. Collaboration with Partner Organizations: Alliance Italia collaborates with a network of partner organizations that share similar objectives both locally and internationally. This collaborative approach amplifies the impact of their efforts and allows for a more comprehensive and effective response to the needs of refugees.