About Karuna
About Karuna
Protecting Childhoods. Building Futures.
Protecting Childhoods. Building Futures.
Education, protection, relief, and hope for children.
Education, protection, relief, and hope for children.
No child should be defined by the crisis they were born into.
No child should be defined by the crisis they were born into.
Our Story
Our Story
Around the world, millions of children grow up surrounded by conflict, uncertainty, and hardship. For many, access to education disappears, protection systems break down, and opportunities become increasingly limited.
Around the world, millions of children grow up surrounded by conflict, uncertainty, and hardship. For many, access to education disappears, protection systems break down, and opportunities become increasingly limited.
Today, a staggering 473 million children are living in war zones—more than the populations of the U.S. and Canada combined . We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children affected by war and poverty across the globe. Our work focuses on education, protection, emergency relief, and long-term development.
We partner with local communities, grassroots organizations, and international agencies to deliver sustainable programs that address the root causes of child vulnerability.
For over a decade, Karuna has worked in some of the most challenging environments — from active conflict zones to remote displacement camps. We don’t just respond to crises; we stay for the long haul, helping communities rebuild and children recover their sense of safety, dignity, and hope . Our teams are embedded in the regions we serve, working alongside local leaders to ensure our programs are culturally relevant, community-driven, and built to last.We currently operate across 12 regions, reaching over 50,000 children each year through school feeding programs, temporary learning spaces.
What drives us
We are inspired by hope in the face of loss, strength in the midst of chaos, and the unbreakable spirit of children who dream beyond their circumstances.
Today, a staggering 473 million children are living in war zones—more than the populations of the U.S. and Canada combined . We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children affected by war and poverty across the globe. Our work focuses on education, protection, emergency relief, and long-term development.
We partner with local communities, grassroots organizations, and international agencies to deliver sustainable programs that address the root causes of child vulnerability.
For over a decade, Karuna has worked in some of the most challenging environments — from active conflict zones to remote displacement camps. We don’t just respond to crises; we stay for the long haul, helping communities rebuild and children recover their sense of safety, dignity, and hope . Our teams are embedded in the regions we serve, working alongside local leaders to ensure our programs are culturally relevant, community-driven, and built to last.We currently operate across 12 regions, reaching over 50,000 children each year through school feeding programs, temporary learning spaces.
What drives us
We are inspired by hope in the face of loss, strength in the midst of chaos, and the unbreakable spirit of children who dream beyond their circumstances.
Our Mission
Four essential pathways to change.
Learning For Future
Creating safe and stable learning environments for children affected by conflict and poverty. We help restore access to education through learning spaces, school materials, and continued support.
Safety For Children
Children in war zones face unimaginable dangers—bombings, displacement, family separation, and the constant threat of recruitment by armed groups. Our safety programs establish child-friendly spaces.
Aid In Crisis
When conflict erupts or natural disasters strike, children are always the most vulnerable. Our emergency response teams mobilize within hours to deliver critical aid to affected communities.
Building Lasting Change
We support families with livelihood training, micro-loans, and income-generating activities that help them become self-sufficient. We rehabilitate schools, health clinics, and community infrastructure that have been destroyed.
Our Mission
Four essential pathways to change.
Learning For Future
Creating safe and stable learning environments for children affected by conflict and poverty. We help restore access to education through learning spaces, school materials, and continued support.
Safety For Children
Children in war zones face unimaginable dangers—bombings, displacement, family separation, and the constant threat of recruitment by armed groups. Our safety programs establish child-friendly spaces.
Aid In Crisis
When conflict erupts or natural disasters strike, children are always the most vulnerable. Our emergency response teams mobilize within hours to deliver critical aid to affected communities.
Building Lasting Change
We support families with livelihood training, micro-loans, and income-generating activities that help them become self-sufficient. We rehabilitate schools, health clinics, and community infrastructure that have been destroyed.
Our Mission
Four essential pathways to change.
Learning For Future
Creating safe and stable learning environments for children affected by conflict and poverty. We help restore access to education through learning spaces, school materials, and continued support.
Safety For Children
Children in war zones face unimaginable dangers—bombings, displacement, family separation, and the constant threat of recruitment by armed groups. Our safety programs establish child-friendly spaces.
Aid In Crisis
When conflict erupts or natural disasters strike, children are always the most vulnerable. Our emergency response teams mobilize within hours to deliver critical aid to affected communities.
Building Lasting Change
We support families with livelihood training, micro-loans, and income-generating activities that help them become self-sufficient. We rehabilitate schools, health clinics, and community infrastructure that have been destroyed.
What Guides Us
What Guides Us
Four values. One commitment.
Four values. One commitment.
Dignity First
Every child is treated with respect, care, and humanity, regardless of background or circumstance.
Dignity First
Every child is treated with respect, care, and humanity, regardless of background or circumstance.
Dignity First
Every child is treated with respect, care, and humanity, regardless of background or circumstance.
Protection Always
Safety is not optional. It is the foundation on which every other form of recovery depends, always first priority.
Protection Always
Safety is not optional. It is the foundation on which every other form of recovery depends, always first priority.
Protection Always
Safety is not optional. It is the foundation on which every other form of recovery depends, always first priority.
Education Matters
Learning is the most durable pathway to long-term change — for children and the communities they grow into.
Education Matters
Learning is the most durable pathway to long-term change — for children and the communities they grow into.
Education Matters
Learning is the most durable pathway to long-term change — for children and the communities they grow into.
Long-Term Commitment
We stay beyond crisis, through recovery and rebuilding — because stability takes time, not just attention.
Long-Term Commitment
We stay beyond crisis, through recovery and rebuilding — because stability takes time, not just attention.
Long-Term Commitment
We stay beyond crisis, through recovery and rebuilding — because stability takes time, not just attention.
How Change Happens
How Change Happens
Three phases of impact.
Three phases of impact.
1
Healing Starts Here
Emergency Response
Emergency support during conflict, disaster, or displacement — food, shelter, water, and medical essentials delivered.
2
Medium-Term
Stabilization
Rebuilding access to education, safety, and essential services. Reestablishing the structures children need to return to daily life.
3
Long-Term
Community Development
Strengthening communities so they can sustain progress independently — training local leaders, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring futures.
1
Healing Starts Here
Emergency Response
Emergency support during conflict, disaster, or displacement — food, shelter, water, and medical essentials delivered.
2
Medium-Term
Stabilization
Rebuilding access to education, safety, and essential services. Reestablishing the structures children need to return to daily life.
3
Long-Term
Community Development
Strengthening communities so they can sustain progress independently — training local leaders, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring futures.
1
Healing Starts Here
Emergency Response
Emergency support during conflict, disaster, or displacement — food, shelter, water, and medical essentials delivered.
2
Medium-Term
Stabilization
Rebuilding access to education, safety, and essential services. Reestablishing the structures children need to return to daily life.
3
Long-Term
Community Development
Strengthening communities so they can sustain progress independently — training local leaders, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring futures.
Every story deserves hope.
Compassionate support helps children regain stability, overcome hardship, and build brighter futures with confidence.
What Karuna does isn't charity. It's the quiet, unglamorous, and deeply effective work of giving a child back their future. When war and poverty take everything, education and protection become the most efficient.
Emily Miliband
International Rescue Committee
I have seen children who arrived at our safe spaces unable to speak, paralyzed by fear. Within weeks, through play, art, and the simple act of being heard, they begin to laugh again. Karuna's approach transforms trauma into resilience.
Dr. Fatima Al-Hassan
Syria Response Program
The moment a child receives a backpack and a notebook, something shifts. They realize someone believes in them. Karuna doesn't just provide resources—they provide dignity, hope, and a reason to believe in tomorrow.
Emily Miliband
Community Education Lead
Every story deserves hope.
Compassionate support helps children regain stability, overcome hardship, and build brighter futures with confidence.
What Karuna does isn't charity. It's the quiet, unglamorous, and deeply effective work of giving a child back their future. When war and poverty take everything, education and protection become the most efficient.
Emily Miliband
International Rescue Committee
I have seen children who arrived at our safe spaces unable to speak, paralyzed by fear. Within weeks, through play, art, and the simple act of being heard, they begin to laugh again. Karuna's approach transforms trauma into resilience.
Dr. Fatima Al-Hassan
Syria Response Program
The moment a child receives a backpack and a notebook, something shifts. They realize someone believes in them. Karuna doesn't just provide resources—they provide dignity, hope, and a reason to believe in tomorrow.
Emily Miliband
Community Education Lead
Our Impact
Our Impact
Number tells a story
Number tells a story
Behind every metric is a child returning to school, a family finding safety, or a community beginning again.
Behind every metric is a child returning to school, a family finding safety, or a community beginning again.
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Children Supported
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Children Supported
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Children Supported
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Schools Assisted
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Schools Assisted
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Schools Assisted
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Regions active
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Regions active
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Regions active
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Community Partnerships
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Community Partnerships
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Community Partnerships
Our Vision
A world where recovery is not rare but expected.
A world where children affected by war and poverty are not left behind, but supported to recover, rebuild, and move forward with dignity. Through education, protection, and sustained care, we work to make recovery a reality that every child can expect, not a rare outcome.
Every child has access to safe, consistent learning
Every child is protected from harm and exploitation
Every family has the support needed to rebuild stability
Every community has the tools to recover
Our Vision
A world where recovery is not rare but expected.
A world where children affected by war and poverty are not left behind, but supported to recover, rebuild, and move forward with dignity. Through education, protection, and sustained care, we work to make recovery a reality that every child can expect, not a rare outcome.
Every child has access to safe, consistent learning
Every child is protected from harm and exploitation
Every family has the support needed to rebuild stability
Every community has the tools to recover
The People
Powered by people who stayed.
The People
Powered by people who stayed.
Our leadership brings decades of experience in humanitarian response, child protection, education, and long-term development.
Our leadership brings decades of experience in humanitarian response, child protection, education, and long-term development.
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
James Kariuki
Chief Operating Officer
James Kariuki
Chief Operating Officer
James Kariuki
Chief Operating Officer
Elena Volkov
Founder & Executive Director
Elena Volkov
Founder & Executive Director
Elena Volkov
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
Sarah Omondi
Founder & Executive Director
The Next Generation
The Next Generation
The Next Generation
Stand With Children in Crisis
Stand With Children in Crisis