South African architect Sumayya Vally has partnered with To.Org for their Regenerate Kakuma project. Kakuma is a refugee settlement in Kenya which is home to over 280 000 people. The To:Foundation whose work aims to empower refugee communities through urban and social interventions aims to build a wellness centre within the refugee settlement, focused on improving the mental and physical wellbeing of the community.
Designed by Vally, the project aims to bring holistic well-being to refugees by integrating fitness, agriculture, education, and cultural activities in a singular space. The wellness centre will feature areas for meditation, community engagement as well as spaces to connect with nature and the landscape. Acknowledging the diverse needs of the Kakuma settlement, the Wellness and Fitness Centre represents more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of hope, empowering individuals and fostering both personal and growth for disenfranchised communities.
