Kilimanjaro Initiative USA Information

Our sister organization, KI, was founded 11 years ago by United Federal Credit Union ( UNFCU) worker Tim Challen after he was shot in the leg in Nairobi during a robbery. The assailants were young men from Kibera, a massive urban slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. In spite of what happened to him, Tim recognized the environment that the young men grew up in led them down that path. With the help of UNFCU and Kibera community leaders, Tim organized a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro and insisted on bringing youth from Kibera on the climb. He sought to raise awareness about the issues facing their community. The first climb was a great success, forming the non-profit followed. Inspired by the impact that the organization has had on dozens of young people in Kibera, four promising youth leaders were sent on the first trip by the USA chapter in January of 2013. Since then, 18 NY youth leaders have flown across the globe to participate in an intensive three week program where they join East African youth to climb with them. Learn more about our sister organization in Kenya, Kilimanjaro Initiative KI. Vision and Mission