CFK Africa (Carolina for Kibera)

Founded in 2001 by UNC student Rye Barcott alongside a Kenyan community organizer and widowed nurse, CFK Africa (formerly Carolina for Kibera) has worked to empower youth in slums in Kenya for nearly 25 years. Our innovative community-based approach focuses on long-term youth leadership development and life-saving health services. Learn more at cfkafrica.org.  

A UNC-affiliated organization based in Kibera, Kenya, CFK Africa advances UNC’s global research mission by combining service delivery with responsible research and has provided dozens of UNC students with invaluable international experiences.  

Our Peacock Fellowship funds UNC students to work in Kibera, engaging in participatory research and development alongside their Kenyan peers. This GiveUNC, donate to CFK Africa and equip UNC students with a transformational global experience embedded in service. 

“It is a true and resounding joy to work alongside community leaders and mentors who dedicate themselves to the betterment of youth outcomes: who are fully committed to the people and lives of those around them and consistently seek to learn, adapt, and grow.” 

– Ben Bramson (‘25) pictured in the header, spent the summer of 2024 in Kenya collaborating with CFK Africa’s sports for development team. Read about his experience here.

Hear directly from CFK Africa’s youth leaders who declare, “I will lead.”