In northern Kenya, Rita “De Yogi” Brown leads heartening yoga and meditation sessions while Abubakar Rugamba teaches the transformative power of weightlifting. The setting is unexpected, one of the world’s largest refugee settlements that sprawls over 50 square kilometres (a third of the size of Washington, D.C.) Seeing the permanent smiles that light up Rita and Abubakar’s faces, you would never fathom the immense challenges they have endured as refugees here. Kakuma — which stems from the Swahili word for “nowhere” — feels like a city, teeming with 285,000 refugees displaced by war, climate-related conflict, and economic crises. Up to 47% of its inhabitants suffer from trauma and PTSD. A visionary collaboration is striving to help them heal and thrive.

The philanthropic Regenerate Kakuma project will provide a wellness and fitness facility that is rooted in Regenerative Wellness, a holistic approach that both heals and aids people in realising their potential. “We believe in creating spaces and opportunities to improve mental and physical well-being, enabling trauma reduction, self-development, and social cohesion,” explains Nachson Mimran, co-founder of The Alpina Gstaad and to.org — the organisation that created the Regenerate Kakuma Collective to realise the project. “To.org is built around the fundamental belief, that in order to heal the world, we must take a creative approach and incubate the relationships and talent that make the world a better place.” What sparked the idea for Regenerate Kakuma? Nachson has always been “struck by how refugee camps have so little permanent infrastructure despite existing for decades. If you provide something practical and inspiring, it enables others to build their existing talent.” In December 2023, to.org launched the Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre in the Ugandan refugee settlement of the same name. After witnessing the positive impact of this vibrant hub, they wanted to build on the idea. Why a wellness and fitness facility? Kakuma has been a sports incubator, with numerous athletes competing at prominent international sports events including the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. This athletic prowess fuelled the project’s concept. The spark was Rita and Abubakar.

The remarkable pair founded Easy FitGang, a community-based organisation that promotes mental well-being through physical fitness. “Movement is medicine,” says Rita, with Abubakar adding, “Working out helped me heal from trauma and PTSD.” Part of to.org’s global network of Creative Activists, Rita and Abubakar are beacons of resilience, overcoming the hardships of their own journeys to galvanize the 2000 young people who participate in activities that include yoga, hiking, aerobics, and sports competitions.

“One of my biggest inspirations is to show the world that I am more than my refugee status,” shares Rita. “This should not lead to limited thinking. When I am looked down on because of this, I am even more determined to prove others wrong.” Rita’s perseverance has been her strong suit since childhood, arriving in Kakuma with her twin sister at age 7, both orphaned by war. Bolstered by a strong educational background — degrees in social work and business administration — she cultivated her yoga expertise at the Africa Yoga Project, a nonprofit that makes yoga and well-being accessible to all.

A proud single mother, Rita is beloved as a mentor and teacher. Her philosophy centres on “every experience, whether positive or challenging, can be harnessed to inspire growth.” Rita’s own path to self-acceptance makes her an inspiring role model to others. “With support and belief in oneself, anyone can overcome adversity and create a new path forward. I encourage people to identify their strengths rather than dwell on their struggle.”

A child soldier in Burundi at just 8 years old, Abubakar was a teenager when he arrived in Kakuma with his family. “I turned to my childhood passion, football, to overcome the trauma,” he explains. “Physical activity helped me heal. I was sure it could work for others.” Many of the young participants at Easy FitGang suffer from depression and trauma. “Our activities not only support and improve mental health - they also help promote a peaceful existence in our community of over 19 nationalities,” says Abubakar. Basketball tournaments reinforce these bonds and the power of teamwork.
Abubakar is more than his impressive physique.
Educated in community development and social work — and currently working on a degree in sustainable development — the bright twenty-eight-year-old contributes to and co-authors reports with prominent stakeholders like Amnesty International and Oxford University. Abubakar is also all heart, a loving caregiver to his family and an indefatigable cheerleader to all he encounters at Easy FitGang, like one Congolese dancer who felt such a sense of belonging he became one of their trainers.

For a long time, Rita, Abubakar, and Easy FitGang’s other partner, Tabitha, have longed for better infrastructure. “Imagine the progress and healing we could create with better facilities!” Abubakar enthuses. The Kakuma Olympians Perina Nakang and Cindy Ngamba have given them hope to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges. After members of to.org joined yoga and meditation classes, “Nachson asked us how he could help our community. We knew we had found the perfect partner to collaborate on expanding our project,” explains Rita. In addition to to.org, Rita, and Abubakar, the Kakuma Regenerate Collective is comprised of architects, designers, other Creative Activists, and Kakuma community leaders. Regenerative Kakuma will have a well-equipped gym and outdoor sports facilities, where teamwork, stress management, and community engagement will be instilled alongside athletics. The Meditation Hall and serene courtyards will provide nurturing spaces for reflection and mindfulness. Since well-being is intrinsically linked to one’s surrounding environment, the project will include an agroforestry system and market gardens that provide fresh produce and teach agricultural skills and traditions. In line with the project’s vision to extend beyond the physical structure, these agricultural elements will foster connection with the community and its food sources. “There are four fundamental pillars that every thriving society needs: places where we can Think, Play, Create, and Regenerate,” explains Nachson. This philosophy, which drives to.org, is at the crux of Regenerate Kakuma. One space to support thousands to heal, gather, and thrive, contributing to a sustainable future. “We would like to invite the world to stand and support us in our incredible journey,” says Abubakar.