Brighter Communities Worldwide

Background

Brighter Communities Worldwide (BCW) is an Irish Kenyan development organisation working in long-term partnership with communities in Kericho County, Kenya. Founded in 2002, BCW’s work is rooted in a simple belief; sustainable change is strongest when it is locally led, inclusive, and shaped by the priorities of those most affected. BCW works alongside communities, local volunteers, frontline workers and government systems to strengthen access to essential services, build resilience and address the underlying drivers of inequality.

Our programmes span health, education, economic empowerment and climate resilience with a deliberate focus on reaching those furthest behind – particularly women, girls, adolescents, people living with disabilities and remote households. 

Rather than delivering stand-alone interventions BCW take a whole-of-life, systems-strengthening approach. We invest in community capacity, support public services to function more effectively and create pathways that link households, community structures and formal systems. Volunteers – local and international – play a supporting role within this locally led model, contributing skills, solidarity and shared learning.

Current projects

Brighter Communities Worldwide is passionate about global citizenship and encouraging people to engage with global issues. We believe everyone has a role to play in creating a more just and equal world.

Through our annual Harambee overseas volunteer programme, we invite volunteers to reflect on global inequalities and explore their role as global citizens. Through pre-departure training and their time in Kenya, volunteers are encouraged to explore global inequalities, ask questions, share perspectives and learn from one another.