Refugee Empowerment International

....supporting community-run sustainable projects

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Support us through monthly donations

Refugee Empowerment International

.....investing in the future

Donate Now

Monthly donations make a lasting impact

Refugee Empowerment International

...providing an end to dependence

Donate Now

Monthly donations make a lasting impact

Invest in human potential through REI

We support projects that provide opportunities for refugees to lead an independent normal life while staying near to home and their loved ones. Projects that empower individuals and their communities.

About REI

News and Updates

Walk with REI!

March 20, 2023

REI Virtual Walking Challenges are a great opportunity for you to experience the thrills of walking through different areas around the world while going about your regular exercise.

Update from Wadi Zayne kindergarten

February 1, 2023

On January 5, just after the start of the new year, we spoke with the project leaders of the Kindergarten in Wadi Zayne in Lebanon.

Gift-a-Smile reached ¥630,000!

February 1, 2023

the year-end Gift-a-Smile campaign reached a grand total of ¥630,000, exceeding our goal of ¥500,000 to gift smiles to refugees.

REI is an
NGO that relies on
volunteer support

We depend on volunteers to organize and run our fundraising activities. Your time and enthusiasm are important. There are many ways in which you can contribute whether with specific skills or by your presence and effort.

Get Involved

Join our Donor Club

Becoming a friend of REI is a simple and effective way to support our work and provide opportunities for refugees worldwide.

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Donate

Individuals and organizations can make regular or one-off financial contributions. Your contribution can make a big difference.

Make a Donation

Become a volunteer

There are many ways in which you can contribute whether with specific skills or by your presence and effort.

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Join our global network

REI increases awareness about displacement through partnerships with international and Japanese schools in the Tokyo area.

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Corporate Sponsor

REI actively encourages and assists other Japanese organizations in building their own CSR program.

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Our Network

Join our Volunteer Team

November 2, 2022

Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? We are looking for Volunteer Team Coordinator, Marketing Liaison and Database Manager

Corporate Partnerships

April 14, 2021

We are proud of the various corporate partners we collaborate with. Like many organisations we believe in sustainability and this does not just apply to the projects we support abut also when starting new partnerships with companies.

Building a Global Network

July 20, 2020

REI has an extensive alumni network of volunteers, interns and supporters around the world.

Upcoming Events

REI hosts a variety of events in Tokyo and other areas in Japan throughout the year. We organize dinners, concerts, sporting events and children’s workshops. Please join us at one of our fundraising events and show your support.

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Projects Funding and Program Visits

Refugee Empowerment International provides funding to community-based groups supporting people as they rebuild their lives and work towards returning home and establishing peaceful communities. Projects funded are run by experienced groups in the refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) community. We ensure that support reaches groups swiftly and efficiently.

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If you think about it though, as I have, I think you will discover that the only thing that really touches us to our soul is the connection we feel to other people. To our families, friends, a poverty stricken child in Somalia, a 10 year old rape victim, a starving 85 year old man, skin and bones, with fire in his eyes. These are humans, just like us. You and me. We live and breath on the same planet. We are simply lucky. No more, no less, lucky.

—David Hewett, long-time donor and supporter of REI, when reflecting on philanthropy.