
Naw Ma Hei Paw's Story, Karen State, Myanmar
"This is the first time I can clean my baby with soap and I can see she is happy and healthy."
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"This is the first time I can clean my baby with soap and I can see she is happy and healthy."
He is motivated, achieving, and proud of what he does in supporting himself and others using his small business.
"Since I started attending this training...I have started to think about Karenni state and how to regain our basic rights, which we have lost.”
Before she was enrolled in the program, Maria was quite lonely and struggled with her pronunciation. Now, she talks a lot--almost too much, Yousra jokes.
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 InvolvedBecoming a friend of REI is a simple and effective way to support our work and provide opportunities for refugees worldwide.
Learn MoreIndividuals and organizations can make regular or one-off financial contributions. Your contribution can make a big difference.
Make a DonationThere are many ways in which you can contribute whether with specific skills or by your presence and effort.
Learn MoreREI increases awareness about displacement through partnerships with international and Japanese schools in the Tokyo area.
Learn MoreREI actively encourages and assists other Japanese organizations in building their own CSR program.
Learn MoreWe are looking for a Volunteer Team co-Director, working directly with the Executive Director. The incumbent of this role will increase their effectiveness through coordination, establishing processes and engaging & mobilizing people.
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.
The students in the HEART Club at K International School are an inspiration in their enthusiasm to raise awareness and funds to support refugees.
News in February 2022 is that access to Karenni camp 1 is closed because of a number of cases of COVID-19 being detected inside camp. This means the temporary closure of all schools inside camp, from primary, secondary, and post-secondary education, including classes at KSDC.
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.
See All EventsRefugee 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.
See All ProjectsIf 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.