FORGET FOUNDATION

FORGETING AND LETTING GO OF THE PAST INITIATIVE (FORGET FOUNDATION)

Slogan: Promoting Humility to all.

Supporting Returnees Through Reintegration, Dignity, and Hope

Every year, individuals and families return to their communities after experiencing displacement, trauma, and social exclusion. While returning home may seem like the end of a difficult journey, for many returnees it marks the beginning of new challenges stigma, unemployment, psychological distress, and lack of community acceptance.

FORGET Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting returnees and displaced individuals as they rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and independence. Through holistic reintegration programs, skill development initiatives, mental health support, and community engagement, we work to create sustainable pathways toward healing and social inclusion.

Our approach centers on people, not statistics ensuring that every individual we support is treated with respect, empathy, and long-term care.

Who We Serve

FORGET Foundation works with individuals and communities affected by displacement and social reintegration challenges, including:

☼Returnees facing social stigma and exclusion
☼Families impacted by displacement and trauma
☼Vulnerable individuals seeking economic stability
☼Communities working toward acceptance and cohesion

We believe reintegration is not only an individual process but a collective responsibility that requires understanding, compassion, and structured support.

Our Core Areas of Work

Our programs are designed to address the social, psychological, and economic dimensions of reintegration.

Reintegration Support

We assist returnees in navigating the complex process of reintegrating into society by addressing social barriers, restoring dignity, and encouraging community acceptance.

Skill Development & Livelihood Support

Economic independence is critical for long-term stability. We provide skill-based training, livelihood guidance, and entrepreneurship support to help individuals rebuild sustainable futures.

Counseling & Mental Health Support

Many returnees experience trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress. Our psychosocial support programs focus on healing, resilience, and emotional well-being through counseling and guided support.

Community Awareness & Engagement

We work with local communities to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and foster inclusive environments where returnees are welcomed and supported.

Why Reintegration Matters

Successful reintegration strengthens both individuals and communities. Without proper support, returnees may face long-term exclusion, poverty, and psychological harm.

Effective reintegration:

☼Promotes mental and emotional healing
☼Reduces cycles of poverty and marginalization
☼Encourages social cohesion and trust
☼Builds resilient and inclusive communities

At FORGET Foundation, we believe reintegration is not complete until individuals regain confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Our Impact-Driven Approach

Our work is guided by compassion, accountability, and sustainability. We focus on:

☼Long-term support rather than short-term relief
☼Trauma-informed and human-centered care
☼Community participation and ownership
☼Transparent and ethical use of resources

Every program we design is rooted in real experiences and informed by the voices of the people we serve.

How You Can Support Our Work

Positive change is possible when individuals and communities work together. You can support our mission by:

☼Learning more through our educational resources
☼Volunteering your time or expertise
☼Partnering with us to expand impact
☼Donating to support reintegration programs

Your support helps create opportunities for healing, dignity, and sustainable futures.

Our Focus Areas

FORGET Foundation supports returnees through community-led reintegration, mental health support, and livelihood programs. Learn more about what reintegration truly involves in our article What Reintegration Really Means.

Mental health is a critical part of rebuilding lives after displacement. Read our in-depth guide on How Trauma Affects Returnees.

To understand how we support long-term stability, explore our Our Work or reach out through our Contact page.

Join Us in Building Inclusive Communities

Reintegration is more than returning home it is about restoring hope, dignity, and belonging. FORGET Foundation remains committed to walking alongside returnees and communities on this journey toward healing and resilience.

Together, we can create inclusive societies where no one is left behind.

Our Aim:

To promote humility by encouraging the spirit of letting go of bad past and releasing shuckles and bondage to people's past that affect their livelihood and creating Intended change in institutional performance, individual or group behaviour or attitudes, or the political, economic or social position of returnees by monitoring and evaluating under return and reintegration programmes.

Top 8 Challenges Returnees Face (and How to Overcome Them)

Top 8 Challenges Returnees Encounter (and How to Overcome Them)

Reintegration is a critical process that goes beyond simply coming home. Returnees often face multiple challenges that affect their ability to rebuild their lives. This guide highlights eight common barriers and offers practical ways to overcome them.

1. Lack of Preparedness

unrealistic expectations, no pre-departure support.

Solution: Pre-departure guidance to manage expectations and ensure safe return.

2. Spiritual and Mental stress

Many returnees experience feelings of isolation, trauma, or reverse culture shock. These emotional challenges can make it difficult to reconnect with family and community.

Solution: Access to counseling, peer support groups, and community-based psychosocial programs can help returnees heal and adjust.

3. Lack of Secure Employment

Securing a job is often one of the biggest obstacles. Skills gained abroad may not be recognized, or employers may hold negative stereotypes about returnees.

Solution: Vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and job placement initiatives provide pathways to economic stability.

4. Foundamental Necessities

Without safe housing, reintegration can quickly fall apart. Many returnees come back without financial resources to secure accommodation.

Solution: Community housing projects and NGO partnerships are critical in bridging this gap.

5. Social Exclusion

Returnees may be seen as outsiders, judged for leaving, or blamed for past difficulties. This stigma can prevent them from fully rejoining community life.

Solution: Awareness campaigns and dialogue sessions can help communities embrace returnees with dignity and respect.

6. Family Restoration

Returning home can cause shifts in family roles. Children may struggle to bond with a parent who has been absent for years.

Solution: Family counseling and structured reintegration plans can rebuild trust and restore balance at home.

7. institutional Constraints and Policy Impediments

Missing documents, debts, or unclear legal status often create major barriers. Without proper paperwork, returnees can’t work, access healthcare, or secure housing.

Solution: Legal aid programs and government initiatives can provide the necessary support.

8. Barriers to medical Care

Health issues — physical or mental — often go untreated due to lack of affordable care, creating long-term problems.

Solution: Referral systems and partnerships with healthcare providers ensure returnees receive proper treatment.

Case Study: Ngonjiri's Journey

Ngonjiri returned to Kenya after eleven years abroad. At first, he struggled to find work and felt unwelcome in his community in Ngong Township, Kajiado North. With the help of Forget Foundation, he received job training and joined a support group. Today, he works as a gym instructor and volunteers to mentor other returnees.

Conclusion

Reintegration is not a single event but a process requiring support at different stages. From psychosocial to employment and foundamental necessities, addressing these eight challenges is key to a life-long success. With the right tools and resources, returnees can prosper and help constructively to their communities.