Max Kuma Community Development Foundation-MKCDF

Today, the EXCO members of the refugee comunity in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, met at the Keller workshop of the Max Kuma Community Development Foundation Centre to plan for the upcoming World Refugee Day celebration on 20 June 2026.

Under this year's theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe,” we remain committed to promoting protection, inclusion, and hope for refugees and vulnerable communities.

🌍 World Environment Day 2026

Today, Max Kuma Community Development Foundation joins the global community in celebrating World Environment Day. Through our commitment to sustainable livelihoods, circular economy initiatives, integrated farming, and recycling, we continue to promote environmental stewardship and climate resilience within our communities.

Together, let's reduce waste, recycle responsibly, protect natural resources, and build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.

🌱 Our environment is our responsibility. Every action for sustainability counts.


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🌟 Children's Day 2026 Celebration 🌟

Last week, the Leni Keller Skills Acquisition Centre, managed by Max Kuma Community Development Foundation (CDF), celebrated Children’s Day by reaching out to children with love, encouragement, and support.

In line with the 2026 theme, "Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child," the activity promoted child protection, inclusion, and the importance of every child in society.

We remain committed to creating safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

💙 Every child matters.

GBV Prevention and Response Follow-Up

This week, Max Kuma Community Development Foundation conducted a follow-up visit to schools where GBV Prevention and Response sensitization was previously carried out with teachers and parents. The engagement revealed the need for continued awareness and child protection interventions, as many children still suffer abuse in silence.

More sensitization and community action are needed to prevent and respond to GBV and create safer environments for children.

Protecting children is a collective responsibility.

# UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
# VIELFALT AFRIKA
# Leni Keller Skills Acquisition center.
# Caritas Nigeria

Our training on the extraction and treatment of plantain fibre was a great success! 🌱

Participants gained practical knowledge and hands-on experience on how plantain fibre can be processed into valuable materials for livelihood and sustainability. We were excited to see the active participation and enthusiasm from both partners and community members.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the session impactful.

Our next training will focus on transforming plantain fibre into end-point products such as hair extensions, handbags, floor mats, ropes, baskets, and decorative flower vases. We look forward to continuing this journey of learning and empowerment together. ✨

Precious Nanje: From Survival to Sportlight.
Precious Nanje stood at the edge of the crowded hall in Lagos, watching the flashes of cameras dance across the faces of actors, designers, and celebrities at the prestigious AMVCA Beside him stood David Brownson, confident and celebrated, greeting guests as reporters called his name.

For many in the room, it was another glamorous night.
For Precious, it was proof that survival could become purpose.

Ten years earlier, in 2016, Precious Nanje had crossed into Nigeria as a refugee, carrying nothing except fear, memories of war, and the heavy silence that trauma leaves behind. The sounds of conflict had followed him into his sleep. He was young, displaced, and uncertain whether life still had room for dreams.

But resilience often begins quietly.

In 2020, Precious found a doorway into hope through the fashion and design department of the Leni Keller Workshop. There, fabric became more than cloth. Sketches became more than drawings. The workshop gave him structure, discipline, and a community that saw potential instead of limitation.

The Leni Keller workshop did not only teach fashion; they restored confidence. Under the guidance and encouragement of mentors and creatives, Precious slowly transformed pain into creativity. Every stitch he learned became part of rebuilding himself.

By 2024, his ambition had grown beyond survival. Precious enrolled at Akwa Ibom State University to study Theater Arts and Filmmaking, determined to tell stories that reflected struggle, beauty, and human endurance. Even while pursuing his university education, he continued attending master classes at the Leni Keller Workshop, sharpening his skills in fashion and design and refusing to abandon the craft that first gave him hope.

Then came 2025.

Precious became part of the reality show Inferno Runway in Uyo, Nigeria. The competition was demanding, filled with talented young creatives fighting for visibility in an industry where opportunities are rare. Yet Precious carried something stronger than fear: experience. He understood hardship, persistence, and the value of every opportunity placed before him.

Though he did not enter the spotlight as the winner, his journey opened another important chapter. In May 2026, he accompanied David Brownson, the winner of Inferno Runway 2025, to the AMVCA event as his press person. Walking among stars, filmmakers, and elite designers, Precious remembered the frightened refugee he once was. The distance between those two versions of himself felt impossible to measure.

And still, he remained humble.

He spoke often of gratitude — to the Leni Keller family for believing in him, to Max Kuma CDF, and to the partnership between Inferno Runway and Mr. & Miss Nigeria, organizations committed to uplifting young people with limited possibilities. They created spaces where hidden talents could be seen, nurtured, and celebrated.

Precious's story was never only about fashion, film, or fame.
It was about surviving war without allowing war to define him.
It was about choosing growth after displacement.
It was about turning pain into art, and opportunity into purpose.
And as the lights of the AMVCA glittered around him that night, Precious understood something powerful:
A survivor is not merely someone who escapes darkness.
A survivor is someone who learns how to create light for others.

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

Your dedication powers progress, and your effort deserves recognition and reward.
Max Kuma Community Development Foundation celebrated the day with a personality growth workshop led by Prof. Blessing Efiong O “Understanding Your Personality and potential conflict zone" Prof. Blessing Efiong O guided participants through practical self-awareness tools that strengthen communication, empathy, and collaboration. Participants learned strategies that help teams navigate differences, build trust, and improve teamwork, supporting stronger productivity and a healthier work culture.. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Caritas Nigeria Vielfalt Africa in Hannover e. V Brainy Smart Concept Anastasia Kuma Iya Mange

This week, Max Kuma Community Development Foundation, in collaboration with its partners, supported several cooperatives and elderly individuals with farm tools and fertilizers.

This initiative is aimed at preparing and encouraging them to actively engage in farming, helping them generate sustainable income and contribute to ending hunger in their communities.

A big shout-out to all our partners for their continued support and commitment to this impactful work.

Another very busy and productive week behind us!

We officially kicked off the second phase of our Circular Economy Program with a hands-on training focused on producing organic chicken feed—an important step toward sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices. This project is generously sponsored by Schmitz Stiftung in Germany, in collaboration with our partner VAH e.V.

At the same time, we are excited to announce the launch of a new project in Esit Eket centered on integrated farming systems. This initiative is supported by Bingo Umweltstiftung through our trusted partner.

Both projects are designed to empower and improve the livelihoods of refugees from Southern Cameroon currently living in Akwa Ibom State.
We’re grateful for the continued support and partnerships that make this work possible!
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Anastasia Kuma Niedersächsische Bingo-Umweltstiftung Caritas Nigeria@integrated farming.

This week has been a deeply emotional one for the refugee community in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Max Kuma Community Development Foundation, a refugee-led organization managing the Leni Keller Workshop, stood alongside grieving families after the loss of a refugee in Mpat Enin and the husband of a refugee (a host community member in Mbiatok).

In this difficult time, the Leni Keller family showed compassion and solidarity. They provided funds for burial arrangements, including a casket, supported access to a resting place through the community leadership, assisted with funeral expenses, and enabled refugees in Uyo to travel and mourn with the affected families.

Their kindness reminds us that even in loss, humanity and support can bring comfort and dignity.

The refugee community in Akwa Ibom State remains deeply grateful for this unwavering support. 🙏❤️