De-stigmatize MEN-tal Health
Venue: UN Complex, Conference Room 9
Join us as we equip members, particularly men, with strategies to manage mental health stressors, recognize red flags, stay informed on the latest trends, and develop effective coping mechanisms. This session aims to support our male community and normalize mental health conversations. Open to all genders.
Key Highlights:
Managing mental health stressors
Recognizing red flags
Latest trends in men’s mental health
Practical coping strategies
Building a supportive male community
Facilitator: Mahreen Farrukh – Licensed Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Doctorate Candidate in Clinical Psychology
Sign-Up Deadline: 17th February 2025
Event Coordinator: Gulraze - Family & Peer Support
Work Permits, Visas, and Operating a Business in Kenya Panel Discussion
Venue: UN Complex, Conference Room 9
This event is a panel discussion exploring work permits and the laws that regulate opening a business in Kenya.
The goal of this event is to provide UNKLESA members with factual and current information on topics such as: working in Kenya as a Diplomatic Spouse, Visas, Business taxes, and more.
Facilitators: Professionals and accredited lawyers working in the Kenyan visa and business registration field have been invited.
UNV Session
Venue: UN Conference Room 13, Gigiri
Special Highlights
Overview of the UNV Programme
UNV Modalities Onsite and Online
How to apply for UNV Assignments and key tips
Q & A
Facilitator: Ms. Jamila Gabow
Ms. Jamila Gabow is the UNV Programme Associate for Kenya, currently managing volunteer assignment recruitment and deployment for UN agencies in Kenya.
Ms. Gabow has over 10 years of experience in program operations, talent acquisition, recruitment, management, and partnership engagement.
She supports the UNV Programme with volunteer assignment mobilization, recruitment, and operational management at the headquarters, regional, and country office levels.
Sign-Up Deadline: 16th February.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Ocean Sole Visit
Venue: Ocean Sole
Join UNKLESA for an inspiring visit to Ocean Sole Nairobi, an organization dedicated to transforming ocean waste into stunning artwork while raising awareness about marine conservation. This is a unique opportunity to learn how discarded materials are repurposed into meaningful creations and how we can all contribute to environmental preservation.
After the visit, we’ll head to Matteo’s Italian Restaurant for a relaxing and delicious lunch an opportunity to unwind and continue the conversation about ocean conservation.
Cost of attendance
Adults 1,500 Ksh
Kids 800 Ksh (7 years & below)
Transport: 400 Ksh (per seat for both adults & kids)
Events details:
Bus Departure: 10:30 am from UNON Commissary Parking
Location: Click here for directions to Ocean Sole.
Lunch: 1:10 pm at Matteo’s Italian Restaurant
Return to UNON: Approximately 3:00 pm
Payment Information
Lipa na M-PESA
Select Paybill
Business #: 522 522
Account #: 1124668357
Note: UNKLESA has organized a UN-approved bus for a round trip from UNON to Ocean Sole.
If you have a UNON decal, you can park at UNON Campus. Otherwise, consider using a taxi service to reach the departure point.
Sign-Up Deadline: 10th February
Event Coordinator: Gulraze - Family & Peer Support
Please remember to carry your water bottle!
Self Love Open Day Session
Venue: The Aberdares Tent, Wellness Centre
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate self-love and well-being at the Wellness Centre with a special session designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
What’s in Store?
Self-Assessment Session
Physical Assessment by EWC Coaches
Group Sharing & Reflection
Joyful Movement Session (Chair Yoga, Stretching & Light Dance)
Nutrition and Wellness Talk
Interactive Q&A with Experts
And much more!
View the complete agenda for the day here: AGENDA
Don’t forget to carry: A water bottle and comfortable shoes.
Babel cafe
Venue: UN Events and Wellness Center, Sundowner Area
Join us for an engaging language discussion event! Gather around one of our dedicated tables to practice Swahili, English, and French with fellow members. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun while sharing coffee together.
Special Highlights
Language Guidance: We're thrilled to have Peter Obiero, a dedicated Swahili teacher, to enrich our practice sessions.
Cultural Craft Experience: Discover the beauty of Maasai beadwork! Try your hand at creating traditional earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and coaster making with wooden beads, inspired by the intricate designs of the Maasai tribe.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA.
RSVP
UNKLESA Welcome Party
Venue: UN Events and Wellness Center
UNKLESA is thrilled to invite all new and returning members to our Welcome Party - a day to connect, network, and kick off the year in style!
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:
Meet amazing people from our community.
Build meaningful connections and discover new opportunities.
Enjoy delightful refreshments in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Let’s make this an unforgettable day filled with laughter, conversations, and good vibes.
Note: If you sign up, we’re counting on you to show up! Let’s honor our commitments and make it a fantastic event for everyone.
We can’t wait to welcome you. See you there!
RSVP
UNDSS Safety & Security Briefing
Venue: MS Teams (Online)
The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) was established in 2005 by the UN General Assembly and is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system, ensuring the maximum security for staff and eligible dependants as well as enabling the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System. This briefing is to provide UNKLESA Members with important safety and security information to support a successful integration into Nairobi.
Special Highlights
Comprehensive Insights: Learn about the Blue Zone map locations and critical security tips to help you and your family stay safe.
Practical Guidance: Gain valuable pointers on managing security risks as family members.
Interactive Q&A: Engage with UNDSS representatives and get your questions answered.
Meeting ID: 321 171 395 166
Passcode: if9LN3Ra
LINK
Expat to Expat Social Event
Venue: Replica Bakery and Cafe, Rosslyn Riviera mall
This event will present UNKLESA members with an opportunity to learn first hand information and details about how best to integrate into and thrive in Kenya. With almost 20-years of experience, Expat-2-Expat have built an extensive network of professionals who support and advise on everything from choosing and importing the perfect vehicle to immigration document assistance, and consultations on all things new and settling into a new home.
This fun and informative meeting will provide UNKLESA members with information and details to take all the headaches of integration away.
RSVP
Babel Cafe
Venue: UN Events and Wellness Center
Join us for an engaging language discussion event! Gather around one of our dedicated tables to practice Swahili, English, and French with fellow members. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun while sharing coffee together.
Special Highlights
Language Guidance: We're thrilled to have Peter Obiero, a dedicated Swahili teacher, to enrich our practice sessions.
Cultural Craft Experience: Discover the beauty of Maasai beadwork! Try your hand at creating traditional earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and coaster making with wooden beads, inspired by the intricate designs of the Maasai tribe.
Deadline for signing up- 13th January.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA.
RSVP
Soap-Making Workshop
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
In this soap-making workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of soap making, starting with an introduction to soap chemistry,
the safety precautions required, and the ingredients commonly used.
the instructor will guide you through the process of creating your very own holiday soap from scratch, including crafting themed embeds like Christmas trees to personalize your soap.
You will also have the opportunity to customize your soap by choosing your preferred scent and colors, making each creation unique.
Carry an apron to keep your clothes clean, although this is optional.
Cost of Attendance
Members will pay 500 KSH, rest will be covered by UNKLESA. (Total cost is 1500KSh)
Payment Information
Lipa na M-PESA
Select Paybill
Business #: 522 522
Account #: 1124668357
Sign-Up Deadline- 5th December
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA.
Cafe Babel
Venue: UN events wellness center (UNEWC)
Join us for an engaging language discussion event! Gather around one of our dedicated tables to practice Swahili, English, and French with fellow members. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun while sharing coffee together.
Special Highlights
Language Guidance: We're thrilled to have Peter Obiero, a dedicated Swahili teacher, to enrich our practice sessions.
Learn crochet techniques to support the UNKLESA team in knitting baby beanies for premature babies at the hospitals we support.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA.
RSVP
World Prematurity Day
Venue: Pumwani Hospital, Nairobi
In collaboration with UNICEF, UNKLESA is organizing a donation drive to commemorate World Prematurity Day 2024. We warmly invite you to contribute to this meaningful cause that supports premature babies and their families with essential items. To make this initiative a success, we need both volunteers and donations.
Following our tradition of support to Nairobi area hospitals, we plan to make a donations to the Pumwani Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that include diaper kits and hand crocheted beanie hats and socks that were lovingly made by our members. This effort embodies our motto: "Knit one, warm one, save one."
We are honored to have UNKLESA members Dr. Bree and Dr. Zinia joining us as Emotional Support Coordinators for the mothers of premature babies and the hospital staff. Our UNKLESA Doctors will also lead conversation sessions with volunteers before the visit, helping all to better understand what to expect in this emotionally sensitive environment.
Heena Gupta will oversee the collection and distribution of donations to ensure a smooth and organized process.
We are excited to welcome some of the thriving former Pumwani preemie babies to join the event, as their stories of resilience will inspire us all and reinforce the significance of our support. We encourage all interested members to sign up as volunteers to help make this day memorable and impactful.
How You Can Help:
Financial Donations: Contribute through UNKLESA’s M-Pesa account or by making cash donations at the office.
Clothing Item Donations: We kindly as for the donation of new baby clothes, diaper kits, crocheted items and new or gently used clothes and shoes for the mothers.
Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these precious children, their families and further UNKLESA's commitment to community service and partnership within the broader Nairobi community. .
M-Pesa Payment Details:
On the M-PESA app, select Paybill
Business #: 522 522
Account #: 1124668357
Thank you for your commitment to this noble cause and we look forward to your support.
Power, Presence & Style®
Venue: UN Conference Room 10, Gigiri
Recent statistics indicate that 91% of dissatisfied customers never complain about personal discourtesies but simply take their business elsewhere.
Companies now recognize the need to sharpen business etiquette skills as an element of professional development.
This seminar will provide tips and pointers on Self Presentation Skills, Effective Communication Skills, Etiquette at Holiday Parties and more.
This fun and engaging training is being presented by UNKLESA Networking & Advocacy Coordinator, Jocelyn Walters-Brannon. Participants will leave with a packet of supporting materials, worksheets, and a wealth of knowledge about making favorable first impressions and managing their personal power, presence and style.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA around 9:30 am.
World Children’s Day
Venue: UN COMPLEX, Gigiri
We’re excited to invite you and your children to join us in celebrating World Children’s Day at the UN Complex! This special day will be filled with fun activities, creativity, and meaningful moments that will make it a memorable experience for all.
We look forward to celebrating World Children’s Day with our UNKLESA family and making this event a memorable one for all the children.
Interested members should send an email to "unon-unklesa@un.org".
Role of personal development in accelerating Career Growth
Venue: UN Conference Room 9, Gigiri
Theme: Transitioning from Chance to Choice
Special Highlights
Understanding Personal Development and Its Importance
Key Areas of Personal Development for Career Growth (Mindset/Skillset/Toolset)
The Role of Continuous Learning in Career Development
Impact of Personal Development on Career growth
Accelerating your Career growth in a dynamic career landscape
Facilitator: Godwin Otim
Godwin is a seasoned HR professional with over 16 years of experience driving performance and growth through strategic human capital initiatives. He excels in multicultural and diverse environments, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a deep respect for diversity.
Godwin’s career encompasses key roles in Learning, Development, and Performance Management, including serving as an HR Officer at UNICEF Kenya and as a Senior HR Associate at UNICEF Uganda. His background also includes significant positions at Airtel Telecom, Vision Group, and Absa Bank in Uganda. Currently, as a People and Culture Specialist (Career Development) at UNICEF Global Headquarters in Istanbul, he is a vital part of the UNICEF Global Talent Development team.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA.
Cafe Babel
Practice your language skills
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Join us for an engaging language discussion event! Gather around one of our dedicated tables to practice Swahili, English, and French with fellow members. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun while sharing coffee together.
Special Highlights
Language Guidance: We're thrilled to have Peter Obiero, a dedicated Swahili teacher, to enrich our practice sessions.
Cultural Craft Experience: Discover the beauty of Maasai beadwork! Try your hand at creating traditional earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, inspired by the intricate designs of the Maasai tribe.
Event Coordinator: Shreyasi - Training and Development
Light refreshments will be provided by UNKLESA.
Annual General Meeting 2024
Venue: UN Compound, conference room 9
We are pleased to invite you to the 2024 Annual General Meeting, where we will present a brief overview of the year and introduce you to the new board.
Complimentary brunch will be served after the meeting.
Cafe Babel
Practice your language skills
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice you Swahili with our newly hired, dedicated Swahili teacher, Peter Obiero. From now on, Peter will attend all Cafe Babel sessions, so prepare to see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills!
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn to crochet and join us in knitting baby beanies for our annual donation at various prematurity hospital wards that we support.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
Cafe Babel
Practice your language skills
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice your Swahili with our newly hired, dedicated Swahili teacher, Peter Obiero. From now on, Peter will attend all Cafe Babel sessions, so prepare to see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills!
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn to crochet and join us in knitting baby beanies for our annual donation at various prematurity hospital wards that we support.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
Family Picnic
Dear Members,
We have again planned a family fun picnic for you at Paradise Lost, Kiambu. This beautifully manicured park is a perfect place to be in nature, away from Nairobi's hustle and bustle. Here, you can stroll around the park grounds, explore a cave and waterfall, have a lakeside picnic, go zip-lining and quad-biking, and enjoy a boat or horseback ride. Plus, there will be many craft things for the kids. We have organized a live pizza counter for our members; however, we encourage members to bring some food to share for the feel of a picnic potluck.
RELATED COSTS FOR THE EVENT
Entrance Fees only (UNKLESA is charging only entry fees to their members. Please make sure to pay the entrance fees while signing up)
Free for 5 years below
350 KSH 5 - 11 years
550 KSH 11 years above
NON UNKLESA MEMBER/DIPLOMAT KSH 2,500
Car parking 200 KSH
Payment via MPESA | Lipa Na Mpesa Paybill
Paybill No.: 522522
Account No.: 1124668357
ACTIVITIES
Artists will use recycled materials like glass shards, bottles, and plastics to make art. We encourage kids and adults to make items like mosaics, simple chimes, strands, and beads work and also learn a few tips about upcycling crafts. Paid by UNKLESA.
PAID ACTIVITIES
Zipe line KSH 1,700
Archery range KSH 600 (8 arrows)
Boats ride KSH 530
Motorboat KSH800 (20min)
Quad bikes KSH 1,500 (15min)
Waterfall, caves & nature trails KSH 530
Kids zone KSH 530 (whole day)
Horse ride KSH 1,000 per person
GETTING THERE
Paradise Lost is off Kiambu Road, about 20 minutes from the UN compound with no traffic. We are not organizing transportation due to the proximity of the venue. Location Google Maps
Please register by 23 September 2024, Monday, so we can organize the trip best for you.
Don't miss out!
Gulraze Shafiq
Family & Peer Support Coordinator
High Tea at the Fairmont
Tour one of the oldest spots in Nairobi, and enjoy the famous high tea plus lunch for the price of 2500 KES.
Meeting time: 10:30 am, at the hotel entrance
Transport: Self-drive, car-pooling.
Payment: M-PESA payment
On the M-PESA app select Paybill
Business #: 522 522
Account #: 1124668357
RSVP by September 12
Cafe Babel
Practice your language skills
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice your Swahili with our newly hired, dedicated Swahili teacher, Peter Obiero. From now on, Peter will attend all Cafe Babel sessions, so prepare to see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills!
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn how to make bead jewlery, in the traditional style of the Maasai tribe. An instructor will be there to assist you.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
Cooking Without Borders
Taste of Egypt
Maximum number of participants: 15 (on a first-come, first-served basis)
Venue: To be announced after registration
Join our member Manar for an opportunity to learn how to prepare Koshary, Egypt's national dish, and widely popular street food. This traditional staple is a mix of pasta, Egyptian fried rice, vermicelli, and brown lentils topped with chickpeas, a garlicky tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions. Manar will also prepare Basbousa, a sweet, syrup-soaked semolina cake typically associated with Egyptian cuisine.
UNKLESA will provide all ingredients.
Cafe Babel
Practice your language skills
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice your Swahili with our newly hired, dedicated Swahili teacher, Peter Obiero. From now on, Peter will attend all Cafe Babel sessions, so prepare to see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills!
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn to crochet and join us in knitting baby beanies for our annual donation at various prematurity hospital wards that we support.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
Learn Macrame with instructor Kamini Ghaley
Venue: Traventure Cafe
Maximum number of participants: 15
Children older than 7 years are welcome
Macrame has been a popular craft for centuries. It is done by hand, without any tools, and can be used to create textiles and various decorative objects.
Session Content:
Introduction to the different macrame knots like Lark Head Knot, Square Knot, Half Square Knot, and Gathering Knot.
Using these knots, we can do key chains, bookmarks, or pot hangers.
UNKLESA will provide all the materials for the session as well as light refreshments.
Brown's Cheese Factory Tour
Maximum number of participants: 30 (on a first-come, first-served basis)
RSVP deadline: 24 June, 5 pm
Join us for a cheese-tasting day trip at Brown's Cheese factory and discover a world of flavors and craftsmanship.
After the tour, a 3-course lunch will be served.
Please note: Registration will close sooner if slots are filled. A second Brown's Factory Tour trip will be held on 23 August.
Prices:
Adults: 2600 KSH
Kids 12-15 years: 1300 KSH
Kids 5 -12 years: 650 KSH
Kids under 5 years: Free
Transport
UN-approved Bus:
The bus will depart from the UN commissary at 10 am sharp and return at 3 pm
Cost per person: 300 KSH
Additional information:
Please bring your water bottle.
Make sure you dress according to the weather forecast.
Click here to register
Cafe Babel
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice Kiswahili! Our dedicated Kiswahili teacher Peter Obiero, will make sure you see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills soon.
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn how to make bead jewelry in the traditional style of the Maasai tribe. An instructor will be there to assist you.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
International Yoga Day with Ramu Jampani
Venue: UNRC covered terrace
RSVP deadline: 18 June
Max number of attendees: 25
Please bring your own Yoga mats. UNKLESA will provide light refreshments.
Yoga class plan:
Initial relaxation & Intro—5 minutes
Eye exercises—5 minutes
Neck exercises—5 minutes
Breathing Techniques—15 minutes
Sun Salutations—10 minutes
Leg Raises—5 minutes
Sarvangasana—5 minutes
Halasana—5 minutes
Bridge pose—5 minutes
Fish pose—5 minutes
Forward bending & Boat pose—5 minutes
Camel pose & child pose—5 minutes
Cobra & Bow pose—5 minutes
Triangle pose, Tree pose & Dancers pose—6 minutes
Spinal twist & Savasana(Final relaxation)—4 minutes
Cafe Babel
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice your Swahili with our newly hired, dedicated Swahili teacher, Peter Obiero. From now on, Peter will attend all Cafe Babel sessions, so prepare to see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills!
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn to crochet and join us in knitting baby beanies for our annual donation at various prematurity hospital wards that we support.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
Doulas: All you need to know
Venue: UN Conference Room 13.
Join UNKLESA member Hewotte Tadesse, for an informative session on doulas and what they bring to the pregnancy and birthing experience. Hewotte has served as a trained birth doula in Ethiopia and is continuing her work here in Nairobi. Hewotte is working towards changing the narrative around birth by using her skills to make the experience more empowering, strengthening individuals and families.
Session Content:
Doula's Role
Cultural and historical background
Evidence supporting benefits of Doula
How you can utilize some Doula skills for friends and family
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments
Cafe Babel
Venue: Traventure Cafe, Gigiri
Come and practice your Swahili with our newly hired, dedicated Swahili teacher, Peter Obiero. From now on, Peter will attend all Cafe Babel sessions, so prepare to see some progress in your Swahili speaking skills!
As always, there will also be French and English language practice. If you wish to, you can learn how to make bead jewlery, in the traditional style of the Maasai tribe. An instructor will be there to assist you.
UNKLESA will provide light refreshments