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• Written by: Eov_Admin
• January 13, 2026
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Volunteerism has always been the heartbeat of resilient societies. It is the invisible thread that strengthens communities in times of crisis and the engine that drives progress in times of peace. As we look toward the future, the world is preparing for a historic milestone: 2026 has been declared the International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026).

This global designation is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. It is an invitation for governments, organizations, and individuals to reimagine how we serve. Leading this charge in Kenya is the Enkare Oltau Foundation, a youth-led organization that has been redefining volunteerism not merely as charity, but as a structured pathway to employment and sustainable development.

The Global Stage: What is IVY 2026?

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. Launching officially on December 5, 2025, this initiative marks 25 years since the first International Year of Volunteers in 2001.

The vision for IVY 2026 is ambitious. It recognizes that volunteers are essential to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The year is built around four central pillars designed to reshape the global volunteer landscape:

1. Emphasizing Volunteer Power: Highlighting the transformative impact volunteers have on communities through dedication and innovation.

2. Encouraging Investment: Securing financial and institutional support for volunteer infrastructure and capacity building.

3. Creating Enabling Environments: Ensuring volunteers have safe, inclusive, and supported spaces to contribute effective work.

4. Securing Commitments: Asking governments and corporations to formally support volunteering ecosystems.

The core message is clear: All forms of volunteering matter, whether formal or informal, digital or in-person. To truly succeed, we must measure this impact and ensure inclusivity, removing barriers so that everyone—regardless of race, gender, or disability—can serve.

Enkare Oltau Foundation: A Legacy of “Humanizing” Service

While the world gears up for 2026, the Enkare Oltau Foundation has been living these principles since its inception in 2017.

Founded by Petronila Nguono during her time at the University of Nairobi, the foundation was born out of a desire to influence positive change during a turbulent election period. What started as a spontaneous movement of 150 students championing peace has evolved into a professional youth initiative registered under the Registrar of Societies in Kenya.

The foundation’s identity is deeply rooted in the Maasai culture, which guides their philosophy:

• Enkare (Water): Symbolizing life, purity, and continuity.

• Oltau (Heart): Representing compassion, empathy, and service.

Together, their name and their mantra—#HUMANIZE—reflect a commitment to upholding the dignity of human life. They prioritize the well-being of those they serve, ensuring that every act of service flows from one heart to another.

Reinventing Volunteerism: The Enkare Oltau Model

Enkare Oltau’s approach to 2026 is distinct because they view volunteerism as a dual-purpose tool. It is not just about helping beneficiaries; it is about empowering the volunteer.

Petronila identified a “critical gap in Kenya’s employment ecosystem”: a lack of structured pathways for youth. Consequently, Enkare Oltau advocates for volunteerism as a viable route to employment. Their model focuses on skills transfer, allowing young people to apply classroom knowledge in practical contexts like fundraising, counseling, and community outreach.

By 2026, as the UN calls for “creating enabling environments,” Enkare Oltau will continue to serve as a prime example of this pillar. They provide a platform where youth can harness their skills to address community issues while linking them to corporate volunteer opportunities that foster career growth.

How Enkare Oltau Will Take Part in IVY 2026

As we approach IVY 2026, the Enkare Oltau Foundation is poised to participate by aligning its ongoing “Empowered to Empower” modus operandi with the UN’s global goals. Here is how their work integrates with the vision for 2026:

1. Driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

IVY 2026 is explicitly focused on volunteers as drivers of the SDGs. Enkare Oltau has already anchored its operations on four key SDG pillars, ensuring their volunteers are directly contributing to the 2030 Agenda:

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Through initiatives like “Shule Mtaani,” they bring basic education to street children.

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): They empower young women, survivors of gender-based violence (SGBV), and widows.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): They focus on skills development to provide employment opportunities for youth.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): They promote environmental conservation and sustainability.

2. Championing Inclusivity in STEM

A major principle of IVY 2026 is that “Inclusivity is Non-Negotiable”. Enkare Oltau brings this to life through their School Holiday STEM Program. For the past four years, they have empowered school-going children—specifically focusing on the “girl child”—with skills in coding, robotics, and app development.

By 2026, this program will serve as a beacon for how volunteerism can break gender barriers in technology. The program is run by female volunteer technology gurus, proving to young girls that STEM is not a niche set aside for men.

3. Formalizing the Informal

The UN’s call for 2026 emphasizes recognizing “all forms of volunteering,” including informal contributions. Enkare Oltau has a history of formalizing spontaneous movements. Just as they transformed a student peace movement into a registered society, they continue to advocate for corporate volunteerism to be recognized within formal systems. In 2026, they will likely continue to push for the recognition of volunteer hours as professional experience, helping to “measure” the impact of service as requested by the IVY 2026 guidelines.

A Call to Serve

The Enkare Oltau Foundation illustrates that volunteerism is more than a weekend activity; it is a mechanism for survival, a training ground for leaders, and a bridge to a better future.

As 2026 approaches, the foundation invites you to support the #HUMANIZE movement. Whether you are looking to lend your skills, time, or passion, or you are an organization looking to partner with a disciplined youth initiative, the message is clear: Together, we can drive real change.

Are you ready to be part of the solution?

Join the movement today and prepare to make 2026 a year of historic impact.