Our story
Oaknna's story began long before it became a nonprofit.
In 2017, a friend sent the founder of Oaknna a photograph of an overcrowded classroom in a rural community outside Khartoum, Sudan.
Half the students were sitting on the floor because there weren't enough desks or chairs, and many of the remaining desks were broken.
The photograph couldn't be ignored.
It was shared on Facebook with a simple question:
"Would anyone like to help?"
People donated what they could, volunteered their time, and shared the campaign with others.
What began with one photograph became the first of many community-led projects. With the support of friends and volunteers, classrooms were renovated, a school library was established, school and exam fees were covered for children in need, breakfast was provided to students, and backpacks and school supplies were distributed to schools and a center for the blind.
At the time, no one imagined these efforts would grow into an organization.
The goal wasn't to build a nonprofit. It was simply to respond to the needs in front of us.
A few months later, while delivering backpacks to a center for the blind, one of the students handed the founder a handmade keychain as a thank-you gift.
That small gesture inspired another question:
What would be possible if talented blind artisans had access to quality materials, training, and opportunities to earn a living from their work?
That question became Art by Blind—an economic empowerment initiative that trained blind artisans in jewelry making and handicrafts, helping them develop marketable skills, earn an income, and build greater financial independence.
Art by Blind wasn't simply about teaching a craft. It was about creating dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance through meaningful work.
As one project led to another, it became clear that this work needed a permanent home.
In 2022, Oaknna was officially established as a nonprofit organization.
The name Oaknna
The name Oaknna reflects the values that have guided the organization from the very beginning. It combines "Oak" and "Na", inspired by two remarkable women whose lives were defined by compassion, resilience, and service to others.
"Oak" honors Awatif Amin, the founder's mother, whose strength, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others continue to inspire Oaknna's spirit.
"Na" honors Chandra Siriwardena, whose kindness, resilience, and dedication to serving others reflected those same values across cultures and communities.
Although they came from different backgrounds and cultures, they shared a deep belief in caring for others and leaving the world better than they found it.
The name Oaknna serves as a reminder that lasting impact begins with compassion, grows through service, and creates opportunities for others.
In 2023, war broke out in Sudan, forcing millions of people from their homes and creating one of the world's largest displacement crises.
Once again, the needs changed.
Once again, the question was simple:
How can we help?
Oaknna expanded its work to support displaced learners and professionals through mentorship, scholarships, career development, workforce readiness, and community partnerships.
Today, Oaknna is a growing community of more than 200 volunteer mentors, 25 staff volunteers, and 140 mentees. Through its education initiatives, Oaknna has also helped 150 displaced learners access Coursera scholarships, opening doors to new skills, professional development, and career opportunities.
While our programs have evolved, our purpose has remained the same.
We believe every person deserves the opportunity to learn, earn, contribute, and build an independent, fulfilling future.
Whether through education, mentorship, economic empowerment, workforce development, entrepreneurship, or community partnerships, Oaknna creates pathways to opportunity for youth, refugees, displaced persons, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.
Every chapter of Oaknna's story has begun with the same question:
How can we help?
That question continues to guide our work today.
As communities change and new challenges emerge, we remain committed to listening, responding, and creating opportunities that empower people to shape their own futures.
Because lasting change doesn't begin with an organization. It begins when someone sees a need—and chooses to act.