Anidan was founded based on the determination of Rafael Selas, who arrived in Lamu in 2002 intending to help children who were scavenging through trash or couldn't afford the cost of a malaria test.

Rafael arrived alone and, without any resources, rented a house and started providing food to the children. He also established a daycare and shelter for children who were abandoned or orphaned.

Initially, there were only a few children, but gradually the number increased, and now Anidan takes care of nearly 280 children. An additional 200 children have also passed through the organization's care. To sustain the growing number of children, Anidan had to establish an NGO and receive aid.

Anidan's primary objective is to provide comprehensive care for each child, which guides the organization's current practices and prepares them for future endeavors.

Our story

  • Founded in 2002

    In 2002, Anidan began its mission with just twelve children in a rented house called Torre Esquivias, located in the center of Lamu. Over time, the shelter has welcomed 550 children, and currently, more than 150 children are still residing there.

    Anidan's shelter is a unique space that provides a coexistence environment for the children and offers them comprehensive support.

  • Pablo Hortsmann Hospital

    The Pablo Hortsmann Hospital, established by Anidan in 2007, has provided over 135,000 primary care consultations and conducted several medical campaigns, focusing on surgeries.

    Currently, the hospital attends to many patients, surpassing the number of patients seen by many provincial hospitals in Spain. Its most notable achievement to date has been the significant reduction in infant mortality rates from 12 percent to 4 percent, demonstrating the effectiveness of the hospital's healthcare services.

  • Anidan School

    Anidan School was established in 2002 and has since become the leading school in Lamu County regarding academic performance. The school has also produced the largest number of students who have pursued higher education.

  • Refugees

    Since 2007, Anidan has assisted many displaced refugees due to droughts and conflicts in the Horn of Africa, particularly from the Orma and Borana tribes in Somalia. The organization has welcomed these refugees and integrated them into the Anidan family.

    Currently, refugees make up 30 percent of the members of the Anidan project, demonstrating the organization's commitment to providing aid to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.

  • Health workers

    Anidan offers training to native health workers in Lamu, intending to establish a local healthcare team capable of treating a wide range of pathologies that the organization currently attends. This initiative reflects Anidan's commitment to empowering and building capacity within the local community to achieve sustainable and long-term impact.

  • Anidan 20 years

    Anidan celebrated 20 years in 2022 of successful work in Lamu, Kenya, providing education, healthcare, and shelter to hundreds of vulnerable children. Founder Rafael Selas thanks supporters, partners, and the Lamu community for their contributions. Anidan looks to the future with a continued commitment to its values and empowering children for a brighter future.

"To love and to be loved is the primary desire of the heart."

— Anidan Italy