Our Mission/About Us

Founded in 2025 by Ian Kavaleuski, Karibu Coffee has one mission: to support education and improve the lives of children in Kenya.

Hi, I’m Ian. I’m a high school senior now living in Northern Virginia, but I’ve moved more times than most kids my age (13 and counting!). I was born in Belarus and fled my country when my family faced political persecution for speaking out against the dictatorial regime. Having seen what it means to lose stability and start over, I’ve learned to recognize the strength it takes to rebuild a life from almost nothing.

When I lived in Nairobi, Kenya, I volunteered at the Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC), a rehabilitation and education center for boys rescued from the streets, many overcoming trauma and addiction. I helped with daily activities like cleaning, cooking, and mentoring, but what stayed with me most was their determination and joy despite having so little. Before I returned to the U.S., I raised $1,500 to buy sports equipment for them, and assembled soccer goals and balls on the day of my flight. Additionally, I raised about $2600 for other needs of MPC.

I’ve started Karibu Coffee, a small but hopeful project. We sell high-quality East African coffee and tea, and 100% of profits go directly to MPC to help children learn, heal, and dream again.

Karibu Coffee operates as a for-profit social enterprise (for legal reasons), but every cent of profit is donated to the Mukuru Centre. I oversee the project with friends in Nairobi to make sure the funds truly reach the children. As the initiative grows, the structure may change, but our mission never will: to give back, because we know what it means to need a new beginning.