Who we are | REF

The voice of refugees

REF FM radio stations give refugees (and their host communities) a voice, a sense of belonging, a sense of control and the power to change their lives. With programs in their own language, on issues that directly affect them and that help them develop in their host country.

Photo by: Joshua

2019

Dreaming about a community-based radio station for and by refugees

Establishment of REF FM FOUNDATION in The Netherlands. Daydreaming of a community-based radio station run by refugees and host communities. A station that can give them a voice, a sense of belonging, and the power to change their lives and improve their living standards.

2020

Our first partner organization found, aiming to start a station

Partnering with Action Africa Help International (AAH) in refugee camp Kakuma/Kalobeyei in Kenya, and African led and Africa focused international organization.

2021

The dream comes true: the launch of the very first REF FM radio station

With the support of REF FM FOUNDATION, AAH starts the first REF FM station, REF FM KK in Kakuma-Kalobeyei in Kenya. The radio programs are made by refugees and host community members.

2022

Success in Kenya fuels bigger dreams: more REF FM stations

Exploring opportunities and partners in other countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. And obtaining licenses, required to start a FM-station. Africa turns out to have the biggest need for REF FM stations.

2023

REF FM stations launched in several other countries, and the first one gets a prize.

- Launch of a station in Bidibidi Refugee Camp in Uganda.
- Launch of a station on Ukerewe Island in Tanzania.
- The station in Kenya receives its first prestigious award. More awards follow.

2024

Continued growth, serious challenges overcome

- Launch of a station in Kyangwali Refugee Camp in Uganda and one in Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda.
- First major setback: In Kyangwali the FM-mast collapses in heavy storm. This causes a dramatic drop in the range of the station for a long time. But the challenge is overcome in due course.

2025

The REF FM approach works, as shown by the first impact study

- The station in Kenya is performing above expectations, the first impact study proofs!
- Launch of REF FM radio station in Den Bosch city in The Netherlands, the first REF FM station outside Africa

Read the impact study

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We help refugees establish their own radio station. To give them a voice and the power to change their lives.

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difference

IMPACT

>

5

stations

In refugee camps

1

million

People reached

120

people

Crew: Refugees and their hosts

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NEWS & STORIES

News • REF FM NL • 23 May 2025 • 3 min read

REF FM STATION IN THE NETHERLANDS

In Den Bosch, the Netherlands (NL), preparations are being made for the launch of REF FM NL, the first REF FM radio station outside of Africa. The first, but certainly not the last.

News • Kyangwali • 06 May 2025 • 4 min read

REFUGEES TRAINING REFUGEES

For the first time ever a crew member of one of the REF FM SUPPORTED stations has trained the crew of another REF FM station. South Sudanese refugee Dedi Isaac from BIDIBIDI FM has been teaching the crew of REF FM KYANGWALI.

News • 06 May 2025 • 2 min read

PEACE JOURNALISM IN REFUGEE CAMPS

Renowned Ugandan 'peace journalist' Gloria Laker Aciro, has been teaching the crew of several REF FM radio stations for the past few months. Teaching them all the skills needed to become a good radio presenter/reporter

News • Foundation • 04 November 2024 • 1 min read

REF FM FOUNDATION GROWING FASTER

REF FM FOUNDATION has hired two people to help establish new stations. In this way, even more refugees can benefit from the blessings of radio in refugee camps.