Educating to empower; inspiring to act.

Mission: We believe every refugee youth deserves the chance to learn, grow, and lead. Inicio Justice Initiative exists to open pathways to education and leadership for displaced youth from Myanmar, helping them rebuild their communities and shape a more just and democratic future.

Our Values

Justice

We are dedicated to advancing the rule of law by empowering refugee and displaced youth to gain the education and skills needed to become informed, active participants in a democratic society. We believe that through learning and leadership, young people can build inclusive and equitable communities and protect the rights of others.

Dignity

We believe that every human being possesses an intrinsic value and worth, independent of their race, social status, background or abilities, and regardless of their circumstances.

Empowerment

We seek to leverage opportunities by educating, uplifting and enabling refugees to address systemic injustices and challenge systemic barriers.

Collaboration

We are committed to working together with refugee communities as equal partners in decision-making and implementation to create something larger than ourselves because we recognize the power of the refugee communities.

Compassion

We recognize and are sensitive to the suffering of others and what they may be experiencing, and are motivated to take helpful action to alleviate it, stemming from a deep sense of empathy, caring and kindness.

Our Story

In the summer of 2000, while studying law at the University of British Columbia, Angela and Renée spent several months in Botswana as part of a Canadian international development program. They worked with local organizations and communities deeply affected by the AIDS epidemic, where they saw both the daily struggles people faced and the extraordinary resilience that carried them through.

Those experiences shaped their understanding of justice, opportunity, and what it means to build community. Over long talks about the future, they made a quiet promise to one another: that one day, they would build upon their experiences to bring people together to contribute to global change.

Over the next twenty-five years, life took them in many directions—through law, policy, advocacy, and family—but that promise never disappeared. It resurfaced in conversations, collaborations, and shared reflections on how education remains the foundation for empowerment and change.

That vision eventually became Inicio Justice Initiative—an organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for refugees and internally displaced youth from Myanmar. Inicio builds pathways and partnerships for young people to learn, lead, and contribute to their communities, turning an idea born in Botswana into lasting impact today.

Voices of Impact

"...education plays a crucial role not only in my own community but also in providing future generations of great leaders for my region..."

Nge Nge, KSDC Class of 2025