Amani Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built from lived experience to ensure that African refugee, immigrant, and newcomer families arriving in Charlotte find understanding, belonging, and the tools to flourish.
Connect children and families of the African Diaspora, who are refugees, immigrants, and newcomers, to resources, opportunities and foster their wellbeing to thrive.
A welcoming community where newcomer African families are never isolated by language or culture; where children celebrate their dual heritage with pride; and where every immigrant parent has equal access to opportunity, education, and peace.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Binti Muzuri Amisi founded Amani Kids not out of an academic exercise in social work, but out of the raw reality of arriving in the United States from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Like thousands of newcomers, she found that the transition was filled with unexpected friction: forms written only in English, school enrollment systems with no Swahili or Lingala translations, medical appointments where vital questions went unasked, and an aching absence of cultural community.
She observed brilliant African children struggling in classrooms simply because language bridges were absent, and hard-working parents feeling disempowered. She resolved to create the organization she wished had existed when she arrived: a trusted, compassionate bridge that honors the dignity and cultural richness of the African diaspora.
"Amani means Peace in Swahili. When you take away the fear of the unknown, families can finally exhale, heal, and begin to flourish."
— Binti Muzuri AmisiOur principles are woven into every program, volunteer training, and family conversation.
Cultivating emotional safety, restful environments, and peaceful transitions for families who have lived through displacement.
Approaching every child and caregiver with deep kindness, patience, and unwavering personal respect.
Celebrating through dance, play, food, and laughter as powerful vehicles for healing, resilience, and connection.
Honoring the traditions, wisdom, resilience, and unique cultural backgrounds of African newcomer families.
Celebrating the multi-ethnic, multilingual richness of Africa without flattening distinct cultures into a monolith.
Ensuring an open table where all newcomers have a seat, a voice, and an advocate by their side.
Striving to ensure every child and family has fair access to educational opportunities, resources, and community representation.
We believe stronger communities are built by working together with families, partners, and volunteers.
Guided by lived refugee experience, multilingual fluency, and deep cultural love, our team walks beside African diaspora families at every step of their resettlement journey.
Arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Binti turned the hardships of language barriers and resettlement into an enduring beacon of empowerment and educational advancement for newcomer families in North Carolina.
Coordinates organizational operations, board communications, and family intake documentation, ensuring every newcomer receives immediate, compassionate administrative guidance.
Brings dedicated social work expertise to assess family needs, navigate Mecklenburg County social safety nets, and deliver trauma-informed family stabilization services.
Ensures rigorous financial integrity, institutional grant accounting, and transparent stewardship so every donor dollar directly strengthens educational and family programs.
Provides legal counsel on nonprofit governance, contractual agreements, and immigrant civil rights, helping families understand their legal rights and pathways in the U.S.
Builds bridges with Charlotte civic leaders, local universities, corporate donors, and foundation partners to expand Amani Kids' visibility and philanthropic resources.
Recruits, trains, and mobilizes bilingual volunteers and mentors, connecting caring Charlotte residents with impactful after-school tutoring and cultural exchange programs.
Liaises directly with schools, teachers, counselors, and ESL specialists to ensure diaspora children receive equitable academic support and accommodations.
Leads the annual Bisakana Cultural Celebration and traditional music, dance, and storytelling workshops that instill cultural pride and joyous belonging in newcomer youth.
Guides families through essential housing, healthcare clinics, food pantry networks, and city services, breaking isolation through personalized bilingual casework.
Originally from Zambia, Esther directs the Sauti Safe Space program, creating protective, empowering peer circles where refugee youth process trauma, build creative voices, and form lasting friendships.
Tracks educational growth, attendance metrics, and family survey outcomes, ensuring that Amani Kids' interventions are rigorously evidence-based and responsive to community needs.
Amani Kids operates as a fully incorporated 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are committed to transparency, responsible fiscal stewardship, and measurable community outcomes.