Krio Descendants Union UK & Ireland (KDU-UKI) is a member-led non-profit organization (with over 110 members currently) that promotes Krio heritage, culture and legacy and shows its unique links to the history of Britain and beyond.
We do this through public education in the arts, culture and history of the Krio people in a variety of ways such as workshops, presentations, various media, social and fundraising events.
Founded with a passion for social impact, KDU-UK serves as a platform for positive change—bringing people together, addressing real community needs, and creating sustainable solutions that make a difference.
Our secondary aim
A secondary aim of KDU-UKI is the promotion and protection of health, particularly in Freetown, Sierra Leone via health outreach and awareness sessions. KDU-UKI is led by a board of trustees who make key proposals which are brought to members at our monthly meetings for discussion and endorsing.
The ‘Krios’ are descendants of previously enslaved and free peoples who the British resettled in Sierra Leone’s ‘Province of Freedom’ from 1787 onwards and included people from London, USA, Nova Scotia in Canada, Jamaica and various African countries.
As a legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Krio heritage derives from the various batches of people resettled in Freetown, and this is reflected in our language, lifestyle, cuisine, dress, architecture and traditions. At all KDU-UKI activities we show various aspects of our unique history and heritage.
We often showcase that many Krios became pioneers in various fields and acknowledge the resilience and survival of our ancestors! KDU-UKI is a member of Krio Descendants Union Global, a network of currently 20 Krio Descendants Union branches world-wide, that have a Global Family Reunion each year.
Our Vision
We envision a world where:
- Everyone has equal opportunities to succeed
- Communities are inclusive, supportive, and resilient
- Individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive
Our Values
At the heart of KDU-UK are values that guide everything we do:
- Integrity – We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability
- Inclusivity – We embrace diversity and promote equality
- Empowerment – We enable individuals to take control of their future
- Collaboration – We work with partners and communities to create lasting impact
- Compassion – We care deeply about the people we serve
What We Do
Our work focuses on delivering meaningful programmes and initiatives that support:
- Education and Training
Providing workshops, mentoring, and learning opportunities to build knowledge and skills - Community Development
Supporting local communities through outreach, partnerships, and engagement activities - Wellbeing Support
Promoting mental health awareness, confidence building, and overall wellbeing - Social Impact Projects
Designing programmes that create lasting and measurable change
Our Commitment
As a registered charity in the United Kingdom, KDU-UK is committed to operating with the highest standards of governance, accountability, and transparency. We ensure that all resources are used effectively to maximise our impact and benefit those we serve.
Join Us
We believe that creating change is a shared responsibility. Whether you are an individual, organisation, or community group, there are many ways to be part of our journey:
- Volunteer your time
- Partner with us
- Support our initiatives through donations