Barbara Alli supports orphaned children in Kenya through food, education, water, and community fundraising.
Barbara Alli, a Ghanaian-Nigerian artist, fashion designer, and humanitarian based in Austria, has been quietly running a transformative philanthropic project in Kisii, Kenya, since 2011. Her journey began with a generous act—sponsoring a Christmas meal for a small orphanage. Although she had never visited Kenya and had no personal ties to the area, she aimed to bring hope to vulnerable children. What was once a one-off gesture has grown into a sustainable initiative that now benefits over 150 orphaned children each year.
Where it all began
Barbara’s dedication to her mission stems from a pivotal teenage experience. At 16, while travelling with her older sister in Ghana, they found themselves stranded in Togo, without resources or assistance. After being rejected by several strangers, a compassionate man intervened, providing food and enough money for them to complete their journey. This unexpected act of kindness profoundly impacted Barbara, shaping her understanding of compassion, demonstrating the power of a single act, and ultimately laying the groundwork for her later work in Kenya.
Since establishing her initiative, Alli has provided ongoing support to children in Kisii through food programmes aimed at combating hunger as a fundamental human right. Over time, her efforts have expanded to include installing clean water facilities, donating school supplies, providing clothing, offering emotional support, and repairing vital infrastructure at both the orphanage and the children’s school.
What makes Barbara’s approach distinctive is how she has merged her creative career with her humanitarian work. She founded a fashion label called Hand Made Story, specialising in high-quality African-inspired fashion and goods. The brand champions African culture in Austria and supports its mission in Kisii through sales and awareness-raising.
Each year, Barbara Alli organises The Charity Surprise Market in Vienna—a two-day fundraising event blending music, fashion, food, and art. Entry is donation-based, with a minimum of €5, and guests are encouraged to dress by the theme “Dress Up for Kisii.” All proceeds fund essentials such as food, education, clothing, and psychological support for the children. A key fixture in Vienna’s creative calendar, this event unites artists, donors, and volunteers for a worthy cause.
Barbara Alli’s enduring commitment demonstrates that even across continents, one person’s dedication can profoundly impact the lives of others, proving that while changing the entire world may be impossible, changing someone’s world is not. Since 2011, her compassion and creativity have provided over 150 vulnerable children in Kisii with the chance for a better life each year.
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