Our collective purpose
Hakili is a Canadian youth development charity that brings together community members, organizations, and partners to create learning opportunities for young people.
120+
Certified Youth Coders
7+
Canadian Provinces Served
5000+
Learning Hours Delivered
10+
Years of Community Impact
Building Pathways to Opportunity Since 2016
Every young person has potential. At Hakili, we believe opportunities to learn, connect, and grow create pathways for people to thrive.
Inspired by the Bambara word Hakili, meaning intelligence, our organization was founded in Calgary, Alberta, in 2016 with the belief that knowledge creates opportunity. We recognized that access to education, resources, and community connections helps young people build the skills and confidence to learn, grow, and lead.
Since our founding, Hakili has grown through collaboration with youth, community organizations, volunteers, and partners across Canada. Through educational programs, advocacy initiatives, and community engagement, we help youth shape their futures and become leaders.
Charitable Purpose Statement
Mission
Building pathways to opportunity, prosperity, and leadership through learning, community engagement, and advocacy.
Vision
A future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow, lead, and contribute to thriving communities.
Value
Opportunity Lifelong Learning Community Confidence & Leadership Inclusion
Impact Reports
Public Ledger
Strategic Plans
We create accessible learning opportunities that help youth develop practical skills, explore technology, and build confidence for the future.
We strengthen communities by bringing together volunteers, organizations, and educators to support collaboration and learning.
We provide resources, toolkits, and opportunities that help individuals lead with confidence and create positive change in their communities
Foundation (2016)
Building pathways to opportunity since 2016
Hakili was founded in Calgary with a belief that knowledge creates opportunity for young people and communities across Canada.
Education (2018)
Expanding pathways through education
We launched our first educational programs, bringing accessible skills training to youth through community partnerships.
Technology (2019)
Launching YesWeCode
YesWeCode was born — a dedicated technology learning program helping youth build digital skills and confidence.
Growth (2024)
Growing through partnerships
Through partnerships with organizations across Canada, we expanded our reach and deepened our community impact.
Today
Building pathways to opportunity, prosperity, and leadership
We continue building pathways to opportunity, prosperity, and leadership for every young person we serve.
Read all stories →
Firsthand accounts of impact from our global network.
“My child has been registered for the coding classes with Hakili since November 2022. She has attended every single fall class, and I am so grateful for the team at Hakili for their dedication.“
Nairobi Hub
Community Leader
“Coding is becoming increasingly competitive, and so many organizations are offering it at a high monthly fee. It’s such a pleasure to know that my child gets to benefit and become equally competitive without being locked out because of affordability.“
Geneva
Ethics Fellow
Individuals sharing our commitment to equality
Camilia Thieba
Founder & Executive Director
As Hakili’s founder, Camilia bridges the gap between community voices and the systems needed to create lasting change.
Simranjot Kaur
Education and Engagement Lead
Simranjot supports Hakili’s day-to-day operations, ensuring our programs, partnerships, and initiatives run smoothly.
Ben Traore
Board Member
Ben brings expertise in business and financial services to support Hakili’s growth and community impact.
Dr. Aloysius Nwabugo Maduforo
Board Member
Dr. Aloysius is an Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria and a dual-PhD scholar bridging organizational leadership, public health nutrition, and health equity.
Serge Thieba
Board Member
Serge brings expertise in technology and innovation to support Hakili’s programs and future growth.
Ndidi Uzo-Ojimadu
Board Member
Ndidi brings experience in business strategy and analytics to support Hakili’s mission and initiatives.
