Welcome to Operation Coconut, a I TALK TO STRANGERS Foundation community project in Diani, Kenya east Africa transforming waste into sustainable fuel. Incorporated in Kenya, ITTS Kenya is a new social enterprise in East Africa.

Turning coconuts into charcoal is one of the most sustainable energy solutions globally because it transforms a massive agricultural waste product into a clean-burning fuel, directly reducing the demand for wood-based charcoal that drives deforestation

The coconut palm has often been called the "Tree of Life" because every part can be used.
Benefits of Natural Coconut Coals:

Every ton of coconut charcoal produced can save approximately 100 trees that would otherwise be cut down for traditional firewood or timber-based charcoal.
Coconut charcoal has a higher calorific value, meaning it burns hotter and longer than wood charcoal.
It produces minimal smoke, no odor, and very low ash (typically less than 3%), which is safer for both indoor cooking (like shisha) and outdoor BBQs.
Chemical-Free: Unlike many commercial briquettes, high-quality coconut charcoal is often made using natural binders like cassava starch rather than chemical additives.

Here are are objectives in Kenya:

Foster Social Cohesion – Through Peace Walks and inter-generational dialogues, we create safe spaces for meaningful conversations across cultural, ethnic, and generational divides , encouraging empathy, understanding, and unity.
Empower Youth – By equipping young people with leadership, civic engagement, psycho-social, and conflict resolution skills through the Peace Talkers program, delivered both in-person and online.
Expand Digital Reach – We leverage the internet to provide psycho-social and leadership training to youth globally, building an international network of connected change makers. For those in remote or underserved areas, one-on-one training is delivered by trained volunteers.
Promote Sustainability and Food Security – Through our Peace Gardens, we teach sustainable farming practices, improve community nutrition, and promote environmental responsibility. These gardens are not only a tool for feeding communities but also a platform for healing and empowerment.
Integrate Psycho-social Training with Physical Activity – We intentionally combine psycho-social support with hands-on physical activities such as gardening. This holistic approach enables youth and children to actively contribute to eradicating hunger while acquiring essential agricultural and life skills.
Scale Community Impact – We develop and refine scalable, replicable models of grassroots peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship that can be adapted to diverse communities facing similar social, environmental, or cultural challenges.

Learn more at www.italktostrangers.org