Transforming Communities Through Impactful Partnerships
The Incredible Journey of Transformation of Mathare Community(Ngong’)
Emerging Leaders continues to make impactful strides in empowering vulnerable communities through its Uwezo Kwa Vijana program. On August 9th, a remarkable event unfolded in Mathare, Ngong, as 93 enthusiastic participants celebrated their graduation from the Leadership for Life, Uwezo Kwa Vijana program. The occasion was graced by representatives from Emerging Leaders, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Go Green, and community members. The graduation event not only marked a significant achievement but also provided a platform to showcase inspiring stories of transformation catalyzed by the Uwezo Kwa Vijana program.
Amid the stories that resonated, one stood out like a beacon of hope – the remarkable transformation of Everlyne, a single mother who could not afford to give more than one meal to her children per day. Since the Uwezo Kwa Vijana program, she started two businesses; selling tomatoes and knitting sweaters. Early morning, she supplies tomatoes to vendors in wholesale and during peak hours(in the evening), she sells them at retail prices to customers to maximize her profits. For a long-term enterprise, she has began producing school sweaters in preparation for the start of the new school year in January 2024 when the demand for them is expected to rise. Her startup capital for tomatoes was KES 100(less than a dollar) and she actually made her first profit of KES 170($1) within 3 hours of sales. Currently, her profit is KES 7000($49) and is now able to cater to her family’s needs.
How The Journey Began,
The catalyst for this transformational journey in Ngong can be traced back to a pivotal meeting during the COVID pandemic. While hiking amidst the natural beauty of Ngong hills, Mr. John Mwendwa from CCBA noticed trash along the trails that stood out. As he continued his hike, he saw individuals collecting the garbage along the trails. This is when John came across Go Green, the organization, led by Mr. Njonde Chege, that was behind this commendable effort. Recognizing their shared commitment to addressing plastic waste, CCBA and Go Green united their efforts.
The introduction of Emerging Leaders to the community was facilitated by Go Green, uniting 129 participants under the guidance of Emerging Leaders' program facilitators – Peter Waithaka, Andare James, and Shelmith Wambui. CCBA's desire to uplift the community came together with Emerging Leaders' systematic approach to sustainable impact.
Mathare Area (Ngong’)
The closure of a local dumpsite two years ago effectively killed opportunities for eking out a living for many community members in the area. The hopelessness strained community relations. The need for support was clear.
Struggling with issues such as illiteracy and extreme poverty, the participants embarked on a journey to rediscover their potential through the Uwezo kwa Vijana program. The program aimed to empower participants, unlock their potential and realize that they are the heroes of their own stories. The message: We can do more together than we can on our own.
Running from April to June, the three-month program was followed by coaching calls in July. These calls nurtured ongoing growth, serving as a reminder of learned principles and encouraging participants on their leadership paths. From the initial cohort of 129, 93 participants triumphantly completed the program.
Andare james facilitating an Uwezo Kwa Vijana class
Economic Impact
Five months in, the Uwezo Kwa Vijana program has led to remarkable entrepreneurial outcomes. It has contributed to a 50% reduction in unemployment levels, with individuals increasingly engaging in informal jobs to meet their expenses. An impressive 23% of the participants ventured into new business endeavors during this short span, resulting in a 50% increase in their income levels.
This wave of entrepreneurial growth has been led by both women (60%) and men (40%), with businesses ranging from selling bhajia and groceries to rearing chickens.
Project Visit
Emerging Leaders facilitators Wangui, Shelmith & Andare with a graduate of the Uwezo Kwa Vijana Program showcasing her project.
From an average startup capital of KES 2,667($18), their resourcefulness in starting small, especially among women who opted for businesses that align with household needs and childcare responsibilities, was encouraging. Leveraging their own savings as capital, they have demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness. The program's positive impact is evident as participants effectively channel their available resources and cultivate a culture of economic self-sufficiency and resilience. This aligns with research (Smith and Johnson (2018) showing that cultivating self-reliance through small beginnings paves the way for adaptive strategies and long-term resilience.
Saving For Life
A remarkable revelation emerged – a striking 85% of participants identified capital accumulation as their primary saving goal. This signifies their aspirations to invest in income-generating avenues, ranging from starting businesses to pursuing livelihood improvements. This gels perfectly with our mission of guiding participants toward self-sufficiency through impactful income-generating activities.
Notably, 15% of participants have allocated their savings towards future plans. This encompasses broader aspirations such as education, healthcare, and personal development, showcasing their proactive mindset.
An Inspiring Journey From Hopelessness to Hope
When the program started, 32% of participants found themselves devoid of income-generating opportunities. However, the impact of the UKV program resonated deeply, leading to a remarkable 50% reduction in the unemployment rate. This transformation has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, as individuals who were once disconnected from economic activities have now embraced a range of avenues, including entrepreneurship, informal work, and formal employment.
The transformational journey extends beyond numbers, shedding light on the vibrant spirit of the community members. The once untapped potential now flourishes, painting a vivid picture of their resilience and tenacity. It's clear that the program's empowering principles have ignited a renewed sense of purpose and direction among individuals striving to reshape their destinies.
Participant holding the Uwezo Kwa Vijana Program booklet
For more inspiring stories of transformation and empowerment, stay connected with Emerging Leaders and join us in our journey to build resilient communities.