The Young Women’s Political Space

By Stephanie Muya Executive Director  Fortitude Kenya & Alliance for Transformational Change

For a very long time, women have been facing lots of discrimination. Kenya has made quite the improvements especially with regards to political rights. See now we have 47 electorate positions for women representatives and nominated positions as gender top-ups. I am definitely not complaining about this for sure.

I have heard several complaints that women representatives in Kenya are not working. So I ask as compared to who? Really… do they have people they can call role models in the Kenyan political scene? We now have Punguza Mizigo referendum campaign which is seeking to reduce the number of female legislators in Kenya. That’s taking us back to 2010 and is an outright violation of women’s rights. While I do agree our women representatives and legislators need to pull up their socks, reducing the number is like “taking us back to Egypt.”

Young women, in their quest for political leadership, get the short end of the stick. Take a look at the political parties; we have the women’s leagues where very few young women are able to participate in decision making processes and then we have the youth leagues which many say were really just created to keep youth in political parties looking busy. It is important to note that these youth leagues are led by young men. Aren’t young women youth too? Or are we not ready to get down and get dirty? Curious to find out though, with the exception of select parties, how many parties have given young people a space to be part of the decision making process? Any answer??..I thought so…

Thing is young women have to go out of their way to achieve their political rights to the maximum. When I say be ready to get dirty, I do not in any way insinuate that we should engage in corrupt activities. Corruption is not the way out. We are trying to break the culture. Difficult indeed especially after the recently launched Aga Khan Institute survey revealed that 35% of youth would easily take or give a bribe.

It is necessary to enhance measures that address the barriers that deter and frustrate young women from benefiting from the expanded political space and legislative benchmarks that encourage gender equity. This will require sharing of skills on campaign strategies, fundraising and financial management, the Constitution and policy making.

Not all is lost though, there is lots of hope. 75% of youth revealed that they would vote for a young person. Lets work towards ensuring that a greater percentage of those votes go to young women. This requires unity. And I know this probably is beginning to sound like the solidarity anthem but it is quite important. Working together to influence policy and also to strengthen each other in our campaigns etc will lead us to the ultimate goal. Lets also work beyond the stereotype that women cannot help each other. Build more bridges, burn less bridges. Lets not give life to the Seven Deadly Sins of Sisterhood as they have been coined.

I hope to see and active young women’s participation ahead of 2017 and definitely in more years to come.

Visit her blog for more inspirational articles: https://stephaniemuya.wordpress.com

Invitation to attend a Finance Workshop organized by Biz4Afrika

Biz4Afrika prerogative is to assist SMES in Africa start, grow and accelerate their business venture. They do this by providing online resources and tutorial videos to help you increase your knowledge. They also have experts in various fields who volunteer their time to run workshops on different topics.

Biz4Afrika would therefore like to let you know that they will be having a finance expert volunteering his time to help you with your finance problems. He will be holding a full day workshop on the 4^th of February 2016 at the Microsoft Boardroom in Upper hill, 2^nd floor starting at 9:00 AM.

The workshop will be I two sessions, the morning session will begin from 9:00 AM- noon. In this session we will cover the introductory topics of finance, ideal for start-ups and micro-SMEs. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. This one will be a more in-depth session.

 

Topic: Finance workshop

Venue: Microsoft office, upperhill, I&M building,

5^th floor, 2^nd Ngong Avenue (Community Area)

Time: 9:00 – 12:00, 1:30 – 3:30

 

 

If you are interested in attending, kindly RSVP by Tuesday 2^nd February 2016. We look forward to seeing you, feel free to invite friends, colleagues and people from your networks/circles. Have a blessed weekend ahead.

Call for Proposal on Civic Education by Uraia Trust

Uraia Trust wishes to invite Civil Society Organisations (that include Non-Government Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, Community Based Organisations, Trusts, etc.) to participate in the implementation of the above 2016 – 2018 Programme: “Rooting Democracy in Kenya through an Informed Citizenry”.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST:

Uraia Trust is a National Organisation that supports democratic transformation processes in Kenya. Uraia seeks to facilitate provision of quality civic education, participatory and inclusive governance and institutional transformation.It is the successor of the Kenya’s National Civic Education Programme (NCEP) phase one and two.

STRATEGIC INTERVENTION:

This call aims at building a mature democratic culture that relies on an informed and engaged citizenry. Uraia’s programmatic work is informed by its 4 key focus areas articulated below;

i. Entrenching constitutionalism.
ii. Supporting free and fair electoral processes.
iii. Expanding participation and representation of marginalized groups (Women, Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and minority communities).
iv. Access to justice.

The Programme’s cross cutting themes are:

● Environmental governance;
● National cohesion;

DESCRIPTION OF THE CALL:

In order therefore to contribute to the realisation of its mission and key result areas, Uraia wishes to invite Civil Society Organisations (that include Non-Governmental Organisation Faith Based Organisations, Community Based Organisations, Trusts), to deliver its 2016 – 2018 programme “Rooting Democracy in Kenya through an Informed Citizenry – Phase Two”

OBJECTIVES OF THE CALL

The goal of the initiative is to contribute towards an informed, empowered and democratic society.

The specific objectives of this call is to support Civil Society Organisations’ activities aimed at:

1) Provide civic and voter education to at least eighteen million (18m) Kenyans.
2) Facilitate citizens and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) with practical mechanisms to participate in governance processes, monitor performance and provide oversight of public institutions.
3) Facilitate citizens and CSOs to engage and promote accountability in electoral processes ahead of the 2017 elections.
4) Increase participation and representation of marginalized groups that is women, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and minority communities in leadership and political processes.

EXPECTED RESULTS: Proposed interventions under this call should contribute to

● Increased civic and voter knowledge and awareness on rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution and electoral processes.
● Increased citizen participation on political and governance processes.
● Increased citizen and CSOs participation, engagement and oversight in governance at the national and county level.
● Increased implementation of policy and legislative reforms.
● Increased participation and representation of women, youth and PWDs in political and governance processes.

TYPE OF ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE;
Civic Education and Voter Education that focuses on among others

• Education on the implications and application of the Constitution, devolution, rights and responsibilities, national values & principles of governance national cohesion and judicial process.
• Awareness on electoral processes (voter registration and requirements, voting procedures, leadership & integrity, vetting processes).
Civic Engagement – work that focuses on among others:
• Capacity building and facilitation of local communities to undertake vetting of aspirants ahead of the 2017 general elections.
• Capacity building of local communities for participation in county government processes (planning and budgeting, implementation and monitoring of county plans, budgets and service delivery. 2
• Capacity building and facilitation of local communities to demand accountability from county governments.
• Capacity building and support to county governments for transparent and participatory decision making in the planning, implementation and monitoring of county plans and budgets and county development strategies.
• Establishment and facilitation of engagement forums for communities and county governments.
• Supporting formation and facilitating operationalization of CSOs/government sector based platforms (sector working groups).
• Monitoring and reporting on public financial management.
Note: Intervention proposed must demonstrate a clear link between civic & voter education and citizen participation and engagement.
Institutional Transformation – work that focuses on among others:
• Addressing key emerging issues in 2017 election processes (e.g. promotion of national values and principles of governance).
• Capacity building of marginalized groups (women, youth and PWDs) to participate in local decision making structures and political processes.
• Policy and legislative work that enhances good governance and service delivery e.g. public participation, access to information and civic education frameworks.

TARGET COUNTIES
This invitation is open to all Civil Society Organisations in the targeted counties (including those who have previously carried out Civic and Voter Education work funded by Uraia,), which have a legal status, are independent of public authorities, have requisite organisational capacity to complete the proposed project.

The target counties include:
i. Bungoma,
ii. Embu,
iii. Elgeyo Marakwet,
iv. Kericho,
v. Muranga,
vi. Nandi,
vii. Nyandarua,
viii. Taita Taveta,
ix. Trans Nzoia

Applying organisations must have a physical presence in the target county and provide evidence of the same when applying.Organisation that can demonstrate community capital but do not have developed structures and systems will be considered on merit provided they are willing to be hosted by another Non State Actor implementing the Uraia Trust programme, and mechanisms for hosting are feasible.

NOTE: An organisation can only apply to work in One County

DURATION OF THE PROJECT
• The minimum period for applicant’s proposed project is 18 months and a maximum period is 36 months

AMOUNT OF GRANTS
• Minimum grant is Kshs 6 million
• Maximum grant is Kshs 12 million

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
This will be in two Stages:
Stage 1: Submission of Concept Notes.
Stage 2: Submission of Full Proposal.

Stage 1: The Concept Note
Applicants are invited to submit well thought-out Concept Notes that contribute to the overall objective of the Rooting Democracy in Kenya through an Informed Citizenry. The nature of the concept should be one that focuses its activities on directly working with local communities (including marginalized and minority groups), and activities targeting work with county governments (working from both the demand and supply sides), including utilizing the media on the civic and voter education and engagement elements of the work, and institutional strengthening. Applicants must demonstrate how their interventions will deliberately target the marginalised groups and minorities, Women, Youth, Persons with Disabilities.
Innovative interventions, deliberately targeting and including initiatives that encourage partnership and synergy building are encouraged.

Stage 2 – Full Proposal
Only applicants who qualify at the concept note level will be invited to submit their full proposal. Guidelines for the full proposal will be communicated to those who qualify.
For full information of the call, including concept and budget guidelines, and funding levels, please visit the Uraia website; http://www.uraia.or.ke. Hardcopies are available at Uraia Trust offices.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Concept papers to be sent to Uraia’s Trust by Wednesday 10th February 2016, 5:00pm Concept papers can be submitted to Uraia Trust:

1) Via email address to rootingdemocracycall@uraia.or.ke with subject matter reading “Uraia Rooting Democracy Phase Two Call for Proposals 2016 – Reference no. URAIA/CFP/1/2016”

2) Or Hand delivered to Uraia Office referenced:

Uraia Rooting Democracy Phase Two Call for Proposals 2016
Reference No. URAIA/CFP/1/2016
Uraia Trust
Uraia House
Jacaranda Avenue, Off Gitanga Road-
P.O. Box 28151-00100
NAIROBI

The deadline for submitting the concept paper is on Wednesday, 12th February 2016 at 5:00 pm Kenyan time.

Enhancing Youth Political Participation throughout the Electoral Cycle

“Enhancing Youth Political Participation throughout the Electoral Cycle: A Good Practice Guide” marks UNDP´s first review of programming strategies for youth political participation beyond the ballot box.

The Good Practice Guide identifies key entry points for the inclusion of young people in political and electoral processes and compiles good practice examples of mechanisms for youth political empowerment around the globe, focusing on innovative instruments with the potential to provide fresh inputs for UNDP programmes as well as initiatives by other stakeholder.

The Guide identifies and compiles 21 good practice examples, in the Arab region and beyond, of initiatives for enhancing Youth’s participation throughout the electoral cycle: from youth engagement in civic and voter education (Central Asia, Cambodia, Tunisia and Australia), as candidates through youth sections of political parties (Kenya); to electoral monitoring of elections (Mexico).

This knowledge product is intended for different stakeholders (political parties, electoral management bodies, civil society organizations and UNDP practitioners) as guidance to UNDP programming in the context of long-term electoral assistance.

Click on the link below to be empowered with information
Enhancing Youth Political Participation

UNDP Youth Strategy 2014-2017 : Empowered Youth, Sustainable Future

Worldwide, youth face myriad challenges in terms of access to equal opportunities to jobs and having a voice in decisions which affect their lives.

In response to the worldwide phenomenon of young men and women calling for meaningful civic, economic, social and political participation, including in recent consultations on the post-2015 development agenda, UNDP’s Youth Strategy identifies  development challenges and issues facing youth today, and more importantly offers forward-looking recommendations for strategic entry points and engagement of  a broad range of partners, including young people themselves, in addressing youth empowerment issues around the world.

The UNDP Youth Strategy offers key entry points for systematic and coordinated action to support youth within an increasingly complex development context for their social, economic and political development.

Click on the link below to be empowered:
UNDP_Youth-Strategy-2014-17_Web

 

 

Infographic: Violence against women

By UN WOMEN

One in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence — mostly by an intimate partner. Whether at home, on the streets or during war, violence against women is a global pandemic that takes place in public and private spaces. Together we can and must end this pandemic.

Ending gender-based violence and discrimination: Youth as agents of change

Brief from the United Nations Human Rights Office of The High Commissioner

When crimes are committed, it is important to seek punishment and redress.As youth we need to prevent the underlying attitudes, stereotypes and discrimination that give rise to these specific forms of violence.

Youth can play a crucial role in effecting positive transformative change by challenging political and social norms, and addressing stereotypes that perpetuate violence against women and girls, whether through powerful social protests or social media campaigns.

Awareness raising campaigns organized by youth organizations in schools and universities have had a major impact on young people.When young men are involved in these campaigns a deeper transformative change is more likely to happen and harmful gender norms can be tackled.

Social media has an empowering effect and allows youth activists to reach large audiences, organize meetings, engage others in debates, and raise awareness on sexual violence and gender equality.

Youth activists have the energy and time to transform behaviours but need to have access to funds at the local level to get organized and increase their capacity to propose concrete and practical solutions.

As youth let your voice be heard and fight Gender Based Violence in your village,community,constituency,county and country.The fight cannot be won if you do not take up the mantle and be part of the change.

If you are in Kenya  Call National Police Child helpline 116 and 24 Hr GBV hotline 1195.

For more info click on this link:http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/EndingGenderBasedViolence.aspx

CALL THE NATIONAL POLICE HOTLINE NUMBER TO REPORT GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Do you want raise your voice and fight Gender Based Violence in your community?Together we can fight this senseless crime.Call National Police Child helpline 116 and 24 Hr GBV hotline 1195.

PHOTO COMPETITION ORGANISED BY SANKALP FORUM

#Entrepreneueship4Africa

Know the Rules.Meet the Jury.Submit your Winning Photos

#‎ENTREPRENEURSHIP4Africa‬

Photo competition by Intellecap.

Intellecap is a pioneer in providing innovative business solutions that help build and scale profitable and sustainable enterprises dedicated to social and environmental change. Through its annual platform Sankalp Forum, it engages social entrepreneurs, investors, large corporations, governments and donors to spur the entrepreneurship economy.

The 2016 Sankalp Africa summit will take place in Nairobi on 25 & 26 February. In order to increase outreach and visibility on entrepreneurship, Intellecap aims to obtain photographs that capture the essence of entrepreneurship, the moments of inspiration, and shine light on entrepreneurship in Africa.

Deliberations at the Ongoing AU Summit

#AUIGD2016 ‏@AUYouthProgram 8m8 minutes ago Ethiopia

Lets identify roles for young people and organisations which will contribute to the development of Africa. – Prudence Ngwenya #AUIGD2016

These are Flagship Projects that are being worked on to contribute to #Agenda2063 #AUIGD2016

The African Youth Charter. Have you read it? Has your country signed it? #AUIGD2016

African youth attending #AUIGD2016

YOUTH COUNTY PROJECTS KENYA IN ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA AT THE HEADS OF STATES SUMMIT

The founder of Youth County Projects Kenya is attending The Africa Union Heads of States and Governments summit in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

THEME: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063”

Overall Purpose

The intergenerational dialogue aims at creating the space for dialogue that is necessary to develop transformative strategies and perspectives on maximizing the development potentials of youth. This will be under the theme “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063” The dialogue will be through engagement of Heads of States and Governments, continental and global leaders of key institutions with key youth constituencies including university students, National Youth Councils, social justice actors, African diaspora and media among others. The event is expected to galvanize these youth as they engage with the leaders thus making it a truly intergenerational dialogue. The dialogue will build upon achievements from the Intergenerational dialogue with the Pan African Parliament, (PAP) whose key recommendations were centred on implementation of existing policies and strategies that hinge on education, governance, peace and security, health and economic empowerment.

Background

According to Africa Economic Outlook 2012, young people represent more than 60 per cent of the continent‟s total population and account for 40 per cent of the total labour force. It is expected that Africa‟s increase in the number of young people will continue in the next 20 years. It is also projected that within the next decade an estimated 40 million more youth in Africa will face an uncertain future without work and life skills. This will impair their ability to get good jobs in desirable occupations, resulting in low and unstable incomes while exposing them to potentially long periods of unemployment. This leads to a vicious cycle of poverty, poor health and disempowerment among others.

Unemployment within the present youth generation will also be felt by the next generation, since these youths‟ poor economic outcomes will hurt their ability to provide favourable opportunities for their own children. Societies at large will feel the impact: economic growth will be constrained, limiting the revenue-raising capacity of governments, while the need for public expenditures to support these youth, will expand. Young people, being most demonstrative about their economic and social situation and problems such as inequality, high joblessness and lack of opportunities may resort to criminal activities resulting in social unrest.

This calls for governments to tackle youth unemployment with a combined set of policies through review of all options that policymakers, employers, trade unions, youth organisations and young people themselves can pursue. It is imperative that efforts are undertaken from all dimensions: from education to apprenticeships and internships; from job-search counselling to first-time jobs; from youth entrepreneurship to reforms in social, employment, education and other policies. Young women are particularly constrained and face a myriad of challenges from gender based violence to biased laws and norms that prevent them from owning property, working and even making decisions about their own lives. All relevant measures must therefore be pursued as a package and not in isolation to ensure inclusivity.

It is within this context that the voices of the youth and particularly young women need to be heard and their views incorporated in policy priorities. Harnessing the demographic dividend will require investments in job creation, health including sexual and reproductive health and family planning, education and skill development, which will ultimately increase per capita income, good governance and assurance for a peaceful and secure Africa. The intergenerational dialogue with Heads of State and Government and key continental and global institutional Leaders is one of the ways envisaged of improving the contact between youth and key policy makers, in order to achieve understanding and solidarity between them. This will provide a platform for the voices of young people to be heard by decision-makers at the highest level Facilitating dialogue between the two generations will in the long run promote an attitude where challenges are seen as opportunities, instead of focusing on the negative consequences that might appear.

 

Examples of when Gender Roles can be harmful.

Courtesy of UN WOMEN

Participate in World Bank blog contest and win a trip to Washington D.C ,USA

If you are a Kenyan, Rwandan or Ugandan citizen between the ages of 18-28 years old and currently living in your home country, it’s your turn to have your say.

 

The World Bank wants to hear your ideas for how to boost opportunities for youth.

How would you increase opportunities for young people in Kenya? Rwanda? Uganda?

Tell World Bank how you would create a brighter future for youth in your home country in no more than 500 words, submit your entry to the #Blog4Dev contest by clicking on this link   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQDBFG2, and you could win a trip to the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. in April 2016!

To enter the competition, submit your original blog entry of not more than 500 words by January 31, 2016 here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQDBFG2

Questions? Contact them via Blog4Dev@worldbank.org

Are you an Action-Oriented Person or a Wishful Thinker?

Young people all over the world are making great strides in their endeavor’s and are getting opportunity to showcase their passion and talent. Take for instance the Young Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai,she had to overcome the odds in her country Pakistan (being shot at) to ensure that the girl child is educated. If 19 year old Malala, did it so can you. Here in Kenya, Eric Kinoti started manufacturing tents in his early 20s and he is now a renowned entrepreneur who has created jobs for many youths.

Do you have a talent, calling or passion that you have not put into action? We live in a globally competitive world that only favors those who go after their dreams. The blog Youth County Projects Kenya www.youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com has highlighted global opportunities that will enable youth in Kenya take their knowledge abroad and share it with the world. What is peculiar about these opportunities is that they always ask the question: tell us how you have changed your community positively? What projects have you initiated in your community to put a smile on someone’s face?

Have you witnessed Gender Based Violence in your community? If you have what are you doing to change the vice and reduce its reoccurrence? Have you started a Community Based Organization that will advocate against Gender Based Violence or even Female Genital Mutilation?

If you are into entrepreneurship and have realized that there is lack of job opportunities, what have you done to create more jobs for youth?

Are you into climate change and environmental awareness? What have you done to reduce deforestation in your area? Did you invent an energy saving cooking stove that can reduce indoor air pollution?

These are just but a few examples of what you can do to change your community and the world as a whole. If you start an initiative, the world will favor you and help you move to the next level.

What are you waiting for? Listen to your heart and follow your heart’s desire. Pursue your dream. Do not let unemployment stop you. Go for your dream.

I will leave you with a quote from Mother Teresa, it says “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create ripples”.

AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship and Internship Opportunities in Germany

AFRIKA KOMMT! – An Initiative of German Industry for Future Leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa

AFRIKA KOMMT! is a joint initiative for capacity building of leading German companies.
It aims at young highly qualified professionals from Sub-Saharan African countries with several years of working experience on the job.

During a 12-month stay in Germany, a 8-month internship in one of the participating companies forms the heart of the program.

The internship gives participants the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of management practice and to participate in economic, social and organisational change processes and will enable them to establish a network between cooperation partners from their home companies and German companies.

Qualification / Level of Experience

• University degree in one of the following areas: Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science / Information Technology, Business Information, Communication, Economics, Human Resources, Industrial- Mechanical, Process, Electrical Engineering, Finance, Healthcare, Law, Life Science, Marketing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physics, Sales, Supply Chain Management, Product Management

• Postgraduate degree (e.g. MBA) is an advantage

• Two to five years of relevant work experience

• Excellent English languages skills, French, Portuguese and German are an advantage
• Intercultural competencies, open to new experiences abroad and willing to learn German
Fellowship Details

• Roundtrip airfare to and from Germany, travel and accommodation in Germany

• Fees for German language courses

• Living allowance

• Coverage of health insurance, accident insurance and liability insurance

• International Management Training (IMT) courses

• Relocation fee

Applications for the AFRIKA KOMMT! Program cycle from 2015 – 2017 can be submitted until 10 February 2016.

Click on the link below to apply online:
www.afrika-kommt.de

Invitation to Attend a Cocktail organised by Young Achievers Network

Young Achievers Network is a registered Community Based Organisation (C.B.O) whose aim is youth transformation.

Theme for this cocktail is : Call To Action-Taking Over The Platform

The cocktail will feature leading figures in entrepreneurship, leadership and motivational speaking.

Entrance Fee: Ksh 200

Date: Friday, January 22, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Venue: Paris Hotel – Mfangano Street Nairobi, Nairobi KE

For more information click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-achievers-network-cocktail-tickets-20646916483

Like their facebook page: Young Achievers Network

About Youth County Projects Kenya and the Founder

Violet Mbiti is the founder of the blog “Youth County Projects Kenya” that seeks to fill the knowledge and awareness gap regarding youth projects being implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, National Government, County Governments, donors and individuals in the 47 counties in Kenya.

This platform seeks to motivate youth to initiate projects in their respective communities to achieve Vision 2030 within the social,economic and political pillars.

You want your concerns around Project Management,Resource Mobilization/Fundraising,Governance, Leadership, Democracy,Social Development, and Youth Empowerment fixed? Find me.

Like our Facebook Page: Youth Projects Kenya

Like our Twitter Page: @youthprojects

Do you have a question? Send it to: youthprojectskenya@gmail.com

Website: http://www.youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN STARTING AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP VENTURE?

In Kenya, approximately 16 million youth are unemployed. The number of youth also underemployed is significantly high (underemployment means working at a job you were not trained on. For example someone who learnt development work in university working as a procurement officer yet he or she has not been trained on that).

That is why it is imperative as youth to think outside the box and see what we can do to support our communities as well as ourselves in engaging in activities that will lead Kenya towards achieving Vision 2030 in the areas of economic,social and political pillars.

One of the ways is engaging in project work.A project is a set a set of inter related tasks that have a start and a finish and have to be completed within a specific time,scope and resources.

Today we will address the economic pillar as we talk on youth entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship in simple terms occurs when you as youth become aware of the need of having a business as a viable alternative, developing the idea for business and learning on how to become an entrepreneur.

When youth engage in entrepreneurship they can do so in groups or as individuals to develop their abilities and they can start this by defining their own problems,identifying solutions and finding resources to realise their vision.A result of which will be realizing their own potential and vision,growing in confidence and taking active roles in their own communities.

Here in Kenya,for youth engaged in entrepreneurship the government has provided avenues on how they can access funding namely through Uwezo Fund,Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Women Enterprise Fund.These funds encourage youth to form groups where they can develop a saving culture.

Click on the link below to access uwezo fund :

https://youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/guideline-on-applying-for-uwezo-fund/

Click on the links below to access Youth Enterprise Development Fund :

https://youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com/2015/12/19/youth-enterprise-development-fundbusiness-development-services/

Film loan link: https://youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/film-loan-take-254-from-the-youth-enterprise-development-fund/

To ensure youth groups have received financial literacy skills to enable them save appropriately to access the above funds, Hand in Hand Eastern Africa offers training for a period of 6 months to youths interested in learning how to save and grow their savings.

You can visit the following link and participate in this project targeting youth being offered by Hand in Hand Eastern Africa.

https://youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com/2015/11/23/are-you-looking-for-an-opportunity-to-venture-into-entrepreneurship-and-generate-incomehand-in-hand-eastern-africa-is-there-to-support-you/

Types of entrepreneurship ventures youth can engage in include agribusiness,film production just to name a few.

Click on this link on agribusiness:

https://youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/articlethe-future-is-certain-to-be-bright-for-youth-who-venture-into-agribusiness/

If it’s your calling to engage in youth entrepreneurship you can start by registering your business name at the Attorney General’s office and follow up with other documentation required.

Wishing you the best as you take the first step to engage in self-employment and job creation.

About Youth County Projects Kenya and the Founder

Violet Mbiti is the founder of the blog “Youth County Projects Kenya” that seeks to fill the knowledge and awareness gap regarding youth projects being implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, National Government, County Governments, donors and individuals in the 47 counties in Kenya.

This platform seeks to motivate youth to initiate projects in their respective communities to achieve Vision 2030 within the social,economic and political pillars.

You want your concerns around Project Management,Resource Mobilization/Fundraising,Governance, Leadership, Democracy,Social Development, and Youth Empowerment fixed? Find me.

Like our Facebook Page: Youth Projects Kenya

Like our Twitter Page: @youthprojects

Do you have a question? Send it to: youthprojectskenya@gmail.com

Website: http://www.youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com

Apply for The NETFUND Green Innovations Award

The NETFUND Green Innovations Award (NETFUND GIA)

The National Environmental Trust Fund Green Innovations Award (NETFUND GIA) identifies, recognises and rewards innovative projects and ideas in environmental management. The award has a comprehensive awareness program that reaches all levels of the society but particularly focuses on bottom of the pyramid (BOP). Each year NETFUND GIA identifies particular themes and categories for the competition.

The first phase of the NETFUND GIA was implemented in 2012 while the second phase was implemented in 2014. This second phase of the Award was enriched to not only upscale winning projects but to include components of incubation and commercialization.

The award comes with grants for winning initiatives. First place winners receive KES. 1,000,000, while second and third place winners receive KES. 500,000 and KES 250,000 respectively. Projects with potential for business incubation receive support worth up to KES 5,000,000.

For more information click on the link below to apply:

NetFundRevisedEntryFormFinal

Visit the website:  http://www.netfund.go.ke/index.php

About Youth County Projects Kenya and the Founder

Violet Mbiti is the founder of the blog “Youth County Projects Kenya” that seeks to fill the knowledge and awareness gap regarding youth projects being implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, National Government, County Governments, donors and individuals in the 47 counties in Kenya.

This platform seeks to motivate youth to initiate projects in their respective communities to achieve Vision 2030 within the social,economic and political pillars.

You want your concerns around Project Management,Resource Mobilization/Fundraising,Governance, Leadership, Democracy,Social Development, and Youth Empowerment fixed? Find me.

Like our Facebook Page: Youth Projects Kenya

Like our Twitter Page: @youthprojects

Do you have a question? Send it to: youthprojectskenya@gmail.com

Website: http://www.youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com

Are you into Information Technology and Development?Apply to be part of the Build Peace Fellows 2016

Welcome to the Build Peace 2016 Fellows Program. They are looking for exceptional individuals who want to work at the intersection of peacebuilding and technology.Applications are now open until February 1, 2016. Please read the information below before submitting an application.

The Fellowship program is made possible thanks to the generous contribution of the PeaceNexus Foundation. The program will also receive in-kind support from JustPeace Labs, Elva Community Engagement and PeaceGeeks.

For more information on how to apply,click on the link below:

http://howtobuildpeace.org/fellows/

About Youth County Projects Kenya and the Founder

Violet Mbiti is the founder of the blog “Youth County Projects Kenya” that seeks to fill the knowledge and awareness gap regarding youth projects being implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, National Government, County Governments, donors and individuals in the 47 counties in Kenya.

Violet Mbiti holds a Masters Degree in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from United States International University .She has initiated and implemented projects that cover the health sector, Renewable Energy Sector, Water Sector, Environment Sector and Social Entrepreneurship. She also sought the donors who funded the above projects.

Violet is also an alumni of the Political Leadership and Governance Programme offered by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung which is funded by the German Government and is the Vice Chairperson of Improved Stoves Association of Kenya Machakos County. Violet is an advisory council board member of Hand in Hand Eastern Africa youth project titled “The Peace and Prosperity through Job Creation”.

This platform seeks to motivate youth to initiate projects in their respective communities to achieve Vision 2030 within the social,economic and political pillars.

You want your concerns around Project Management,Resource Mobilization/Fundraising,Governance, Leadership, Democracy,Social Development, and Youth Empowerment fixed? Find me.

Like our Facebook Page: Youth Projects Kenya

Like our Twitter Page: @youthprojects

Do you have a question? Send it to: youthprojectskenya@gmail.com

Website: http://www.youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com

Vital Voices-Support for Women Businesses

THE PROGRAM

What is the VV GROW Fellowship?

The VV GROW Fellowship is a highly competitive one-year accelerator program for women owners of small and medium businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses and increase their leadership impact. Through global and regional online and in-person trainings, fellows focus on strategy and long-term business value paired with action-oriented plans. They amplify their role as leaders in their businesses and their communities to create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth and produce wider social benefits. Learn more about the fellowship here.

What does the fellowship include?

Global Virtual Learning: Over 4-6 months fellows complete a series of webinars, assignments, online courses, assessments, and one-on-one calls with peers, Vital Voices staff, and trainers. Fellows begin to build their knowledge about marketing, networking, business planning, financial management and leadership, the core topics of the program. Fellows assess the current state of their business and leadership in order to determine where they are; analyze their business to identify opportunities for growth; and define specific business growth goals to identify where they want to go.

Regional In-Person Training:  Each year, fellows from each region gather in one country in their region to participate in a four-day regional, in-person training workshop that will guide them in creating an action plan outlining how they will accomplish their business growth goals. Fellows also get the opportunity to meet, connect with, network with and learn from other fellows from their region, Vital Voices staff, trainers and members of the local business community.

Growth Services and Support: Following the in-person training, fellows apply and revise their action plans, as well as evaluate their progress towards their growth goals. Throughout the last 6 months of the fellowship, Vital Voices staff work with fellows to connect them to individualized growth services and support, based on the goals and action items in their action plan.

ELIGIBILITY

Who can apply?

Vital Voices seeks applications from women business owners from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, who:

• Own a business that has been in operation for at least 3 years,
• Employ at least 3 full time staff, and
• Generate at least USD $40,000 in annual sales

As an interested applicant, you:

• Are motivated to build the skills and make the changes needed to grow your business,
• Have demonstrated leadership within your community
• Have the authority to make critical decisions within your business
• Are excited to participate in a one year business accelerator program, and
• Are willing and committed to have your business growth tracked by Vital Voices for 1 year during the Fellowship, and 2 years afterwards through methods including online surveys and phone calls.

Can non-profits apply?

The VV GROW Fellowship is exclusively for women who lead or own a for profit business.

Do I have to be a fluent English speaker to participate?

All content covered throughout the VV GROW Fellowship is delivered in English. English language proficiency is a requirement to participate in the program.   

COMMITMENT

What are my responsibilities as a VV GROW fellow?

• 4-7 hours per week of webinars, assignments and calls during the global virtual learning phase (June-September 2016)
• Attending the entirety of the 4-day regional in person training workshop in October
• Active participation in the growth services and support (November 2016 – May 2017)
• Collaboration with Vital Voices on tracking your business growth for up to three years via completion of brief, periodic online surveys 

As a VV GROW fellow what will I receive?

• Strengthened knowledge, skills, and confidence in 5 core areas: business planning, leadership, financial management, networking, and marketing
• Access to 12 business management and leadership courses through Harvard Business School Publishing’s online platform, Harvard ManageMentor (HMM) for one year
• Up to 17 interactive webinars led by expert trainers from across the globe
• Participation in a 4-day in-person, regional training workshop
• A network of women business leaders from across the globe
• Access to highly qualified staff and business consultants
• Opportunities for referrals to business support services tailored to your needs
• A certificate of completion

APPLICATION PROCESS

How can I apply?

You can fill out an application for the program here

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2416747/VV-GROW-Fellowship-2016-Application

If I’ve applied in the past, do I need to reapply?

Yes. Applicants interested in participating in the fellowship must fill out an application regardless of whether they have applied previously.

How long will the application take?

This application should take approximately one hour to complete; however, you will be able to save your answers and return to the application at any time. To do this just click the “Save and continue survey later” message that appears at the top of the application and provide your email address. You will then receive an email with a personal link which you should use to return to your application.

When is the application due?

The application deadline is January 31. Late applications will not be considered.

Who can I contact if I have any questions about the application?

If you encounter questions or problems with the application, please send an email to Caryn Ellis at vitalvoices.economicempowerment@vitalnetwork.org with the subject line: VV GROW Fellowship Application.

What happens after I apply?

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted for a 1-hour Skype interview. All applicants, whether or not selected for an interview, will be notified of a decision by May 2016.

About Youth County Projects Kenya and the Founder

Violet Mbiti is the founder of the blog “Youth County Projects Kenya” that seeks to fill the knowledge and awareness gap regarding youth projects being implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, National Government, County Governments, donors and individuals in the 47 counties in Kenya.

Violet Mbiti holds a Masters Degree in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from United States International University .She has initiated and implemented projects that cover the health sector, Renewable Energy Sector, Water Sector, Environment Sector and Social Entrepreneurship. She also sought the donors who funded the above projects.

Violet is also an alumni of the Political Leadership and Governance Programme offered by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung which is funded by the German Government and is the Vice Chairperson of Improved Stoves Association of Kenya Machakos County. Violet is an advisory council board member of Hand in Hand Eastern Africa youth project titled “The Peace and Prosperity through Job Creation”.

This platform seeks to motivate youth to initiate projects in their respective communities to achieve Vision 2030 within the social,economic and political pillars.

You want your concerns around Project Management,Resource Mobilization/Fundraising,Governance, Leadership, Democracy,Social Development, and Youth Empowerment fixed? Find me.

Like our Facebook Page: Youth Projects Kenya

Like our Twitter Page: @youthprojects

Do you have a question? Send it to: youthprojectskenya@gmail.com

Website: http://www.youthcountyprojectskenya.wordpress.com