Jiactivate Youth Devolution Dialogue in Athi River Ward,Mavoko Constituency,Machakos County

Violet Mbiti Foundation and Organization of African Youth Kenya Chapter held Phase 2 of Jiactivate Devolution Dialogue in Athi River Ward,Mavoko Sub County Machakos County where 10 youth organizations were represented.

Also in attendance was Member County of Assembly Hon Robert Kisini Mca Athiriver ,Constituency Manager Eric who represented Hon Makau,Member of Parliament Mavoko Constituency,The County Government was represented by officials from Ministry of Trade and Investment .

Honourable Robert Kisini,Member County of Assembly Athi River Ward,Machakos County

The Member of Parliament and Member County Assembly assured the youth that they will work with the committee to ensure projects are implemented by youth to ensure they are empowered holistically.
Mr Eric,Constituency Manager,Mavoko Consttituency,Machakos County

Mr Wise from the Department of Trade County Government of Machakos

Violet Mbiti Foundation Coordinator for Machakos County,Mr Bonarges Mutuku

Previous engagement was conducted during Phase 1 of Jiactivate in Wamunyu Ward Mwala Constituency Machakos County.Devolution was discussed in depth with regard to The National Government and County Government.Issues ailing the youth were addressed and a youth committee was formed which will advocate for youth issues at the County Government with regard to policy formulation and enactment.

Athi River Youth got JIACTIVATED # Violet Mbiti Foundation # Organization of African Youth #www.youthcountyprojectskenya.com

Violet Mbiti Foundation membership in the Kenya Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Network

Grateful that Violet Mbiti Foundation is one of The Members of The Kenya Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Network where we are attending a 3 day coalition training courtesy of Torchlight Collective. We will champion for SRHRights for Adolescents and Youth #GodSpeed#VioletMbitiFoundation#

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Request for Application to attend AfriYAN General Assembly

URGENT. Please share or nominate from existing networks or organizations you are aware of….

We are looking to invite 10 young people representing regional networks from young people living with HIV, young key population (LGBTI) networks, young people living with disabilities to the AfriYAN General Assembly to take place 7 to 9th November.

If you know anyone from any country in East and southern Africa that works with a regional network or organization… Please ask them to send their bio and expression of interest asap to afriyan.esa@gmail.com

They must belong and work with:
1) a network or organization that operates regionally
2) age up to 28 years old
3) have valid passport and can travel to Addis 7 to 9 November
4) have taken part in previous meetings on HIV,. SRH..Youth development

Sorry for short notice…need this by Today, latest tomorrow morning 19/Oct/17.#VioletMbitiFoundation#www.youthcountyprojectskenya.com

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Opportunity for Women in the field of Education,Space Sciences,Mathematics and Engineering courtesy of Africa Youth Commission

Africa Youth Commission

AYC is looking for biography/profile of women/girls to be nominated for a capacity building program. The candidates should be between 21 and 32 years old, working or studying in the field of Education, Space sciences, Mathematics and Engineering.

If you know of these young women/girls in your countries please send kawsu.sillah@gmail.com their details if possible on or before close of business 19th October 2017.Would be grateful! Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.#VioletMbitiFoundation#www.youthcountyprojectskenya.com

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

OSIEA Young Leaders Forum

Young Leaders Forum (YLF) is an annual program for learning and networking, dialogue and capacity building sessions for youth between the age of 18-35 years, from social enterprises, business start-ups, civil society, international organizations and public institutions. Convened for the first time in 2016 by the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA), The 2017 Young Leaders Forum will be held from November 15-17, 2017 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, inviting young leaders from across Africa.

There are no fees to attend the forum. Organizers will also provide limited support for meals and accommodation for participants from outside Dar es Salaam. Participants are however expected to cover their travel costs to and from the conference. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis up to October 27, 2017 hence you are encouraged to apply as earlier as possible. Should you need to get in touch with the organizers write to us at youthforum@osiea.org

To apply,click on the link below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv8xKyy47mLcDT9hevw4NyTqNUqHav2BcZNT6CMTzofcXzgg/viewform

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

East Africa Youth Leadership Summit

Since 2014, every year, the MS-Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC) and its partners host a youth leader’s event with financial support from Danish Aid (DANIDA). The 2017 East Africa Youth Leadership Summit aims to bring together current and future leaders across East Africa to take stock of successes, challenges and lessons learned in fostering youth participation in governance and development processes in the region, and acquiring new ways of confronting challenges while maximizing the opportunities available at country and regional levels – going forward. Selected participants will be current leaders and those who have demonstrated leadership and talent potential in the political/government, private/business/entrepreneurship, media, the creative and the NGO/voluntary sectors and the academia/young researchers.

Dates: 27th November – 1st December 2017

Venue: The summit will take place at the beautiful MSTCDC campus in Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania

What we offer
The summit is entirely free of charge for all selected participants. Participation to the summit is fully sponsored by MSTCDC and its partners. The MSTCDC has offered a full board scholarship covering accommodation in shared rooms, full course meals, all conference facilities and entertainment and outdoor activities.

What participants need to cover

Selected participants are expected to cover their round trip public transport to and from MSTCDC in Arusha. There are a couple of easy to buy air and bus options in and out of Arusha daily.

Further support to be expected

Participants requiring support with finding suitable transport options – including in country ground transfers either airport or Arusha bus terminals to MSTCDC will be supported by the organisers, but will remain responsible for paying the transport fair
Health insurance and medical support

Participants with special needs and those with conditions requiring special medical attention are advised that the organisers are not in position to offer any form of special needs medical or health care. Kindly indicate such, on your application, so that you are advised accordingly prior to arrival.

To apply:Click on the link below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEJKfp1Xa35TkLuoOhqyOVnnks3kCBKy_FVSWThTg3JDJVMQ/viewform?fbzx=926136408370080900

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Apply to be among the young 17 SDGs Change-Makers Cohort 2

Last September, the United Nations announced the inaugural class of the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals – 17 young change-makers whose leadership is catalyzing the achievement of the Goals. From food to fashion to finance, the Young Leaders come from many different backgrounds, represent every region in the world and help activate young people in support of the Goals. The call for applications for the next class of Young Leaders of SDGs is now live!

Convened by the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, these Young Leaders are recognized for their leadership and contribution to a more sustainable world. The Young Leaders come together as a community to support efforts to engage young people in the realization of the SDGs both through strategic opportunities with the UN and through their existing initiatives, platforms and networks. Young Leaders will be expected to actively support one or more of the following objectives:

• Advocate for the Goals, in ways most accessible and relatable to young people across different contexts;
• Promote innovative ways of engaging their audiences and peers in the advocacy and realization of the Goals;
• Contribute to a brain trust of young leaders supporting the UN and partners for key moments and initiatives related to the Goals.

Each year, a new “Class” will be nominated through an open call for nominations and assessed according to robust selection criteria by a diverse selection committee.

The Young Leaders Initiative is powered by the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, in collaboration with our amazing partners. The Initiative is part of the Global Youth Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015 and housed in the Envoy’s Office.

To apply click on this link:http://sdgyoungleaders.org/apply

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Apply for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative

Now recruiting for 2018 leadership program

The Ashinaga Africa Initiative began in 2014. Its mission is to contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa’s expanding role in global development through increasing access to higher education abroad. We support orphaned students who are committed to returning home and initiating change, by providing access to full financial support to study at a university abroad (equivalent to an undergraduate degree). Ashinaga support covers tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and other necessary fees.

Learn more about the Ashinaga Africa Initiative

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be an orphan, having lost one or both parents
• Be 23 or younger, having been born after October 1, 1995
• Have graduated high school within the past two years
• Be committed to returning to Sub-Saharan Africa once they have finished their studies abroad

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Working email address and telephone number
• Document proving the death of one or both parents, such as a death certificate
• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, national ID or passport
• Secondary school/high school graduation certificate
• Results from final national exams
• Academic report cards from the last two years of high school/secondary school
• Recommendation letter from a principal or teacher
• Passport-style photo of yourself
• Both essays described below

Essays

Please type/write using a separate sheet of paper. If you choose to handwrite your essays, please write in print and with black ink. Essays written with pencils will not be accepted.

• Essay 1: Please describe how you grew up and experienced losing your parent(s). What challenges have you faced after the loss of your parent(s) and what have you done in order to overcome them? Please write in detail, especially the actions you took to continue and further your education. (Maximum 500 words)
• Essay 2: Please describe the goals you wish to achieve after graduating from university abroad. Outline how the skills and knowledge you gain from a university degree would help you reach your goals when you return to Sub-Saharan Africa. (Maximum 500 words)

Remember that these essays are personal—they are about you and so should only be written by you. Ashinaga is interested in how you make the most of what is available to you.

Eligible Countries

Anglophone and Lusophone Recruitment (October to February) (Applications open from October 1st)

Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Francophone Recruitment (April to August) (Applications now closed)

Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, and Togo

How to apply for the Anglophone and Lusophone Recruitment

There are three ways to apply for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative, although we prefer online applications or those sent by email. There is no application fee, and you must never pay anyone to apply or to apply on your behalf.

Please note that if you apply by post, all submitted documents will not be returned to you. Therefore, you must send copies of documents ONLY.

	Online	Email	Post
Step 1	Gather all the required documents, except for the application form.	Click here to download the english application form	Click here to download the english application form,or ask for the form from your local Japanese embassy.
Step 2	Scan the required documents in either PDF or JPG format.	Print the application form and fill it out.	Print the application form and fill it out.
Step 3	Click here to apply online	Scan the completed application form and the other required documents in either PDF or JPG format.	Make photocopies of your completed application form and all other required documents
Step 4	Application complete	Email your scanned documents to: admissions.en@ashinaga.org Use your name and country as the email title.	Send all photocopies to the following address: Ashinaga Africa Initiative Recruitment Team P. O. Box 16864 – Kampala, UGANDA Do not send original documents, copies only.
Step 5	–	Application complete	Application complete

Application process

Step	English and Portuguese	French
Applications open	October 1, 2017	TBA
Applications close	February 25, 2018	TBA
Document screening	February-March 2018	July-August 2018
Invitation to interview	End of March 2018	End of August 2018
Interviews	April to May 2018	September 2018
Final decision	Mid-May 2018	End of September 2018
Notification and acceptance	End of May 2018	Early October 2018
Preparation / Health check	June 2018	October 2018
Start of study camp	Early July 2018	November 2018

To learn more visit: http://en.ashinaga.org/apply/aai/

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

 

Imara-Policy Fellowship

Deadline:25^th  October 2017

Imara Policy Fellowship is an Initiative of MA Group, County Governance Watch
(CGW), Africa Youth Leadership Forum (AYLF) and International leadership University
(ILU). These organizations share in the indelible mission of developing future Africa
leaders grounded in values of integrity, social empathy and creativity.

The 2018 Fellowship targets to develop Kenya’s Future Policy Leaders, focusing on policy and business.

To apply:Click on the link below and apply
IMARA-FELLOWSHIP–CALL-FOR-APPLICATION (2)

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

 

 

Violet Mbiti Foundation Coordinator for Mandera County

It was a pleasure meeting Violet Mbiti Foundation Coordinator for Mandera County , Abdi , where we discussed upcoming projects.

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Violet Mbiti Foundation engagement with Ministry of Health in Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health

It was a pleasure attending The Health Stakeholders Round table meeting with the Director Dr Jeane Patrick and Programs Officer Martin Mburu ,Family Health Division,Reproductive and Maternal Health Services Unit,Ministry of Health.The meeting was planned by Organization of Africa Youth Kenya Chapter and Violet Mbiti Foundation is one of its partners in the counties.

Youth organizations present were JCI,Chanuka,YMCA,OAY and Violet Mbiti Foundation.

The meeting’s aim was to 1.Explore possible areas of partnerships with the Ministry of Health and build stronger relationships with the government especially Family Health Division, Reproductive and Maternal Health Services Unit (RMHSU)
2. To explore avenues and opportunities of participating in relevant MoH committees and Technical Working Group 3.To jointly plan the launch and dissemination of the Advocating for Adolescents Health and Wellbeing Toolkit

Dr Jeane Patrick Director Family Health Division, Reproductive and Maternal Health Services Unit (RMHSU) and Mike Asudi of Organization of African Youth

Violet Mbiti Foundation Executive Director at the meeting

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

 

 

Request for Applications:Empowered Entrepreneur Training Fund

Deadline: October 12th 2017

Visionaria Network is now accepting applications for the Empowered Entrepreneur Training Fund (EETF). EETF is a small grants fund designed to partially subsidize training programs for organizations working to sell cookstoves and other energy products in East Africato train their sales staff or entrepreneurs in critical business, empowerment and leadership training. 

This fund is made possible through support from the USAID-funded Developing a Sustainable Cookstove Sector (DSCS) Project, implemented by Winrock International.  The DSCS project’s goal is to mitigate negative climate, health and other development impacts caused by the inefficient use of biomass fuels for cooking through the development of sustainable cookstove markets that will lead to widespread adoption of clean, efficient cooking solutions. EETF funds will be used to hire certified trainers that have already been trained and certified by Winrock International (“Winrock”) under the USAID-funded Developing a Sustainable Cookstove Sector (DSCS) project.

The EETF will support organizations in conducting trainings using the Empowered Entrepreneur Training Handbook for entrepreneurs and sales agents – particularly women – who sell or contribute to the improved cookstove value chain (manufacturing, sales, distribution, service, etc.). The Fund may also support organizations in conducting trainings using the Empowered Entrepreneur Training Handbook for youth, with the purpose of having youth participants participate in and build clean energy markets through the sale of fuel efficient cookstoves or cleaner/alternative fuels.

Selection Criteria for Fund Applicants

• Organizations must be actively supporting the sale and use of improved cookstove, including but not limited to the following aspects of the clean-cooking value chain: manufacturing, marketing, sales, distribution, maintenance, etc.
• Organizations must engage entrepreneurs or sales agents – preferably including women – in value chain activities; or be working with youth to market and sell cookstoves or other products in the clean energy value chain.
• Organizations must be based / working in the East Africa region.
• Organizations with cost-effective budgets will be prioritized.

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Please review the complete RFA, including additional background, cost-sharing requirements, receipt submission criteria, and other guidance.

download eetf request for applications (rfa)

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

GrowthAfrica Acceleration Programme 2018: Inviting Applications from Ethiopia, Zambia, Kenya and Uganda

Deadline:15th October 2017

GrowthAfrica announces call for applications to its Acceleration Programme 2018 in Ethiopia, Zambia, Kenya and Uganda!

We are very excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2018 GrowthAfrica Acceleration Programme in Ethiopia, Zambia, Kenya and Uganda. The objective of the programme is to scale ventures, make them investment ready and to develop entrepreneurial leadership. We are targeting ambitious, committed and innovative entrepreneurs.

The programme invites applications from ventures that are: scalable and innovative, led by ambitious entrepreneur(s), seeking to grow exponentially, are seeking investments to grow and are in their post revenue (not idea) stage. Ventures from all sectors are welcome to apply. We do have a soft spot for ventures from the following sectors:

• Agribusiness
• Education
• IT/mobile solutions
• Fintech
• Renewable energy
• Construction and affordable housing
• Water & sanitation
• Health
• Manufacturing/processing
• Renewable energy

We are looking for entrepreneurs with a passion to grow their business to the next level. If you are that entrepreneur please, APPLY today on: www.growthafrica.com/apply/

Application deadline: Sunday, October 15th, 2017 at 00:00 hours.

We will through a competitive recruitment process be selecting 12 ventures from each of the following countries Ethiopia, Zambia, Kenya and Uganda. The 6 months’ programme will commence in March 2018.

GrowthAfrica has worked with SMEs, startups and entrepreneurs, walking with them until they are investment ready through business acceleration and providing strategic advice. Over the past 15 years, we have successfully run 12 (plus currently running 2) Acceleration Programmes with 128 ventures from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, helped companies raise over USD 44  million in funding and created more than 25,400 jobs. Some enterprises we are or have worked with include:  Marini Naturals (Kenya), YenePay (Ethiopia), Soko (Kenya), iProcure (Kenya), Dirkosh (Ethiopia), RoundBob (Uganda) among others.

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Applications Open for IWGIA’s Indigenous Youths Program

Deadline:13th November 2017

OPEN CALL: IWGIA calls for innovative concept notes for projects for and by indigenous youths relating to one of the overall thematic priorities of IWGIA’s work: Climate action, Global governance, or Land rights.

Projects selected will be:

• Innovative!
  In relation to IWGIAs work with indigenous peoples’ rights, innovation means: help IWGIA and our target groups and partners to solve challenges faced by indigenous peoples in new, effective ways. Either through new methodologies, new partnerships with formations IWGIA usually has not been collaborating with, or by developing new devices, means of communication or other innovative solutions. Innovation implies a willingness to take some risks and try out new things – this is also the case for the IWGIA innovation lab.
• Be based on new forms of partnerships with i.e. private sector, knowledge institutions, tech institutions, other NGOs, networks etc.
• Have potential to generate further funding
• Have up-scaling potential
• Introduce new methodology to challenges faced by young indigenous peoples
• Be able to yield initial results within 1-2 years
• Fall within at least one of the pre-defined areas of climate change, land rights or global governance.

Other selection criteria

The call is open for indigenous youth organisations, who have received international donor funding previously.

The activities supported under this call should be carried out in one of the following countries: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Peru, Bolivia, Kenya or Tanzania or be regional or global in scope.

For proposals that are regional or global in scope, activities and/or target groups of the activities have to be from countries on the OECD-DAC’s list of developing countries in the categories ‘Least Developed Countries’, ‘Other Low-Income Countries’ or ’Lower Middle-Income Countries and Territories’.

Project duration should not exceed 2 years.

Maximum budget: 45.000 USD.

Technical requirements

2-pages concept note for an innovative project that falls within the criteria listed in this document can be submitted (use the IWGIA innovation lab concept note below). Because of the very limited budget available for this call, IWGIA envisions supporting only 1-2 projects.

Download Concept Note by clicking on the link below
https://www.iwgia.org/images/documents/innovation-open-call-concept-note.pdf

Application deadline

Send the concept note to sil@iwgia.org no later than November 13th, 2017.

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

Applications Open for Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya Programme

Deadline:13th November 2017

What is the Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya Programme?

The Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya is Africa’s leading women in tech incubator, aligning with calls for more diversity in technology and for more opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership expertise. The programme is an initiative of Standard Chartered in partnership with Strathmore University @iBizAfrica incubator.

The programme combines world class startup support with local and international experience to provide Africa’s most competitive and attractive startup incubation program focusing immersive learning, mentorship, building and growing Africa’s next iconic startups taking on the continent’s most relevant challenges and opportunities.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking to recruit the best entrepreneurial minds, women-lead startup teams leveraging on technology as a key driver of innovation in business.

The principle founder must:

1. be a woman:
2. 18 to 35 years of age
3. of Kenyan nationality

What are the the programme thematic areas?

Applicants may submit applications across the following thematic areas:

1. Agribusiness
2. Education
3. IT
4. Mobile solutions
5. Digital Banking
6. E-Commerce
7. E-Health
8. Fintech

Who can apply?

Principal founders of women-lead teams from the general public, all schools, colleges and universities in Kenya.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must be Kenyan centric i.e. be aligned with the needs of Kenyans and aimed at mitigating these challenges
2. Must be innovation driven, leveraging on technology and new business models across thematic areas  i.e. Agribusiness, Education, IT/mobile solutions, Digital Banking, E-Commerce, E-Health and Fintech
3. Must be women focused – entrants must be led by a woman with majority stake in the company
4. Business model must have clear focus on sustainability and alignment to the sustainable development goals.
5.  3 months to less than 2 years of operations
6. Seeking support for proof of concept, customer, product and business model development
7. Pre-revenue with early traction (users). Post revenue is an added advantage.
8. Not received investment of more than KES. 500,000 and not participated in a similar program in the last 2 years.

What do Participants Get?

1. Three months incubation at Strathmore University’s leading tech incubator
2. Mentorship from world class mentors
3. Coaching by top business, technolgy and legal professionals
4. Immersive, worldclass entrepreneurship cirriculum
5. Networking and exposure to expand your business networks
6. Membership to the Kenya Womein In Technology fellowship program and alumni network upon successful completion

What do Winners Get?

10 teams will compete to secure seed funding and 9 months ongoing support from Standard Chartered and @iBizAfrica to assist with go-to market and scale. 5 top teams will walk away with up to USD 10,000 or KES. 1 million seed grant funding to launch and grow their businesses!

Intellectual property and equity stake

1. The applicants retain their IP
2. We do not take equity for seed funding granted through this program.

Got what it takes? Apply now!

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?

 

Call for Applications to join the Youth Can! advocacy training programme in Kenya and Tanzania

Deadline for Applications: 15 October 2017

DSW is pleased to announce a call for applications to join the Youth Can! training programme on advocacy for Family Planning and Reproductive Health.

DSW is seeking applications from youth-focused (with a special preference for youth-led) CSOs in Tanzania and Kenya by 15 October 2017. The capacity development workshops in Tanzania and Kenya will take place between March and June 2018.

About the training programme:

The training programme is a component of a larger Capacity Development project, aiming to strengthen local advocacy leadership on FPRH in East Africa, and offers an opportunity for CSOs in Tanzania and Kenya to strengthen their advocacy skills and knowledge, learn about new tools and approaches, as well as to share knowledge and exchange with other CSOs.

In each of the two countries, we will select up to 6 youth-focused (with a special preference for youth-led) organizations who will participate in foundational trainings to develop their capacity to conduct effective and meaningful advocacy in their regions/ districts. Based on an in-depth capacity and needs assessment of the selected organizations, DSW will develop contextualized training materials. Over the course of four months, DSW will facilitate four trainings, each lasting five-days. Pending results from the assessments, thematic topics might include:

• Organizational vision and advocacy strategy development
• Policy frameworks and processes in Family Planning and Reproductive Health
• Techniques and tools for evidence-based advocacy
• Collaboration and networking in advocacy

As part of the training program, DSW will support trainees in identifying key challenges that need to be addressed in their counties and in developing advocacy strategies addressing those challenges. At the end of the training program, all participating CSOs are invited to submit proposals for funding to implement these advocacy strategies. Those CSO’s selected as sub-grantees will not only receive funding but also benefit from mentoring and other technical assistance throughout the duration of their sub-grant.

Benefits and Obligations:

• Selected CSOs can send two representatives of their organization at no cost to attend the four five-day training workshops
• Selected CSOs need to sign an agreement with DSW, committing to active engagement in the training program and beyond
• The selected two representatives are obliged to transfer the knowledge to other staff in their organization and to the management

Eligibility Criteria for CSOs

• Youth-focussed or youth-led CSO
• Previous experience in Advocacy for Family Planning or Reproductive Health
• CSO must have experience managing and implementing projects with external funding
• Tanzanian applicants: Locally registered and active in any of the following regions:
  • Shinyanga, Mwanza, Dodoma, Daressalaam, or Arusha
• Kenyan applicants: Locally registered and active in any of the following counties:
  • Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, West Pokot, Transnzoia, Uasin Gishu

 

Application Process and Timeline:

• Deadline for Applications: 15 October 2017 (To: sabine.weber@dsw.org)
• Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed (via phone or skype): 19 October 2017
• Selected applicants will be invited to join the programme: 20 October 2017
• Applicants sign partnership agreement and confirm their availability and commitment to join the programme and name 2 representatives: 23 October 2017
• Confirmed CSOs will undergo an advocacy capacity assessment to inform the training content and material: November 2017
• Training program will start March- June 2018 (there will be 4 trainings, each 5 days, exact dates to be confirmed)

To apply click on the link below:
http://www.dsw.org/en/2017/09/youthcan-call-applications-join-youth-can-advocacy-training-programme-kenya/

Why Violet Mbiti Foundation,Vijana Network International Limited and Youth County Projects Kenya exists
Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by offering quality projects and opportunities that will empower socially, economically and politically the lives of 16 million unemployed youth from the 47 counties in Kenya that we believe we will reach. Want to partner with us?