The third edition of the Relinked Social Impact in Action Forum took place on May 24, 2024, and it was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of change-makers, thought leaders, and organizations committed to driving positive social impact, sustainable development, and regenerative practices. Held at the Kenya Comfort Hotel & Suites in Milimani, Nairobi, under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships for Social Impact, Sustainable Development, and Regenerative Futures”, it encapsulated the urgency of collaborative efforts in addressing challenges, exploring opportunities, innovating, and formulating best practices. It was a day of insights, advice, and bright ideas, featuring interactive talks, discussions, experiential learning, and presentations.
Highlights of the Forum:
The theme of the forum was crystallized under the following topics:
- A Case for Networked Development; The importance of collaboration, connectivity, and partnerships, designed to help participants build successful partnerships without risking their operational model, impact objectives, business focus, or reputation.
This topic was facilitated by Ms. Betty Oloo Anderson, a distinguished professional in the field of International Development and a passionate Rotarian, currently serving as President-elect at the Rotary Club of Lavington Jioni in Nairobi, Kenya.
Drawing from her own experience, having worked for global organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund, and MannionDaniels Africa, among other social development programs in fragile and conflict-affected settings that required her to work in a consortium of partnerships, Betty’s presentation underscored the importance of collaboration as a prerequisite for long-term success.
Some points to note from the session:
- Partnerships thrive when everybody is on the same boat and reading from the same script.
- To lay a proper groundwork for tangible change, explore the dynamics of trust, and network building, organizational development, and ensure ownership in partnerships through accountability, transparency, and open communication.
- Determination, perseverance, adaptability, continuous learning, and having a growth mindset, will go a long way to ensure the set impact objectives are achieved.
- Ensure you have a deeper understanding of the context and the people you are dealing with.
- Don’t be afraid to push back when the partnership or collaboration process veers off the set objectives.
Never underestimate the networks that you have for you will never know when you might need them.
Betty Oloo Anderson
Another topic was:
- Regenerative Futures Concept; A beyond SDGs mindset that envisions thriving communities and a healthier ecosystem that focuses on restoring, renewing, and revitalizing products, services, and systems.
This session, a build-up from the previous one and designed to tie the theme together, ignited a sense of purpose and agency among participants, emphasizing the need for everyone to be deliberate about their objectives, especially as captains of social impact initiatives, because every action has a ripple effect that is either positive or negative. Expounding on the topic, Mr. Waihiga K. Muturi gave examples of regenerative practices from the everyday realities and experiences of everyone, such as shopping, and tied it to what organizations could do to inculcate a mindset that is tuned towards restoring, renewing, and revitalizing products, services, and systems.
From formulating efficient systems and processes to inventing solutions that empower communities and enable sustainable development, the session also called on participants to a change of thought and mindset for a healthier ecosystem of thriving communities to be realized.
Here, Waihiga opined that innovation also entails improving.
The paradigm shift needed is to look beyond financial promises and values to a wider measure of success such as supporting others to build capabilities and nurture relationships, mutuality, and reciprocity.
Towards a Regenerative Future therefore entails:
- Collaboration; Forge meaningful partnerships.
- Innovation; Embrace sustainable solutions.
- Empowerment; Empower individuals and communities.
- Policy; Advocate for enabling environments.
Collaboration is also about trouble shooting
Waihiga K. Muturi.
A session segment spotlighting Social Impact in Action; Making Good Famous.
This was a session at the forum where social impact organizations and individuals shared and/or showcased their success stories, impact, and best practices.
- The success stories were: What’s working for them.
- The challenges were: what’s not working for them.
- The opportunities and solutions entailed: what needs to be done.
Some of the organizations featured:
United Women’s Empowerment Programme Africa-UWEPA
UWEPA is an NGO operating in Kenya to transform the economic, health, and social well-being of women in Kenya by building individual agency and group social capital through savings, and entrepreneurship. By providing financial literacy training, access to credit, and business development support, they empower women to become economically self-reliant. UWEPA also addresses their health-related needs by advocating for better healthcare services and education.
Pictured in the middle above, is Ms. Paulyne Wairimu, the organization’s Table Banking Project Coordinator, giving a presentation on behalf of UWEPA. Also contributing to the discussion from UWEPA are Christine Agonya (Left) and Joseph Wanyonyi (Right).
Partners for Care
Partners for Care has made a significant impact in Kenya through a multifaceted approach, touching lives through healthcare, education, empowerment, and community transformation.
The organization works toward eliminating preventable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, waterborne illnesses, and malnutrition. Partners for Care’s impact includes the launch of computer schools, distribution of mobility carts to physically disabled adults and children, running a mHealth program that has treated more than 50,000 people, distribution of bed nets to families with children, distribution of water backpacks throughout Kenya to schools, households, hospitals, and businesses; and running literacy schools.
The organization has formed partnerships with key organizations that support their work and contribute both financially and through in-kind donations such as computers, mobility carts, water backpacks, bed nets, sports gear, etc.
Mary Wang’ang’a (pictured above), the Mobility Carts and Devices Program Director at Partners for Care, shared about the organizations programs and impact at the forum.
Umoja Foundation
Based in Kisumu County, the Umoja Foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower children to shape a brighter future for themselves and their community by providing access to quality education, and psychosocial support.
The organization goes beyond mere enrollment of the children in school, to ensuring that every child has the necessary support to excel academically, emotionally, and socially. Umoja Foundation’s Education programs entail offering educational support to children in primary school by providing them with learning materials and school lunches.
Their nutrition program provides meals to 5,000 primary school pupils in 21 schools while also offering vital nutritional support to child-headed households.
Umoja also empowers guardians to the children to be self-sufficient through initiatives such as village saving programs/table banking, and other income-generating activities.
Leonard Otieno Otiende (pictured above), the Umoja Foundation Kenya Director, was present to showcase the work done by the organization in Kisumu County.
Green Africa Group
The Green Africa Group focuses on implementing practical hands-on community-driven agribusiness and entrepreneurship projects aimed at greening the African continent. The group produces, connects, and impacts various aspirations of humanity through sustainability and eco-solutions, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, shipping & logistics, environmental protection initiatives, as well as hospitality and furnishings.
The organization has been shaped under the stewardship of its founder Dr. Kalua Green, whose life philosophy of working towards Kindness to human beings, safeguarding Sustainable Livelihoods, and being Passionate about Environmental Conservation drives everything that he does. The Green Africa Group has been in operation in Kenya for close to 30 years.
The Green Africa Group was represented by Esther Mbula Kiiti (pictured above).
Rainbow Room Foundation
The Rainbow Room Foundation empowers the communities in Bungoma County through educational programs, mentorship sessions, internship opportunities, skills development, recreational activities, and outreach to the elderly.
Here’s what they offer at a glance:
- Educational Programs: These programs aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of teenagers, adolescents, and youth.
- Mentorship Sessions: The sessions guide young individuals and help them make informed decisions about their future.
- Internship Opportunities: Allows participants to gain practical experience and develop professional skills.
- Skills Development: To equip individuals with practical abilities that can enhance their employability.
- Recreational Activities: Rainbow Room Foundation organizes recreational activities, promoting physical and mental well-being among community members.
- Elderly Empowerment: They also empower the elderly by providing support and resources to enhance their quality of life.
Fred Sihanya (pictured above), shared about the amazing work that the Rainbow Room Foundation does in Bungoma County.
Mwananchi Healthwatch Initiative
The Mwananchi Health Watch Initiative is a non-profit organization based in Kenya whose mission is to champion quality, accessible, and affordable health care in the country. They focus on addressing health inequities and promoting better health outcomes for all.
The Initiative is making commendable strides in championing quality, accessible, and affordable health care in Kenya. MWHI has hosted expert panel discussions on critical health-related topics that provide valuable insights and foster collaboration among stakeholders. It also drives advocacy initiatives for Kenyans whose access to health care and financial security are compromised by structural barriers, affordability, poor health delivery, lack of information, and unfair business practices in the healthcare industry.
Happiness Wangui (pictured above), represented MHWI and spoke about the organization’s impact objectives.
Women Kenya Network
Woman Kenya Network (WOKN) is committed to advancing gender equality and promoting the equitable participation of women and girls in society. Launched in 2018, WOKN has grown in leaps and bounds to become an award-winning platform and the trusted voice for women and girls. Through its media advocacy, WOKN has made significant strides in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls in Kenya. Here are some of the impactful areas where WOKN has made a difference:
- Advocacy and Awareness: WOKN actively advocates for gender equality through media campaigns, workshops, and community engagement.
- Economic Empowerment: WOKN supports women entrepreneurs by providing training, mentorship, and access to resources. Their efforts help women gain financial independence and contribute to economic growth.
- Leadership and Representation: WOKN encourages women’s participation in leadership roles and decision-making processes.
- Community Building: WOKN fosters networks and partnerships among women and organizations. These collaborations amplify their impact and create a supportive ecosystem for women.
Women Kenya Network was represented by Marynciana Adema pictured above.
Michael O. Okello, a human rights lawyer, an astute land economist, and an author passionate about sustainability, moderated the forum. Mike ensured that each session was engaging, insightful, and impactful. His ability to facilitate discussions, encourage diverse perspectives, and keep the energy high, left a lasting impression on all participants.
At the end of it all, participants were absorbed into the mission of the Relinked Social Impact in Action Forum, which is to enhance a lifetime commitment to social impact, and Link (connected with an opportunity or idea that resonates well with them), Re-link(accelerated broad and deep action through learning, collaboration, and complementing each other’s work), and Re-linked (elevated their ideas, catalyze a social impact movement, and thrive in their mission).
Through various platforms and in collaboration and partnership with others, the initiative will keep on advancing the efforts of various individuals and organizations to create a world in which societies and communities are safer, fairer, healthier, better governed, prosperous, and environmentally more sustainable.
