We’ve made Dr. Francis Tannian’s dream come true! After last year’s fundraising efforts and much planning, WILK’s new Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) has been going strong. Let’s take a look at the results of the pilot over the last several months.
Setting Early Goals
For the pilot of the program, we worked with three groups of participants. The first group from Ildepen got together for its first session in October. Led by WILK Co-Founder Joseph Larasha, the first lesson plan (saving money and building excitement for their future work) was discussed. About half of the group focused their businesses on Livestock Keeping, while the other half was interested in tourism. They were broken up into groups of five for small group work and more specific discussions.
The second orientation session took place in Ilmarba. People who weren’t on the list showed up looking for their chance to join—such is the need of the young people in Kenya for employment. Those who did participate shared their goals, which fell into three categories: those who wanted to find a job, those who wanted to start a business, and those who wanted to do service in their community. Most people in this group are responsible not just for their own families, but also for other children and members of their extended family. They have many responsibilities, so the need for employment is great.
The third group met in Enkong’u Narok, and these participants also had many interests. In particular, they’re aware of the market in their area and what services are missing from it. About half of the group was interested in tourism, but several wanted to be involved in motorcycle repairs. A few also had started nursing school but were unable to finish.
The participants in all three groups signed an agreement that outlined the rules of the program. These young people were eager to learn, and they all needed capital and skills to launch a business. This is why so many people expressed interest in YEP.
YEP’s Community Service
To receive the grants, we required each participant to take part in a community service project. There were three youth groups spread throughout different regions, so all of the groups came together to do their project: building a road.
The community had asked the Kenyan government to help with this project, but help never came. YEP participants took matters into their own hands to make this happen. Participants cleared a 7.5 km stretch of road which will become the major throughway to and from Olmoti. Youth groups spent the day removing trees and shrubs so that, when the bulldozer comes, the lane will be clear and the work can be completed.
By working together for the common good, they also thought about developing businesses that benefit others, too.
Evaluating the Pilot
We also conducted exit interviews to assess the pilot of this program. This feedback is vital so we can make adjustments and improve the program before any future groups enter.
Overall, YEP participants appreciated learning from our trainings, which opened their minds and gave them necessary skills for running businesses. Specifically, they learned that they can use whatever they have to get started, and that idle time is wasted time. One participant said, “Even if I wasn’t getting a grant, I would already be better off. Thank you, WILK, for teaching me to make a life for myself!”
They also liked working together and learning from one another, indicating they want to continue meeting regularly in a larger group after they get their grants. They loved taking part in the service project that will benefit others.
Putting Lessons into Practice
On February 6, 80 participants from our Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) received a $400 grant after completing training and the YEP service project. To qualify, each person was required to attend every training session. One person traveled all the way from Mombasa, which is on the east coast of Kenya, for those trainings.
The following week, grant recipients visited the market to buy stock and supplies for their businesses. Before the grants were distributed, they submitted proposals to show what kinds of businesses they planned to start. Many are using livestock, the traditional Maasai practice, as a business venture while others are filling in gaps where they see them. Some examples include buying and selling bracelets, running a motorcycle taxi service, and even opening a barber shop.
Now their lives have changed for the better. Already, they’re putting newly acquired skills to use by getting to work now that they have the capital to do so. The first round of monitoring in Enkong’u Narok has shown that already some men are turning profits, with one making 8,200 KES (over $60) in just one week.
We have high hopes for these budding entrepreneurs. We can’t wait to see how far they reach!
