tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72842836619399271712024-03-14T07:15:13.072+01:00BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONBUSAOSOWO FOUNDATION (BOF) IS COMMITTED TO RESPONDING TO ISSUES AFFECTING YOUTHS, FAMILIES AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DIFFERENT PROJECTS ,INITIATIVES AND CAMPAIGNS.BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-80476118984548809472023-08-05T20:34:00.002+01:002023-08-05T20:47:32.136+01:00Project_Inspire Interview With Okolo Ikechukwu<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUgOKdx-KfWFMm_ujC7uNIskOwcf8yA0A6mo79JqpK4tEGZdE_1He7EeG3wZmPjH01EMl8RtkbxYAf-sAYZdOa1TCFVbAHsz8I_8zgQmmWlff1MN0dICRa0oeE1xY3dGIIFa5T1GGB8OH-4KxZbSbug8DxAjPdQY-khvI_6INSvdodDOx99toC9ZiQQ8H/s1600/png_20230805_202937_0000.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2295" data-original-width="2295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUgOKdx-KfWFMm_ujC7uNIskOwcf8yA0A6mo79JqpK4tEGZdE_1He7EeG3wZmPjH01EMl8RtkbxYAf-sAYZdOa1TCFVbAHsz8I_8zgQmmWlff1MN0dICRa0oeE1xY3dGIIFa5T1GGB8OH-4KxZbSbug8DxAjPdQY-khvI_6INSvdodDOx99toC9ZiQQ8H/s1600/png_20230805_202937_0000.png" /></a></div>
<i>Confronted with multiple cases of teenage pregnancy at his primary place of assignment as a youth corps member, Okolo Ikechukwu knew that something had to be done to change the prevailing narrative in his host community. This realization led him to launch a teenage pregnancy prevention advocacy program that culminated in the establishment of Milecent Foundation. In this interview with Project_Inspire, Okolo Ikechukwu shares his story of impact. </i><div><b><br /></b></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>:I am Okolo Ikechukwu, 32 years old from Enugu state. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly about your childhood? </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: I had a rough childhood in the creeks of Onitsha. Hawking and scavenging were part of my childhood journey and I believe that, that experience helped shaped me into a better person. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What is your educational background like? </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>:I had my primary school education at Alheri Mortune Memorial School, secondary school education at Christ The King College, Kezz Foundation schools and St Charles Special School all in Onitsha. In 2007, I got admitted to study medical radiography at the University of Maiduguri. After my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a post-graduate diploma in business and entrepreneurship at the Fate Foundation Business Academy. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: As a youth corps member serving at a primary health centre, Ita Elewa, Ikorodu, I witnessed firsthand over 23 cases of teenage pregnancy within three months (October – December 2017) at the health centre. These teen mothers were under 16 years of age. I felt the need not to turn a blind eye to this reality. I knew I had to do something and so I began to carry out advocacy programs on teenage pregnancy in the community and that was the beginning of what we have today as Milecent Foundation. Milecent Foundation is a structured, non-for-profit, non-governmental organization with the mission to improve the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities especially in the areas of health, sex and lifestyle to promote healthy living and engage in shared prosperity for all.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: Our teenage pregnancy prevention advocacy program have directly reached 31,590 teenagers across 42 secondary schools, 3 seminars, 4 churches and 8 communities. We have conducted free medical diagnosis on over 11,233 beneficiaries across 17 communities in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria
During the COVID-19, in partnership with Lagos Foodbank Initiative, we distributed food items worth one million,six hundred thousand naira to 301 families across Ikorodu. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your challenges since you began your non-profit?</div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: Two major challenges have been funding and visibility. However, we understand that it takes both hard work and time to achieve good results. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Share with us one or two experiences that you have had in your journey that has really impacted you. </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: My first local fellowship really impacted me, I got this local fellowship and there were a lot of drilling and assignments given to us. When I graduated from the 6months fellowship, it made a huge impact on me and shaped me into a better change maker.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas but the finances are always a stumbling block, what will your advice be in this regard?</div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: I will always tell young people, "START FIRST ".
Ideas are not fully formed until you start working on them. It is true that funding poses a huge challenge but there is no dearth of opportunities. The more you keep at what you are doing and do it sincerely and excellently, you will meet the right opportunities. But you have to start first. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How has the reaction of people especially fellow young people been like when they see you doing what you do and how have you always responded to them?</div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: People will always doubt you at first but when you keep doing the good work, you will turn doubters to believers. Many young people are impressed by the work I do. I get complements and criticisms. I energize on the compliments and take corrections on the criticisms. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise funds to implement your ideas? </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: We fundraise for our projects and have also won a few grants. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5-10years? </div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: I look forward to setting up healthcare innovation hubs across Nigeria to make diagnosis accessible to everyone irrespective location and status.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: The final word for the Nigerian youth.</div><div>
<i>Ikechukwu</i>: Keep your dreams alive, keep pushing and never give up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing your story with us </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Ikechukwu</i>: It’s my pleasure
</div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-15309409969144615252023-05-10T22:43:00.004+01:002023-05-10T22:47:23.276+01:00PROJECT_INSPIRE INTERVIEW with Adepoju Deborah<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaZKjz8saphjU6tJMt83UaAVuDk69kybe0cICeW51UpMrPyO4dRSGU1-1mCB8pJzbRCWqUMDAHYuWN33ipRWIqPUWtIZztysalTDUC-s28nJ2huhl1o9s-Y9r5iVOhfwpmmM5wAINAYfWQ3WBtE5y2y5dCKut56mRwuMqBH4djR7-_0kwWGXU46OkMg/s1485/png_20230510_210712_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaZKjz8saphjU6tJMt83UaAVuDk69kybe0cICeW51UpMrPyO4dRSGU1-1mCB8pJzbRCWqUMDAHYuWN33ipRWIqPUWtIZztysalTDUC-s28nJ2huhl1o9s-Y9r5iVOhfwpmmM5wAINAYfWQ3WBtE5y2y5dCKut56mRwuMqBH4djR7-_0kwWGXU46OkMg/s16000/png_20230510_210712_0000.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A
profound encounter with a slum community in Makoko forever altered Deborah's
perspective on life. It was a transformative experience that led her to make a
bold decision—to immerse herself in the slum to gain a deeper understanding of
the children's struggles. Recognizing the urgency of their educational needs,
Deborah resolved that their future couldn't be put on hold any longer. Thus,
she embarked on a remarkable journey, founding a floating school initially
catering to 17 children. Today, that humble initiative has blossomed into an
educational haven, empowering and nurturing the minds of 269 young ones. In
this exclusive interview with Project_Inspire, Deborah shares her inspiring
story of compassion and resilience.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: Can we meet you? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: My name is Adepoju Adeola Deborah,a 26-year-old indigene of Ondo State,Nigeria</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: Tell us briefly about your childhood?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">:I grew up Alimosho/ Agege area of Lagos State in a middle-class family. I read a lot as a child because my father bought books every week. I was active in church and school and I lived a pretty childhood. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">:What is your educational background like? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: I started my primary school education at Lusan International School, Alimosho in Lagos State, proceeded to Government Junior Secondary School, Agege in Lagos State and ended at Silver Child Model College,Ogun State for my Senior Secondary School </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: To contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals, I founded the Hope and Support for the Slum Child Initiative, a nonprofit organization committed to eradicating hunger, providing mentorship, empowerment and education for children in slum areas. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: What have your achievements been? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: To cater for the education needs of children in slums, we started a free school in the floating slum of Makoko in Lagos State, Nigeria, which now provide free nursery and primary school education to 269 children. The numbers could have been more if we had the capacity in terms of space and funding to enroll more children. We run monthly feeding programs for slums,children’s day outreaches and yearly Christmas outreaches across the country. Our humanitarian interventions have reached 3,210 directly and we are doing more in 2023.
<br /></span><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: What motivated you to do what you are doing?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: I saw a need and I felt that there is something I could do to meet that need. That’s why I am here and I have no intentions of looking back. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: What has been your challenges since you began your non-profit? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: Funding has been a major challenge. A lot more can be achieved in the communities we work in if we have the funding we need.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: How have you been able to raise funds to implement your ideas? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: I have deployed several means to raise funds from advocacy, stakeholder’s engagements, networking, and seeking sponsorship from companies. We also have a culture of accountability. We judiciously use the monies we receive to do the work it was meant for without stories.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: What are your prospects in the next 5-10years?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">: We want to build more schools in slums across Nigeria and equip them to function independently. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: The final word for the Nigerian youth. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">:Together we can make Nigeria a great nation </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="text-align: left;">PROJECT_INSPIRE</b><span style="text-align: left;">: Thank you for sharing your story with us. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span><i style="text-align: left;">Deborah</i><span style="text-align: left;">:Thank you too for having me</span></span></p>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-12896622289071291042023-03-05T18:01:00.003+01:002023-03-05T18:01:45.831+01:00PROJECT INSPIRE AFRICA INTERVIEW WITH JOYCE AUGUSTINO<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2No6l9eGXlHFvt1APp4qaRleT8yJKIGaSIzunvZi0tsWIro0_oFpKiZ7AqPJDMqbnq4PxGpMiTUfDxrmeHXUL9p72OKGUPt0EN1gdBK9sCncRvBu3K4DA3v26nVbBIb6yq3NiszenW2D4sg7vYyHWnIMAwGXh9xedwIC1fLA-qC4m0DhPGVAZSdIlbA/s3240/Joyce.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="3240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2No6l9eGXlHFvt1APp4qaRleT8yJKIGaSIzunvZi0tsWIro0_oFpKiZ7AqPJDMqbnq4PxGpMiTUfDxrmeHXUL9p72OKGUPt0EN1gdBK9sCncRvBu3K4DA3v26nVbBIb6yq3NiszenW2D4sg7vYyHWnIMAwGXh9xedwIC1fLA-qC4m0DhPGVAZSdIlbA/s16000/Joyce.png" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Most girls in Joyce’s community are
married out before they turn 18. Joyce is not comfortable with this narrative
and has committed her life to changing this narrative. In this interview with
Project Inspire Africa, Joyce shares her journey and her successes.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Can we meet you?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My name is Joyce Augustino, a
42-years old Tanzanian who enjoys travelling, music and singing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tell us briefly about your childhood experience<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am the 6<sup>th</sup> of nine
children. I grew up in an environment where girls were discriminated and
married off before they turn 18. I knew that this was not right and that
dissatisfaction led me to do what I am doing right now. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is your education Background?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hold a Diploma in Business
Administration from College of Business Education, Bachelor of science in
Social Protection from Institute of Finance Management and Master of Arts in
Development Studies from the University of Dar Es Salaam. I had my primary
education at Katubuka Primary School in Kigoma Region before moving to St
Francis De Sales Seminary Morogoro Region. I concluded my secondary school
education at St.Don Bosco Seminary. Dodoma Region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is your contribution towards making your Country a better place?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To change the narratives around
the issues I am passionate about, I founded a nonprofit organization known as Women
and Youth Initiatives. Our nonprofit organization promotes gender equality and
human rights through advocacy; promoting protection measures against early
child marriage and gender-based violence. We also facilitate government
policies to remote areas where it cannot reach and also perform a variety of
social services for the wellbeing of the people.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What are the steps you did take to bring your vision to fruition?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My first step was going to
school, after my studies I registered an organization as a platform for me to
raise my voice for the voiceless to demand their rights. I am still committed
to doing just that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What have been your achievements?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our biggest achievement is the
setting up of a tailoring center for adolescent mothers who were impregnated
and left alone under the age of 18. We want them to be able to carter for
themselves and their unborn children. Our organization has also been able to
establish 75 groups of VICOBA(Village Community Banks) for women where we provide
knowledge on all forms of gender based violence. So far the Organization has
reached 26,000 women and youth in its advocacy against gender based violence.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What motivated you to do what you’re doing?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My desire to boys and girls reach
their fullest potentials in spite of their background drives me. I want to see
a violence free environment. This is why I am taking the steps I am taking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What has been your major challenge since you have begun your
non-profit?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Funding has been a major
challenge. There are a lot of ideas in the pipeline that we are yet to start
because of funding. However, I am committed to thinking out creative ways to
raise funds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I write project proposals to
donors and mobilize my immediate community to support our projects in ways they
can.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Could you share with us one or two experiences you have hard in the
course of your campaigns that have impacted on you?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In one of our campaigns against
Gender Based Violence, I came across young persons who have severely abused but
grow above their pains and are today heroes and heroines in their own right.
Their lives challenged me and I use their story to inspire other young people
to believe in their individual ability to do great things. I have also learnt
in the course of my journey that hard work pay. I started my volunteering journey
at different organizations, working without pay but today I sit in my own
office making my dreams come true.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What are your prospects in the next 5 to 10 years?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We would work to expanding our tailoring
center to accommodate more girls and adolescent mothers and set up a music
academy. We also want to establish GBV club’s in all public secondary and
primary school in my district. There are 31 public secondary schools and 66
public primary schools.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What you think is the major cause of employment in Africa<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our education system is greatly
flawed in that it prepares us to be employees and not employers of labour. We
have to rethink our education system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our government should consider making it easier for startups to have
access to funding and other incentives to help them thrive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you had an
opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Prioritize access to basic social
amenities across Africa. We are long overdue.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thank you for sharing your
story with us<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">It is my pleasure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: left;">Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</span></p><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit our website at: <a href="http://www.busaosowofoundation.org">www.busaosowofoundation.org</a></div><div><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-83099143339226139672023-03-05T17:14:00.002+01:002023-03-05T17:14:36.435+01:00PROJECT_INTERVIEW WITH LUCKY OWOICHO<div><i><br /></i></div>
<i><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThdzlpsDu8eLk-LxanCihtcoeINaYUX4oPnvejI8hvsE861AyuuFSOawyN9GkZlPx4K2vHSVQaDE_hTiS5gtrJvlJrypso3ErdkvUxWnqbcC7p6pvZlNS59D6YdPNrnmqQe5RnmxyJsHPaAL646ymfPxZUxOXUX_W-hM8D_xMJxc8VCZVgp8HcoMPAA/s3240/Lucky.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="3240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThdzlpsDu8eLk-LxanCihtcoeINaYUX4oPnvejI8hvsE861AyuuFSOawyN9GkZlPx4K2vHSVQaDE_hTiS5gtrJvlJrypso3ErdkvUxWnqbcC7p6pvZlNS59D6YdPNrnmqQe5RnmxyJsHPaAL646ymfPxZUxOXUX_W-hM8D_xMJxc8VCZVgp8HcoMPAA/s16000/Lucky.png" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div>Lucky Owoicho is a passionate Nigerian working to bridge the education gap among children in rural communities. In this interview with Project_Inspire ,Lucky shares how he has translated his passion from an idea to reality.</i><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>:My name is Lucky Owoicho,a passionate Nigerian with interest in about volunteering, Sustainable Development Goals ,photography and community service. I love football and I am a fan of Arsenal Football Club</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly your childhood experience </div><div><i>Lucky</i>: I had a memorable childhood. I am the first of four children; I lost my dad at the age of 13 years and lost my mum in my second year in the university at a time that was totally unexpected. Putting all these happenings in perspective changed my life and I am most grateful to God. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What’s your educational background? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>:I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Benue State University. I attended Hope Lifting Nursery/Primary School and Millennium Senior Secondary School,Egbeda all in Lagos State,Nigeria.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>:I have always loved education and to contribute my quota, I started Project Build A School – an Initiative focused on improving education for children in vulnerable and underprivileged communities who have little or no access to quality education. For me this is beyond just a career path but a call to see children in these communities get educated regardless of their social and economic background.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>: Since our inception, we have been able to create a conducive learning space for 200 children free of charge. We have provided school desks, floored the entire classrooms, consistently provided writing materials to aid learning to children, windows, and doors for the school. We are also building sustainable partnerships as we drive positive change. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div>
<i>Lucky</i>: I feel I have an obligation to give as many children a chance to succeed through education. Children in rural communities are almost forgotten and I am stepping in to bridge the gap.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>: As a community-based organization, funding has been a huge challenge. We know we can do more and impact more lives if we have more resources. But in the absence of those resources, we will continue to do our bit with what we have. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard?</div><div><i>Lucky</i>: Start from where you are. Funding is key but without a properly conceived idea money will waste in your hands. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</div><div><i>Lucky</i>: My major source of funding has been family and friends. I also take advantage of my social capital. Building effective partnerships has worked very well for us as an organization.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Lucky</i>: Starting this Initiative from the scratch and seeing it take off in the way it has done gives me fulfilment. In 2021, I started a project that was far-reaching. The deliverables were to Floor 5 classrooms, Fix 5 doors, provide School desks, 25 windows, provide writing materials to a free school. This project achieved 85% of the supposed deliverables. This means a lot to me and my team. I am encouraged to reach out for more. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>: We want to build more classrooms to take in more children and support them to finish school. We hope to replicate the same effects across Africa and in the future build structures that can address educational issues affecting vulnerable and marginalized children. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How can you be reached on social media? </div><div><i>Lucky</i>:Facebook: Lucky Owoicho </div><div>LinkedIn: Lucky Owoicho </div><div> Instagram: @Luckyowoicho </div><div>Twitter: @Lucky_owoicho </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: The final word for the Nigerian youth. </div><div><i>Lucky</i>: Don’t lose faith in Nigeria. The survival of this nation depends on us. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: We are glad to have you speak with us today. </div><div> <i>Lucky</i>: It is my pleasure. Keep up the good work.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit our website at: <a href="http://www.busaosowofoundation.org">www.busaosowofoundation.org</a></div><div><br /></div></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-52844147720404357512023-02-05T11:39:00.000+01:002023-02-05T11:39:58.361+01:00PROJECT_INSPIRE INTERIEW WITH FUNMILOLA ADEDAPO ROTIMI<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-t2AzEbEys9N8LIqE4pP4itX7uubyT4_cM8JtGzfoVXvUAFnZ0KySKSTmSHl7MLOgdtL5fEn-WYJniaLeGtEk_sRXcqvV3F7HgpvpEojvakIhSd6ecxEHZZADf4u7TlKCsZt7nu0R7fUradxBI8xmJ_0s6W4T7XWBIHekH7BOlSZ000ngMQiUpvI-A/s1125/png_20230205_091728_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-t2AzEbEys9N8LIqE4pP4itX7uubyT4_cM8JtGzfoVXvUAFnZ0KySKSTmSHl7MLOgdtL5fEn-WYJniaLeGtEk_sRXcqvV3F7HgpvpEojvakIhSd6ecxEHZZADf4u7TlKCsZt7nu0R7fUradxBI8xmJ_0s6W4T7XWBIHekH7BOlSZ000ngMQiUpvI-A/s16000/png_20230205_091728_0000.png" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><i><div><i><br /></i></div>Raised by a single mother with mental health problems, Funmilola has transitioned from a troubled teenage girl to a hope in the sun for thousands of teenagers today. Through her nonprofit organization, Funmilola is giving children a chance to reach their highest potentials through arts and creative thinking</i>. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: My Name is Funmilola Adedapo Rotimi,a 39-year-old indigene of Ogun State,Nigeria.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly your childhood experience </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: Growing up was tough for me and my siblings especially we are raised by a single parent who had mental health problems. I didn’t get to meet my late dad till he passed on . The separation took a toll on my mother. She was in and out of the mental health facilities but she did all her best in raising us well. I saw her sell her personal possessions like jewelry, clothing items just to send us to school. We had countless night of hunger strikes. I was always falling sick due to poor nutrition but in all, I am still grateful for the gift of a mother. She taught me God’s way, modelled Christ the best way she could and was the first to discover my artistic skill before anyone else.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What’s your educational background? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: I was enrolled in a military primary school(Hussey Military Primary School,Myhong Barracks,Fadeyi) at the age of six. After my primary school education, I moved to Mainland High School Fadeyi ,Lagos State for my secondary education. I graduated from the department of Fine and Applied Art at Federal College of Education,Akoka. But the journey wasn’t this straightforward. I struggled with low self-esteem for a long time and it affected many of the choices I made academically. For instance, in order not to be nailed a dullard,I went into the Commercial Class in secondary school whereas I was and still am a very creative person. Because of this choice, I struggled all through my secondary school education and graduated with very poor results. When I came to my senses, I wrote the GCE examination in pure art subjects and passed in one sitting. Unfortunately, I still didn’t learn from that experience. I spent another six years at home trying to gain admission into the University to study accounting. When I had had enough, I opted for what I was really designed to do,Arts! <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place?</div><div>
<i>Funmilola</i>: I am using my gift to empower the next generation of young people through nonprofit organization Cr8tivehand. Our mission at Cr8tivehand Initiative is to ensure that no child is left behind in the area of art and craft regardless of their background, age, race , religion or culture. We organize free arts and craft workshops for children from ages 4-19 years old. Our end goal is to raise creative thinkers in Nigeria. For us,arts does more for children than spark creativity; it enables them to see the beauty in the world and how they are a big part of that beauty. We help our beneficiaries see the beauty in their lives so that they will be motivated to recreate same in the world. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: Since our inception, we have been able to ignite creativity in the minds of over 2000 children in low and high income communities. We have also built a strong volunteers’ team that has grown to 20 volunteers within a short time. The quality of the work we do came to limelight when our organization was nominated and later won The Most IMPACTFUL NGO of the Year in 2022.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: The sacrificial life of my mother and my childhood struggles accounts for my motivation to step out of my comfort zone and extend a hand of hope to other people; and Cr8tivehand Initiative is the way I continue to do so.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: Funding has been a major challenge for us. Another challenge is mobility. We are yet to get a means of transportation of our own and this causes us to spend a lot on transportation.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: My answer would be, build and leverage on strategic relationships. When I started out first,I was jobless but I had within my circle of friends people who the skills,information and access I needed to kick off the Initiative and I reached out to them and here we are today. Young people must also learn to be consistent, keep doing what you are doing.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How has reactions of people especially fellow young people been like when they see you doing what you do and how have you always responded? </div><div>
<i>Funmilola</i>: Their reactions have been more of WHY? Why do you have to work for FREE when you can work in big school and earn big . And my response is always the same, “ I love what I am doing . It gives me so much joy . I sleep well at night and wake up brighter the next morning. And yes I am training children for free but in the process I have learnt contentment too. The smiles I get from the children after each workshop is enough salary for me . The fact that I can also contribute my own quota to the national development is a big gain for me. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>:I raise funds by creating flyers for awareness. I talk to some personal contacts and I also encouraged my facilitators and friends to help repost on their social media handles. And sometimes my husband also supports us financially. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: To ignite creativity in as many African children both in the low and high income communities as possible through the art and craft. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: The final word for the Nigerian youth. </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: Stay YOUTHFUL. Don’t lose your youthfulness for anything in the world. Keep pushing, keep going and the sky will be your starting point. I love you all and I mean it.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: We are glad to have you speak with us today. </div><div><i>Funmilola</i>: It is my pleasure. Let’s keep doing our bit.
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit our website at: <a href="http://www.busaosowofoundation.org">www.busaosowofoundation.org</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-30574826166204736152022-11-05T22:44:00.003+01:002022-11-05T22:44:47.600+01:00Project_Inspire with Sotikare Victoria Ibiyemi<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4-QLT0AtpHL_EvODEcxuKwk181i18aWc7QXABe-DJQIu-DhDl8NOeZtm3g0Cc2LdO6FhNfzXzjRPxUh1XJ_uL6ZBwME8hTUYm5mHL1pO_QPfD0EkLm2RDCuna_s9kCmFOg3buSsCDVWX-9-e2b4COXYlfA2K4gcjVPt2ISdOgfolgm_PKmFfKRgl5Q/s1600/victoria.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2410" data-original-width="2410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4-QLT0AtpHL_EvODEcxuKwk181i18aWc7QXABe-DJQIu-DhDl8NOeZtm3g0Cc2LdO6FhNfzXzjRPxUh1XJ_uL6ZBwME8hTUYm5mHL1pO_QPfD0EkLm2RDCuna_s9kCmFOg3buSsCDVWX-9-e2b4COXYlfA2K4gcjVPt2ISdOgfolgm_PKmFfKRgl5Q/s1600/victoria.png" /></a></div><i>Sotikare Victoria Ibiyemi is committed to putting smiles on the faces of others and through her nonprofit organization,she is providing humanitarian aids to vulnerable persons. In this interview with Project_Inspire,Victoria tells her story.</i> <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: My Name Is Sotikare Victoria Ibiyemi (Nee Olofin), I am a wife,mother and creative director of Ovigold Empire. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly about your childhood? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: I am the First Daughter and the Second Child of a family of five. Growing up was amazing. I had and still do have the best parents and siblings. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What is your educational background like? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: I attended Silver Child primary school for my primary education and Silver Model for my secondary. I am a graduate of Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and currently a PGD Student of Education in Ekiti State University. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: I believe in giving back to the society which I why I started Wuraola Foundation a registered Non-Governmental Organization whose mission is to support both genders, young and old especially the vulnerable ones through educational programmes, advocacy and community outreaches. Our SDG focuses are, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Good Health and wellbeing, Peace, Justice & Strong Institution and Partnership. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: Together with members of my team, we have been able to reached out to over 10,000 beneficiaries through our yearly scheme on ending hunger promoting good health and wellbeing. We have consistently provided humanitarian aid in terms of food, clothing and healthcare to some of the most vulnerable persons within our community. Our Food Book Drives have reached more than 200 families. Our online trainings, awareness campaigns on topical health issues continues to provide accurate information to our growing audience. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: Seeing people smile has been my motivation in giving back to my community. The joy I see when people are happy keeps me moving in the face of all the challenges that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div>
<i>Victoria</i>: Funding has been a major challenge coupled with the difficulty of getting committed team members but in all,I am not backing down. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: Funding will always be a challenge for many youths but if focus on building strong character and effective relationships, it will be easier to break through the barrier of lack of funding.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: Our major funding has been internally generated from amongst the Board of Trustees to team members and volunteers. We have also enjoyed some leverage from sponsors. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Victoria</i>: Among the many campaigns we have carried,I have been mostly touched by our sexual abuse prevention campaign, My Body Is My Body Campaign. I have realized in the course of this campaign the importance of early sex education. We don’t have to wait to see our children become victims before we know that we could have done better. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </div><div><i>Victoria</i>: With God on our side, we plan to have an orphanage home and a free school to cater for children in low income communities. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today, and how can we get over this? </div><div>
<i>Victoria</i>: Our population is growing faster than our economy making difficult for everyone to thrive. To change this narrative, government must prioritize economic growth by first creating a conducive environment for business to flourish. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How can you be reached on social media? </div><div> <i>Victoria</i>: On all social media platforms: Sotikare Victoria (<a href="https://linktr.ee/sotikare_victoria">https://linktr.ee/sotikare_victoria</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: The final word for the Nigerian youth.</div><div>
<i>Victoria</i>: Don’t give up and your dream. Always remember together we can make the world a better and safe place.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you Victoria for sharing your story with us</div><div> <i>Victoria</i>: It's my pleasure. Thank you too for having me</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-35031174842642344302022-10-05T23:12:00.001+01:002022-10-05T23:12:13.103+01:00PROJECT INSPIRE AFRICA SPEAKS WITH UBALDA MENSAH<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<p class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;"><i><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;"><i><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;"><i><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;"><i><span class="MsoBookTitle"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSuoVjzzaM8kvKBg5iEfPlGK0eBVMMUqSf2tSA8iVzqm6WSbQA-MjFNpS9YMCB_O6_cJKixHxfjDFf_FVXOyg5p9xbKYVsKkcr4rf0McmrSKr-EMJiJgoK0d1hBBBJPDD7PPMaUULvf-ihh5DOJISV_5TwpDJ3vtnzXVdcD2MQlhr8Qar3sotMMELNw/s1080/Digital%20Marketing%20Agency%20Instagram%20Post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSuoVjzzaM8kvKBg5iEfPlGK0eBVMMUqSf2tSA8iVzqm6WSbQA-MjFNpS9YMCB_O6_cJKixHxfjDFf_FVXOyg5p9xbKYVsKkcr4rf0McmrSKr-EMJiJgoK0d1hBBBJPDD7PPMaUULvf-ihh5DOJISV_5TwpDJ3vtnzXVdcD2MQlhr8Qar3sotMMELNw/s16000/Digital%20Marketing%20Agency%20Instagram%20Post.png" /></a></i></div><i><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></i><p></p><p class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;"><i><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-weight: normal;">From
empowering young girls with vocational skills to improving the standard of
schools in ghana,</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Ubalda Mensah is on a mission to empower the next generation of girls to take
responsibility for their lives and contribute to nation building. In this
interview with project Inspire Africa,Ubalda shares her story.</span></i><span class="MsoBookTitle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can we meet you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My name is Ubalda
Mensah, 22-years-old citizen of Ghana and I love to travel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Tell us
briefly your childhood experience.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Growing up,
I did not have the opportunity to get things on a silver platter. This in a way
put some form of pressure on me to strive to be excellent in all I do. There
was no room to fool around although I had the freedom to. My parents
prioritized education and did their best to give me a solid foundation
academically. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What’s your
educational background?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I began my
academic journey at H&E Educational Centre before moving on to Aggrey
Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School. I am currently an undergraduate at the
University of Ghana pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer
Sciences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What are
your contributions towards making your country a better place? </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through my Foundation,
Upward Motion foundation, we are empowering young girls with adequate soft and
vocational skills as a way of promoting gender equality in the country. These
skills are intended to help them become financially independent. We also work
to improve the standard of education in the communities we work in.</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What steps
did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before
starting, I sat down and develop a plan in writing. When the vision was clear,
I began to look for people who may be interested in the vision and get them to
volunteer. I also registered the organization with the government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What have
been your achievements?</b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Through the Foundations’ Girls’ club activities, we have
been able to mentor over 100 young girls and empowered them through delivering
modules on career, leadership, financial education as well as our vocational
skills training.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Foundation has also been able to cement the two classrooms
of the Gomoa Obuasi Primary School and provided some furniture for the children
in order to make learning easier.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 2021, the Foundation got nominations as NGO of the year
and won an award from one of the nominations. In order to understand teenager
pregnancy in Ghana, we decided to set up a teenage mother club where we get to
hear firsthand the experiences of teenage mothers and understand how best to
help them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What
motivated you to do what you are doing?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I simply
want to see young girls be and do more with their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why I endeavor to create
opportunities for them to learn, innovate and express their abilities. I also
believe that the classroom influences education and the approach of students
towards it. How great and conducive a classroom can make learning more
participatory, enjoyable and innovative for school children.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What has
been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are
immune against lack of funding but we are making progress gradually and hope to
do more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding the right people to
join us on this journey hasn’t been easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>How have you
been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I support
the organization’s activities from my entrepreneurial endeavors. I sell liquid
soap, bottles, and ladies underwear. I as fundraise on social media.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Could you
share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your
campaign that has impacted on you?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One experience
I have had was during a visit to an orphanage. We had to raise some amount of
money to buy certain items for the orphanage. I gave members of our team the opportunity
to help raise funds. One week into the program, the feedback was very poor. I
had to do the majority of the fundraising myself and it drained me both
physically and financially. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This experience taught me that no one understands the vision as much as I
do and so though, I have a team, I need to work more than anyone else and as
its pioneer I cannot afford to give up even when everyone else does.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My experience as a young nonprofit
leader has taught me that as a startup leader, you must be prepared and able to
multitask. Sometimes within my organization, I have to work the operations
head, girls’ club coordinator, financial secretary, social media manager and
the one who trains facilitators, leading the team as an executive director. You
need to be willing to work to make things work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10
years?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We look forward
to owning a training institute that will provide free training for young girls,
teenage mothers, and orphans. We also look to renovating and fully equipping at
least five classrooms in the next 5 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do you
think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over
this? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think the
major cause of unemployment in Africa is how theoretical our education system
is. Students graduate from school and yet are poorly equipped with the
practical skills needed to succeed in their field of study. This explains why
in Ghana; foreign engineers handle road constructions even though our
universities churn out hundreds of engineers yearly. This can change if the
focus of education is turned to learning and practice. The second contributory
factor to unemployment is the fear of young people when it comes to venturing
into entrepreneurship due to lack of funds and the difficulties of doing business
in Africa. Nations grow through small and medium enterprises and governments in
Africa must begin to make them a priority.</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa,
what would be your message.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Reduce bureaucracy and create an environment for civil
society to thrive. There are partners in development and democracy; and not
political enemies.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Thank Ubalda for sharing your story with us</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s my pleasure!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h1><br /></h1>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-39651574880331825212022-09-05T20:52:00.004+01:002022-09-05T22:10:26.119+01:00Project Inspire Africa Interview With Vivian Twum<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6ZDXPthF48Nd8-JNhAuUZcvsJDB-TkRTd6m0Hxx-uFCdfwYGU4CXIchq6XQBQr-oqcEliYPhylsbEhZ9vxrHpz6Og01rtWRnpXPuJjI5_I8K_q3Ti_nix1XpWy568Uf4xHhM0erO5owYRa_VsMEnLgWq5tK14Yi1kMD22aH-xXf7jD4-7-xEqBOz8Q/s1080/png_20220905_203534_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6ZDXPthF48Nd8-JNhAuUZcvsJDB-TkRTd6m0Hxx-uFCdfwYGU4CXIchq6XQBQr-oqcEliYPhylsbEhZ9vxrHpz6Og01rtWRnpXPuJjI5_I8K_q3Ti_nix1XpWy568Uf4xHhM0erO5owYRa_VsMEnLgWq5tK14Yi1kMD22aH-xXf7jD4-7-xEqBOz8Q/s16000/png_20220905_203534_0000.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>Helping communities live healthier lives is at the heart of Health Bloom Organization and in this interview with Project Inspire Africa,Vivian Twum talks about Health Bloom Organization and its impact in Ghanaian rural communities.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Can we meet you?</span></b><div>I am Vivian Twum, 21-years-old Ghanaian citizen. I love reading, teaching and volunteering.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Tell us briefly your childhood experience</b></span>.</div><div>My childhood was memorable. Having an elder sister made it fun and made growing easy for me. My mom singlehandedly took care of us and catered for our education. Because I was introverted and did not know how to interact well with people (now it is a little better), I was too shy to participate in quizzes but I was really good when it came to drama and even won best actress of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What’s your educational background?</span></b></div><div>My academic journey started at crèche at Holy Child Academy, Odorkor Official Town and later moved to Highbury International School. After my Basic Examination Certificate Examination (BECE), I got into Swedru Senior High (SWESCO) for my secondary school education. I am currently a third-year student at University of Ghana reading BSC medical laboratory sciences.</div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What are your contributions towards making your country a better place?</span></b></div><div>I run a nonprofit organization called Health Bloom Organization. At Health Bloom Organization, we seek to promote the Sustainable Development Goal Three (good health and well-being) in rural communities. Our target groups are children, women and the aged. Our objectives toward making Ghana a better place are;</div><div>To provide health screening</div><div>To mobilize resources in advocating to students, and people in communities on health issues</div><div>To form health bloom clubs in private and government basic schools</div><div>To involve in clean up exercises</div><div>To provide potable water for areas with water crisis</div><div>To donate to hospital materials, prescribe drugs and materials to rural clinics and targeted groups in the community respectively.</div><div>To partner with other NGOs that share the same mission as HBO for nation development.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</span></b></div><div>My first step was to share the vision with likeminded individuals and began to build a team with those who bought the vision. After that, I began working on our online presence, creating social media handles and talking about what we want to do. I also sought collaborations from other organizations with similar goals.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What have been your achievements?</span></b></div><div>When we were ready to launch out, our first physical activity was an advocacy campaign on personal hygiene for junior high school students. Through this campaign, we were able to donate hygiene products to 126 students. We have carried out breast cancer awareness, donated a first aid box to a basic school and dewormed 37 orphans. We also run a Health Bloom Club that brings together 60 students monthly.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What motivated you to do what you are doing?</span></b></div><div>As a beneficiary of a scholarship program (CAMFED) and having gotten this far through the program, I specifically want to use the skills and knowledge gained throughout my degree to help others live healthier lives. This is my motivation.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?</span></b></div><div>Our major challenge is that of funding. We are in the process of registering the organization and the non-registered status has contributed to our lack of funding because in Ghana it is very difficult to get companies and other organizations donate to your course if you are not registered</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</span></b></div><div>When it comes to raising of funds for the non-profit, we mostly receive them from individuals; ranging from students to workers as well as our own membership contribution to the organization.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course o</span></b>f your campaign that has impacted on you?</div><div>In the course of my campaign, I came across a young headmaster of a private basic school, who encouraged me to continue the work I was doing. He narrated stories of young leaders who started very little and are currently doing well with their organization. His words meant a lot to me. If I feel like giving up, I remember his words.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</span></b></div><div>In the next 5 to 10 years, I see the organization gaining national relevance and actively involved in solving health related issues in rural areas, working hand in hand with the ministry of health in Ghana.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this? </span></b></div><div>In my opinion, nepotism is what causes unemployment in Africa. There are actually more jobs in Africa than we think; it is just that people who are in high positions strive to maintain those jobs for their relatives to the detriment of those who are most qualified for the jobs. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message.</span></b></div><div>My message would be that, the human resource (youth) of the continent should be utilized in various sectors so that our productivity will increase and more jobs will be created.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Thank You Vivian for sharing your story with us</span></b></div><div>It is my pleasure</div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-15349517461600092962022-09-05T17:13:00.005+01:002022-09-05T17:13:54.486+01:00PROJECT_INSPIRE INTERVIEW WITH NWOKOCHA CHIJIOKE<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaCp6R4eowF1aJSzEgSUU8DyjzjwTw2ZC3qLgf_O3lp5JIUDKlGRkIlf9S2GdrFsoz4YHC65N6rsw7apbtVBUe6U-almOlyWXgpBm9n-V6diiPNDn0RfGU-_fcxHagQzr0kRcvy-QNC9kLOuQsJgFL7Uvr--c4suNzYeoHfGZX5GgRCtg5NrrweY1oA/s1080/Orange%20and%20White%20Modern%20We%20are%20hiring%20Instagram%20post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaCp6R4eowF1aJSzEgSUU8DyjzjwTw2ZC3qLgf_O3lp5JIUDKlGRkIlf9S2GdrFsoz4YHC65N6rsw7apbtVBUe6U-almOlyWXgpBm9n-V6diiPNDn0RfGU-_fcxHagQzr0kRcvy-QNC9kLOuQsJgFL7Uvr--c4suNzYeoHfGZX5GgRCtg5NrrweY1oA/s16000/Orange%20and%20White%20Modern%20We%20are%20hiring%20Instagram%20post.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><i><span style="color: #ffa400;">After miraculously breaking free from depression and substance abuse, Nwokocha Chijioke dedicated his life to helping young people in Nigeria deal with mental health struggles and live free from addiction. In this interview with Project Inspire,Chijioke tells his story. </span></i><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Chijioke </i>: My name is Nwokocha Chijioke P. I am a social Innovator, a critical thinker, an Addiction & MHPSS Professional and the Founder of Motivator's Crib Africa. I am a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), a Civic Hive Fellow, a Delegate of the 2022 UN ECOSOC Youth Forum. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly your childhood experience. </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: Growing up, I have always wanted to give back to the society, become a Motivator and a problem solver. Serving humanity has been a passion and it has always helped shape the course of my life.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What’s your educational background? </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: I had my primary school education at Alvan Ikoku College of Education,Owerri,Imo State before moving to Government Secondary School for my secondary school education. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Dental Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri,Imo State.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div><i>Chijioke</i>: I think solutions to the problems that confront the young people around me particularly in the areas of mental health, drug abuse and family conflict. It is my belief that every life is precious and it is our collective responsibility to save lives. This is why I started Motivator's Crib Africa, a nonprofit organization promoting mental health through drug abuse prevention and treatment. We work to build effective and sustainable frameworks for advocacy on drug abuse prevention while creating support systems for young persons in response to stigmatization, the need for accessibility and affordability of treatment and recovery services for People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs), Women who use/inject drugs (WWU/IDs), high risk drug users, the depressed and Most-at-risk and vulnerable Populations (MAR&VPs). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been?</div><div>
<i>Chijioke </i>: Our organization influence spans across 12 States in Nigeria. We have directly engaged over 5,624 persons (young adults majorly) through our drug prevention campaigns, implemented over 20 projects/activities in 6 states, carried out direct interventions for 20 persons, visited 9 schools, colleges and teens gatherings. Under our continuum of care system, we have 9 persons who have enrolled and completed their treatment programs. In addition to these, we have an active 100 community members in our network, all committed to helping us do better. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: I suffered from depression for almost 15years and had a 3 years battle with substance abuse without knowing where to find help. It’s a miracle that I am here today. God saved me and I am grateful. This is why I have dedicated my life to helping others better lives free from addiction and mental health struggles. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization?</div><div>
<i>Chijioke </i>: Well, I would say funding for now. But I believe in due time funds wouldn't be a problem again because am being very strategic in my engagement with my work and very intentional in my service to God and humanity. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard? </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: Let passion be the drive and the reason why you started remain a guiding principle towards the finish line. If you believe in your vision, you will scale through no matter how tough it gets. I have tasted it and I know how bitter it could be but passion and love for God and humanity kept me going forward. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas? </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: This part has always been amazing. I would say, at the start, I basically self-funded the organization and this was really tough, but over time I began receiving help from those who saw as worthwhile what I was doing. Right now, I would say that up to 60% of our funding come from outside the organization. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Chijioke </i>: My work has exposed me to meeting great minds and appreciate better the beauty of collaborations. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: We look forward to establishing an Institute dedicated to mentorship, mental wellness and addiction recovery. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: The final word for the Nigerian youth </div><div><i> Chijioke </i>: I want to say to every young Nigerian that you are the real heroes. Never forget that your dreams are valid and that greatness is not beyond your reach.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing with us.</div><div> <i>Chijioke</i>:Thank you too for having me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit our website at: <a href="http://www.busaosowofoundation.org">www.busaosowofoundation.org</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-72618006411904454922022-08-05T19:11:00.001+01:002022-08-05T19:11:05.882+01:00Project_Inspire With Iheanacho Chekwube Christabel<i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDMdW_wjw_9RhOIuiUf0mVjAa4Nx-EOZjdf5Sp_EWcsF1MMznNUpIPK91Yri1AEmDSrk7GqsEPuwOsw0HWHR3FFUfzPbcf1pj8R9KICTmm6ewQbc4WpStiZm_lL9hYvW8o_ZJ7yER-A2syJ42FHQFmlofXlaOxADD1zlKh10_gieYYZ2grZDLgHL7Dg/s1600/png_20220805_185502_0000.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDMdW_wjw_9RhOIuiUf0mVjAa4Nx-EOZjdf5Sp_EWcsF1MMznNUpIPK91Yri1AEmDSrk7GqsEPuwOsw0HWHR3FFUfzPbcf1pj8R9KICTmm6ewQbc4WpStiZm_lL9hYvW8o_ZJ7yER-A2syJ42FHQFmlofXlaOxADD1zlKh10_gieYYZ2grZDLgHL7Dg/s1600/png_20220805_185502_0000.png" /></a></div>
Christabel believes that something as natural as menstruation should not constitute a hindrance to the dreams and aspirations of young girls and through her Initiative,she is working to normalize period talk and encourage schools and communities to set up WASH facilities for girls. In this interview with Project-Inspire, Christabel tells her story.</i><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?
<i> Christabel </i>: My name is Iheanacho Chekwube Christabel, a graduate of International Relations and History. A girl Advocate, very passionate about girl child development and Founder/Executive Director at Fearless Girls Initiative (F.G.I).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:Tell us briefly your childhood experience. </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: Christabel grew up like other girls of her age, with hopes of becoming successful in life. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What’s your educational background?</div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: I hold a bachelor's degree in History and International Relations from Ebonyi State University. I completed my secondary school education at Queen's Secondary School Enugu. I have also received several leadership certifications.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place?</div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: I am the founder of Fearless Girls Initiative,a vehicle I use in promoting the values of humanity, and working to improve the lives and prospects of my community. At Fearless Girls Initiative,our mandate is to educate girls on menstruation and menstrual hygiene management; free distribution of menstrual pads, & trainings on how to make reusable pads; advocate for WASH Facilities for young girls in public secondary schools and communities.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: At the heart of what we do is to break the barriers around menstruation and normalize conversation around menstruation. We have directly reached over 5,000 girls , empowering them with accurate information around menstruation. We have also trained over 1,000 girls on how to make reusable pads. Our skill acquisition trainings have empowered over 300 girls and we hope to do more. Our radio programs have helped us reached thousands with our message. We have also been able to distribute more than 1,000 pads and other hygiene products to girls.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>:When I realised that something as natural as menstruation should not stop a young girl from living a happy and fulfilling lives,my journey began and I haven't looked back. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>:Funding has been a major challenge. But we have been able to do so much with what is available.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>:My advice is to start with whatever you have, be consistent, be slow but keep pushing; snail speed is better than no speed at all. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>:Through family and my personal savings.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: When I began advocating to end period poverty among girls, I was driven by a passion to see girls live up to their fullest potentials and had no other motive. Later on,my work came to limelight when I was accepted as Associate Fellow at Royal Commonwealth Society. This recognition reassured me that I was doing something worthwhile. It was a booster for my work.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: To empower more girls to rise to the challenge of creating sustainable solutions to everyday challenges especially through technology.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today, and how can we get over this? </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>:To a large extent, many Nigerian youths are not employable because they don't have the right skill set. We need to upgrade our education system to meet the needs of the labour market.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:How can you be reached on social media?</div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>:Through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ichristabel1">https://www.facebook.com/ichristabel1</a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you Christabel for sharing your story. </div><div>
<i>Christabel </i>: My pleasure.
</div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-50574967003636999332022-08-05T08:18:00.004+01:002022-08-05T08:24:49.750+01:00PROJECT INSPIRE SPEAKS WITH MALUNGA NEPHAN FRANK<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Carlito; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Carlito;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkA0gVw0s_EmTth55tZpb-z-UTuvrt5jd6JbjA4csJQI0QJ_u2HD2hBqH9FGijyMF8Fkz8HjO8rQ1-bCOT1TF3FpD7ROlqa3WayioqN8YcpK6yABXtHtC7MPpBk0eq2dcnfCoMA9ZpiWOgRDRZoIIUahTPj9pReg1bHmgOyhWMl7JCpBA8qzIbDUFsQ/s1080/Fitness%20Workbook%20Giveaway%20Marketing%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkA0gVw0s_EmTth55tZpb-z-UTuvrt5jd6JbjA4csJQI0QJ_u2HD2hBqH9FGijyMF8Fkz8HjO8rQ1-bCOT1TF3FpD7ROlqa3WayioqN8YcpK6yABXtHtC7MPpBk0eq2dcnfCoMA9ZpiWOgRDRZoIIUahTPj9pReg1bHmgOyhWMl7JCpBA8qzIbDUFsQ/s16000/Fitness%20Workbook%20Giveaway%20Marketing%20Instagram%20Post.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
</div>
<span face=""Carlito",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Carlito; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Carlito; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="break-before: page; mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<div class="WordSection2">
<h2 style="margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Influenced by his childhood,Malunga Nephan Frank
is passionate about helping communities solve local problems through local
ideas. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa,Nephan shares his story.</i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 2pt;"><o:p style="font-weight: normal;"> </o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: georgia;">Can we meet
you?</span></h2>
<h3 style="margin-left: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: normal;">Yes. My name is Malunga Nephan Frank, a
30-years-old Zambian citizen. My hobbies are reading, writing (books and poems), acing, and
innovating.</span></h3>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b style="background-color: #660000;">Tell us
briefly your childhood experience.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 5.65pt 0in 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am the only child of my parents who went their separate ways when I was
just seven years old. As a result of their<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>divorce,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>did<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>an<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>easy<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>childhood.<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>moved<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>an<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>urban<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>area<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>where<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>had<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>easy<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>access<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>to basic and quality needs of life to a
rural area where hardship became the norm of the day. And it is from there that
my journey<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>started. This sudden change
decorated my academics with different challenges. I was in and out of school
because of unpaid school fees and had to repeat classes on many occasions even
when my mates were promoted to the next class. But I am grateful that I was
still able to finish school.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;"><b style="background-color: #660000;">What’s your educational background?</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Even though
I had a rough journey academically at some point, I was able to get into the
university. I attended Jacaranda High School (Grades 1-2),Seya Basic School(Grade
2-3), Jacaranda High School (Grades 3-4),Johnlegend Basic School(Grade 4-5),Chimphundu
Basic School(Grade 6-7) and finally St.Stephen’s Mbwindi Mission School(Grades
8-12),all in Zambia. Today I hold a bachelor degree in natural sciences and I am
currently pursuing a medical degree at the University of Zambia School of
Medicine.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 21.05pt; margin-top: 7.6pt; margin: 7.6pt 21.05pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">What are your contributions towards making your
country a better place?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 6.6pt; margin-top: 9.7pt; margin: 9.7pt 6.6pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I have been
a very active citizen. I have participated,promoted,advocated and initiated
many development projects for the benefit of my nation. I am the founder of The
Scientific Initiatives for a Healthy and Developed Zambia(SiHDZ). </span>Our
main mandate at the Scientific Initiatives for a Healthy and Developed Zambia
is to identify and promote and support local scientific community ideas,
initiatives and innovations that seek to provide solutions to locally faced
community challenges in order to create sustainably healthy and developed
communities. Some of the activities that we do as <span style="color: #c45811; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">S</span><span style="color: #006fc0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">i</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">H<span style="color: red;">D</span><span style="color: #00af50;">Z </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">fall within thematic areas
including but not limited to;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Community
Health Promotion and Infection prevention<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>activities</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Socioeconomic and developmental activities i.e. girl
child empowerment, community capacity building and child education promotion
and</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">support</span></span></p></div><div class="WordSection3"><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 41.0pt; margin-right: 18.35pt; margin-top: 1.85pt; margin: 1.85pt 18.35pt 0in 41pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 13.4pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Community Disaster Risk reduction and Environmental health<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>activities<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 2.05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Students<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>programs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 2.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Mental
health</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 2.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 41.05pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p></div><div class="WordSection4">
<div style="margin-top: 8.85pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;"><b style="background-color: #660000;">What steps did you take to bring your vision to
fruition?</b></span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.6pt; margin-top: .05pt; margin: 0.05pt 5.6pt 0in 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: normal;">Though the
vision hasn’t completely been established accordingly, I had to first
internalize the idea. Then I later embarked on assembling the team that would
marry into my vision and passion. Secondly, I looked for a startup trainer,
built a team and legal registered the organization called Scientific Initiative
for a Heathy Developed Zambia shortened as (<span style="color: #c45811;">S</span><span style="color: #006fc0;">i</span>H<span style="color: red;">D</span><span style="color: #00af50;">Z</span>). It is a
non-profit, non- governmental organization founded in 2019 later registered in
2021, under the International NGO Act of 2009 of the Laws of Zambia.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 10pt 31.85pt 0in 5pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b style="background-color: #660000;">What have been your achievements?</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 22.45pt; margin-top: 9.55pt; margin: 9.55pt 22.45pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Since starting <span style="color: #c45811;">S</span><span style="color: #006fc0;">i</span>H<span style="color: red;">D</span><span style="color: #00af50;">Z</span>, we directly and indirectly reached over
5000 people through our different community need assessment activities, rural development
programs and health awareness campaigns. Our active engagements online is
expanding from district to district in the country. Our organization won 1<sup>st</sup>
Place on the Now Print Accelerator Program in March 2022. We have also had a
lot of collaboration with government agencies and other non-profit
organizations. All we want to achieve is to rural problems solved by locally
birthed ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 22.45pt; margin-top: 9.55pt; margin: 9.55pt 22.45pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;"><b style="background-color: #660000;">What motivated you to do what you are doing?<span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 9.1pt; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 9.1pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My inspiration
was drawn out of challenges I personally experienced growing up in a rural
community and most of these challenges are still very visible in many rural
communities in Africa. My passion is to contribute my quota in solving these
problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 9.1pt; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 9.1pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>
<div style="margin-top: 9.7pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: georgia;"><b>What has been your major challenge since you began
your nonprofit?</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span>The biggest
challenge we have faced in funding. But aside funding, is individuality among
other youths driving change. Some of these youths are unwilling to collaborate
so that we can amplify our message; instead you are seen as a competitor which
is not supposed to be so.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 16.1pt; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 16.1pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="margin-top: 9.8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: georgia;"><b>How have you been able to raise money to implement
your ideas?</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our major source
of funding is donations from members of the Initiative. We are still applying
for grants and hope to attract international funding soonest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div style="margin: 0.05pt 0in 0in 7.75pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;"><b style="background-color: #660000;">What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10
years?</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span>To become one of
the biggest contributor to health and development for healthy and developed
communities within Zambia, Africa and the world at large through authentic, local
scientific initiatives.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 19.2pt; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 19.2pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.35pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"><b>What do you think is the major cause of
unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this?</b></span></span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 14.35pt; margin-top: 10.0pt; margin: 10pt 14.35pt 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: normal;">Our over-dependence on the government
to provide employment for its youths has been a major challenge and this is so
because of the way we operate our educational system. We need to rejig our
education system in a way that empowers our young people to be innovative and
solution-based.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.9pt; margin: 9.9pt 0in 0in 5pt;"><b><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: georgia;">If
you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your
message.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Invest more in young people. No nation has a future without
its youths. Governments in Africa should concentrate on
identifying, promoting, and funding locally birthed ideas and innovation so that
we can tame the tides of over importation and achieve the SDGs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""Carlito",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Carlito; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Carlito; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div><b><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Thank you for reaching your story with us.</span></b></div><div>it is my pleasure!</div><div><br style="font-size: medium;" /></div>
</span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.55pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-38049840967786478112022-07-05T22:18:00.001+01:002022-07-05T22:18:07.963+01:00Project Inspire Africa with David Oluoch<div> </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqjzYkNqCB0dQdaAAsKeoYlKmiSnkDOulqvcekVX3U4p0293QVzGisDTPccHbBvtPcCJ7qbhIFpdlHhZAIh2rbSHOqk0a6hbsX2_vLkLcK1ipr00xk_vV-1B3xCaSnsqi7dswa_L6HJ8zlrKDlgjrBvI3JyVqXln90rzzc6o8myafUP9rv_Dt5FBvIw/s1080/png_20220705_215416_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqjzYkNqCB0dQdaAAsKeoYlKmiSnkDOulqvcekVX3U4p0293QVzGisDTPccHbBvtPcCJ7qbhIFpdlHhZAIh2rbSHOqk0a6hbsX2_vLkLcK1ipr00xk_vV-1B3xCaSnsqi7dswa_L6HJ8zlrKDlgjrBvI3JyVqXln90rzzc6o8myafUP9rv_Dt5FBvIw/s16000/png_20220705_215416_0000.png" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>David's childhood was characterized by the sight of butterfly,trees and clean stream water. Today that childhood is no more as climate change continues to disrupt nature. To build back,David is promoting ecosystem recovery methods in Kenya. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa,David shares about his work at The Polly Foundation</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Can we meet you?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>My name is DAVID OLUOCH DIMO, I am a 20-years-old Kenyan citizen. I love nature walks, playing football and listening to music.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tell us briefly your childhood experience.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As a young village boy, I used to admire the beauty of butterflies as they flitted around stagnant waters while my mother washed our clothes. My ambition was to grow up faster and have butterflies around me when I washed my own clothes, to the point where I could mix soap with water and pour it on the ground to attract butterflies. When I was older and capable of doing some labor at home, we used to move my grandfather's cattle to the field and we used to drink straight from the streams in the countryside, and everything was just fine. We used to jump from one tree to the other with a delusional thought that we were onboard on an airplane. On the trees,we saw different types of nests and species of birds.</div><div>When I started school, there was an event of excessive precipitation, and most of my neighbors' properties were destroyed by the resulting floods, and this is where I developed an interest in climate and heard the term "climate change." By the time I finished high school, there had been a lot of discussion about climate change as a result of the occurrence of adverse weather events and climate crises in the North Eastern region of Kenya, as well as other parts, such as the flooding Kano plains and Budalangi, both in Kenya's western region.</div><div>When I could wash my own clothes, there were no more butterflies, and the stream waters in the grazing meadows were no longer safe to drink since they had been extensively contaminated, and no one could survive the poisoning that can be induced by drinking tainted stream waters. And I was worried by the fact that things were changing at a breakneck pace, and nature's beauty was diminishing.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What’s your educational background?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Educational Qualifications</div><div><br /></div><div>2019 – Present: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (Main Campus) - Bachelor of Science in Computer security and Forensics</div><div>2015 – 2018: Ranjira Mixed Secondary School -Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education 2007 – 2014: Onong’no Primary School -Kenya Certificate of Primary Education</div><div>Other Educational Trainings/ Programs</div><div><br /></div><div>2022 March: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Climate Smart Agriculture Innovation workshop 2022 (9 weeks): Oxford Climate Society Hilary Term 2022 School of Climate Change</div><div>2021 (3 months): African Group of Negotiators Expert Support Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program</div><div>2021 (12weeks): ACWICT Network infrastructure and security</div><div><br /></div><div>2019 – 2020: Lake Hub Business incubation program (entrepreneurship) 2019 – 2020: Hult Prize Innovation and Entrepreneurship</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are your contributions towards making your country a better place? </b></div><div>I am the co-founder of The Polly Foundation,a community based initiative located in Siaya county, Kenya. We are determined to work hand in hand with the community to solve some of the numerous problems that we face in our societies today.</div><div>We advocate for ecosystem recovery through tree planting activities and environmental conservation campaigns</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I began by identifying the issues facing our local community issues and brainstorming on local solutions.I collaborated with the likeminded people to carry out activities that were geared towards ecosystem recovery, environmental conservation, youth empowerment and climate change advocacy</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What have been your achievements?</b></div><div>Since our inception we have carried out several community engagement activities that Trains the communities that we work with on best practices of sustainable organic farming and afforestation.</div><div>Our organization participated in the drafting of Kenya Youth Position Paper presented at COP26 during the Local Conference of Youth in Nairobi.</div><div>We have won The 2021 Go Green Award for Ecosystem Recovery. We have planted mangroves on the shores of Indian Ocean to aid ecosystem recovery and several other trees across different parts of the country</div><div>We have also trained over 100 farmers on organic farming and organized a successful climate strike in Bondo, Siaya.</div><div> </div><div><b>What motivated you to do what you are doing?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Environment is an integral part of a living being and without taking necessary action human race is at risk. All I am doing is to play my part to keep the earth safe.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Resources to implement some of the activities are scarce.Grants and donations from other organizations are unreliable and the midst of all these,we still have to deal with high expectations from the local communities we work with.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</b></div><div>At the beginning,we self-funded. But as time went on,we have been able to get funding from a few organizations </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We look forward to more collaborations/partnerships to help speed up the implementation of the community based solutions/interventions we are working on. Also I hope that in the years ahead,our work can provide financial reward for our young people.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this?</b></div><div>The major cause of unemployment in Africa is the mechanism of “one size fits all”. We the youths are facing this challenge and 9/10 times we have the solutions. We are not involved in the decision making tables, most of the people occupying this decision making positions are elderly who are not flexible to the constant dynamics of the younger generation and their perspectives are tied/fixed to the obsolete ancient technique of homogeneity/one size fits all (they think they now our problems and they have the solutions)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Many of the African youths have world class business venture ideas/innovation but why don’t the leaders and our governments invest in our ideas?</b> Because they are used to producing what they don’t consume and consume what they don’t produce.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I would tell them that Self-conscious is the most important thing that they should have. If all African presidents can become self-conscious, then Africa can realize her potential. When someone wants to control the other, they make them forget who they are and deprive them of recognizing themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Thank you for reaching your story with us.</b></div><div>it is my pleasure!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-28796971189228713102022-07-05T20:47:00.001+01:002022-07-05T20:47:20.414+01:00Project_Inspire with Kehinde Emmanuel
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmagiliPGxFQxqn6tlQlqcbYwxf-3qvIMbCnW36Kak5tEEeBv2I5fh9G1dwzlyZq5T8m7tzeWYvRed9zQfflKga8SlAnFj6Hsf_DBRHB34lTGNsU5qu3TCrOQSCT2pOBihBFKLyWES9EOYSZN2nsfctaJNRqm_G1w6Cq1UZ4aZAmNmdu1YeVPQQBf2g/s1600/png_20220705_093657_0000.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1654" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmagiliPGxFQxqn6tlQlqcbYwxf-3qvIMbCnW36Kak5tEEeBv2I5fh9G1dwzlyZq5T8m7tzeWYvRed9zQfflKga8SlAnFj6Hsf_DBRHB34lTGNsU5qu3TCrOQSCT2pOBihBFKLyWES9EOYSZN2nsfctaJNRqm_G1w6Cq1UZ4aZAmNmdu1YeVPQQBf2g/s1600/png_20220705_093657_0000.png" /></a></div><i>Driven by the passion to see children in low income communities access quality education, Kehinde Emmanuel began The Acalypha Child Care Initiative to support the dreams of children to start and finish school. In this interview with Project_Inspire,Kehinde tells his story of changing one life at a time.</i><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i></i><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>:My name is Kehinde Emmanuel Oyeleye. Chief Executive Officer, The Acalypha Child Care Initiative</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us about your childhood? </div><div>
<i>Kehinde</i>: I am a twin, born into a christian family of 5 children. I am from Ondo State, Nigeria.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What is your educational background like? </div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>:I attended Confidence Academy, Ibadan and Steadfast Comprehensive College for my primary and secondary school education. I am a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in the same institution.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What contribution are you giving to make Nigeria a better place?</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>:I have since my childhood been committed to serving people especially those of my immediate environment. This has been a culture instilled by my parent. Volunteering as far back as 2012 in ranging capacities. However, through my led Initiative The Acalypha Child Care Initiative, I have alongside my team of Volunteers reached out to over 15,000 children across 20 communities in 9 states and the FCT.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you into doing what you are doing</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: There’s a deep longing in my soul to reach out to children and the work we do at Acalypha Child Care Initiative is how that longing found expression.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us more about your Initiative and its impacts</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: The name of my Initiative is Acalypha Child Care Initiative. It is a non governmental organization with a mission to restore hope to children living in low income communities through educational sponsorship, advocacy and charity. We are focused on the SDGs 3,4 &17. Some of our campaign include Career Awareness School Tour, My Body is My Body (focused on sensitizing young children on body safety and child abuse), Safe Flow campaign (hinged on menstrual Hygiene awareness), Oral Health Campaign (Sensitization and Oral Check up), AcaClothing Project (aimed at providing fairly used clothes for children living in low income communities) and the Kit Up A Child campaign ( which is aimed at providing school uniforms, school sandals, school bags and stationary items for children). We have a workforce of two hundred and thirty-eight Volunteers network coverage across 6 states of the Southwest and the FCT. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: One of the major challenge we face has been the place of volunteers management and particularly funding for projects. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise fund for your organization?</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: Relationships they say are advantageous connections. I would say we thrive in our funding through relationships with our volunteers, partners, executives and Board of Trustees. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Share with us one or two experiences that you have had in your journey that has really impacted you.</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: I would likely refer to the story of a young child I met at Ikire in 2019 at our Kit Up A Child Campaign. The boy came bare footed, with torn uniforms. The boy went back home fully kit. It felt so good to see that child in his new look.
A similar experience occurred in 2018 where I served as a Corp Member in Buruku, Benue State. We took The Kit Up A Child Campaign to that community and provided uniforms and stationeries to over 200 children. After that event, everybody in the community kept talking about our Initiative and eventually, I was nominated for two awards by the NYSC Board. I still get goosebumps when I think of these experiences.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects for the next 5- 10 years? </div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: We look forward to build an Institute(technological innovations its core) that will provide quality education for children living in low income communities. We also hope to build international partnerships that will strengthen the work we are already doing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think has been the major cause of unemployment among youths today and how can we get of this? </div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: The problem of unemployment is worrisome and multifaceted.However,the situation is this bad because of ineffective government. I am of the opinion that if we fix power, unemployment in Nigeria will drastically reduce. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think is the role of youths in national development?</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>:The role of youth is beyond twitter spaces and social media gallivanting. It's our intentionality in grassroot mobilization and engagement of men and resources towards national development and economic transformation that can deliver the results we want. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How can you be reached on social media.</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>:Facebook/LinkedIn: The Acalypha Child Care Initiative
Twitter/IG @theacalyphachildcareinitiative</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Final words to the Nigerian youth.</div><div>
<i>Kehinde </i>: My final words to all youth is to sustain the attitude of honor and respect for all people regardless of gender, nationality, economic status, political affiliationh or religion.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing with us.</div><div> <i>Kehinde</i>:Thank you too for having me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit our website at: <a href="http://www.busaosowofoundation.org">www.busaosowofoundation.org</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-60009626428017061342022-06-05T20:40:00.001+01:002022-06-05T22:42:26.505+01:00Project Inspire Africa With Fides Uiso<div><br /></div><div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody></tbody></table><div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbkNbh-4rptzSa-baPAidQwNNvmViqusFOX9qlHbt4oMlT3tJUQ5gQLNhg6iPLo-mlLMeXgArErlWFz-HxFpJaJk9Bu3xvtQyMprAZe_uZ22WNDcvJLMDa-KGX5NFIwYRDp1_GBosd4uQ_uP1ASME_YUXTgxaC2VMjy1M1ckcFdxLC3NTrFsThq405w/s1080/png_20220605_223725_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbkNbh-4rptzSa-baPAidQwNNvmViqusFOX9qlHbt4oMlT3tJUQ5gQLNhg6iPLo-mlLMeXgArErlWFz-HxFpJaJk9Bu3xvtQyMprAZe_uZ22WNDcvJLMDa-KGX5NFIwYRDp1_GBosd4uQ_uP1ASME_YUXTgxaC2VMjy1M1ckcFdxLC3NTrFsThq405w/s16000/png_20220605_223725_0000.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><i>Fides Uiso is a single mother to a child with a severe form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome; who have suffered stigmatization because she is raising a child with epilepsy. Determined to live above this stigmatization. Fides became vocal about her child’s condition and is today inspiring hope in families with epileptic children. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa, Fides shares her story, struggle and successes. </i><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Can we meet you? </span></b></div><div>My name is Fides Uiso a 33-year-old mother and founder of Tanzania Epilepsy Organization a non- governmental Organization based in Tanzania. I am a human right champion for people living with Epilepsy and passionate about seeing them enjoy equal rights.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Tell us briefly your childhood experience.</span></b></div><div>I am the last of a family of six. When I was a child I believed Epilepsy was contagious and hereditary because that’s the narrative that was pushed in my community. It wasn’t strange to anyone to see people living with epilepsy been discriminated against and stigmatized.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What’s your educational background?</span></b></div><div>I had my primary school education at Mapambano Primary school in Dar es Salaam Tanzania before moving to Kiraeni Secondary School for my Ordinary Level, and Jangwani Secondary School for my Advance Level. I hold a Diploma in Human Resources Management from the Institute of Social Work from Dar es Salaam Tanzania. I also have several certificates like a Certificate in Leadership and Communication from Libre foundation, Seizure Recognition and First Aid from Epilepsy Foundation of America, Implementation Science from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science amongst others.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What are your contributions towards making your country a better place? </span></b></div><div>In Tanzania, Epilepsy comes with stigma and this is even strengthened by the Law. For instance, Section 39 (a)(ii) of the Law of marriage Act [Cap29R.E.2019] provides that a spouse may petition for annulment of marriage if at the time of marriage, the other spouse was subjected to Epilepsy or recurrent attacks of Epilepsy. To challenge this narrative, I founded the Tanzania Epilepsy Organization a non- governmental Organization based in Tanzania. Our work has been revolved around creating Epilepsy awareness in our community through social media, TV, radio stations and outreach programs and encouraging families with people with epilepsy to speak out in the face of injustice of any sort.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</span></b></div><div>Legal Registration of the Organization was the first step I took to set the ball rolling and the next step was finding people to work with. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What have been your achievements?</span></b></div><div>We have conducted several outreach programs and awareness events in schools and special needs centres reaching around 200 people including families.</div><div>Our key events includes:</div><div>-Nishike Mkono Project: through this we helped children of under 5years old who were living with epilepsy to access medical insurance. This project was launched in February 2022 and so far we have already contributed 20 medical insurances. </div><div>-Epilepsy Awareness Project: This project has focused on creating awareness around epilepsy as a medical condition and first aid measures. We take our awareness campaigns to schools,hospitals,mass and social media. Since we began we have been to 7 different local radio stations and 5 TV stations. </div><div>-I Love Someone With Epilepsy Project: This project was launched on this year’s Epilepsy Day. The aim of this project is to reduce stigma and advocate for inclusion for those living with epilepsy. We also recognize organizations that employs people living with epilepsy, and those working to end stigma like we are doing. We are also keen to advertise, celebrate and promote the achievements of people living with epilepsy.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What motivated you to do what you are doing?</span></b></div><div> After my child was diagnosed with severe epilepsy, I became a victim of discrimination and stigmatization. It was then I decided that I wasn’t going to be silenced by my sorrow. My pain became the motivation to speaking for others having similar experiences and I am glad I made that decision.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?</span></b></div><div>Funding so far but we will continue to do our best.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</span></b></div><div>The monthly contribution of our members, support from our NGO partners fundraising.</div><div>Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has impacted on you?</div><div>This year we managed to organize the International Epilepsy Day. On that day we got a number of Epilepsy champions who publicly shared their experiences and how the society perceive them. They told me that they got the courage to speak about their experiences because of me and they believe together we will change the negative attitude towards people with Epilepsy. They also told me that because of the work I do, they have been inspired to accept themselves and strive to be the best version of themselves. This meant a lot to me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #20124d;">What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</span></b></div><div>To own a Hope Center where all those affected with epilepsy can find a safe space. We also hope to generate enough momentum to change the Marriage Law.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this? </span></b></div><div>Sometimes the employment opportunities are not available and the environment for self-employment isn’t conducive for youth to employ themselves. On the other hand, some youths have very big expectations in a way they cannot see small opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message.</span></b></div><div>Make the development of your nation a priority.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Thank you for reaching your story with us.</span></b></div><div>it is my pleasure!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-45907344357868076912022-06-05T19:48:00.002+01:002022-06-07T07:31:40.486+01:00Project_Inspire With Rejoice Shammah<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKikWW97D5NfOGaBSp9uPUDgIFFxENIuVmpCH4cAWsx_Ouhr1_okg4fpDBlsN1ObzH19NAaKfawb7whvpUP1T7SSGhL-0cYaluXlpd1cro2oGFsAWZul9pG2OmObyFo2O10luSOK9q6gt5wXzoTuGl67_EeZ-qFAjcLNm0JPE64Ktoj4FQn8tDeikhg/s1600/20220605_185234.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKikWW97D5NfOGaBSp9uPUDgIFFxENIuVmpCH4cAWsx_Ouhr1_okg4fpDBlsN1ObzH19NAaKfawb7whvpUP1T7SSGhL-0cYaluXlpd1cro2oGFsAWZul9pG2OmObyFo2O10luSOK9q6gt5wXzoTuGl67_EeZ-qFAjcLNm0JPE64Ktoj4FQn8tDeikhg/s1600/20220605_185234.png" /></a></div>
<i>After waking up to the news that another childhood friend was pregnant, Rejoice decided that it was time to stop sitting at the sidelines and complain. That decision gave rise to the Rejoice Shammah Initiatives. In this interview with Project_Inspire,Rejoice speaks about her journey thus far.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> </i>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>: My name Is Rejoice Shammah,a young ambitious, confident, creative, passion driven and dedicated girl who loves God and is committed to making impact one project at a time. I am an OAP(On-Air Personality) and host of the Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7FM in Jos.Because of the passion I have for the media, I run a media Academy that is training aspiring radio presenters and media personalities with practical knowledge of the media while sharing media opportunities with them.I am also a mental health advocate, creating awareness on depression especially and helping people who are going through difficult and life changing moments. I sell gift boxes, souvenirs, food items and water bottles.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly about your childhood? </div><div><i>Rejoice</i>: I am the first child and only daughter of the family. I have had the most interesting childhood I'll say. There is a picture of me in my room that reminds me of what a cute baby I was. While growing, I used to be very shy and struggled with low self-esteem until my second year in university. All I thought about was to finish school, go for my NYSC and get married. I would say that I was in a hurry to be an adult because I thought that was where the fun was. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What is your educational background like? </div><div><i>Rejoice</i>:I studied mass communication and graduated 2018 from the university of Jos.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place?</div><div><i>Rejoice</i>:I am the founder of Rejoice Shammah Initiative, a not-for-profit organization creating awareness on substance use/addiction, teenage pregnancy & cultism.Our projects are targeted at teenagers especially because it is that time in their lives where they are confronted with different choices. </div><div>Our activities are geared towards</div><div>√ providing knowledge and shaping the minds of teenagers.
√ creating captivating programs that inspire and motivate young people to do and be more.
√ fighting the menace of substance use, teenage pregnancy and cultism among teens.
√ encouraging parent’s participation in their children's day activities.
√ supporting vulnerable villages with relief items.
√ creating a platform that offers help to people irrespective of their religion, tribe and personalities. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been?</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>: We have been able to reach over 40 schools in Jos with our teenage pregnancy/drug abuse awareness campaign,provided clothes to communities affected by conflict, IDP's, Orphanages, Families and underprivileged children,supported other not for profit organizations with relief items for their charity project, and appointed school ambassadors in the schools we work in to help with the awareness among their peers.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div><i>Rejoice</i>:I woke up one morning and heard that a childhood friend is pregnant. It broke me so much because the story was on everyone's lip and I heard most people judge and talk about it. I was worried and looked back at the number of my friends who got pregnant as teenagers and how much their lives have changed and realized something is missing. So I thought to myself, why not do something to save the next girl who will probably be a teen mother. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your challenges since you began your non-profit?</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>: Limited resources. There's so much we could do if we have funding. The other challenge is how people perceive our work. One time we visited a school to have a drug awareness campaign and the principal told us we wanted to negatively influence her students and she wouldn't allow it. Meanwhile we considered the school for the project because students of the school have been caught visiting a popular drug use spot around the school during school hours. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas but the finances are always a stumbling block, what will your advice be in this regard? </div><div><i>Rejoice</i>:Always start with a project that doesn't require much funding.When we started the charity bank project, we chose to focus on clothes since we could not afford food.So we asked people to help us with the clothes they don't need and we were shocked at the support. As an organization we try not to take on projects that are capital intensive. Start from somewhere, look for a cheaper yet impactful way to run your ideas and with time you'll see people support you financially after they must have accepted your brand. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise funds to implement your ideas?</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>: We initiated a 1k challenge to help us source for funds from our friends and families and it has helped a lot. The founder takes the financial responsibility of projects when we are not able to raise so much to cover our expenses. We also have kind individuals who support us willingly during our projects. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of teaching the game that has really impacted on you? </div><div><i>Rejoice</i>: During COVID 19, we reached out to a number of families and supported them with food/clothes.They were really not expecting it.The joy in their eyes was just everything for me.I wondered how it will felt like to see someone show up to meet a need you have been praying about.I knew that I wanted to do this, give people hope and help them trust in life once again and not hate life, their circumstances or blame God for their pain. Another scenario that has impacted me was when I met with two ladies who greeted me like they knew me.They later told me we visited their school and narrated all we shared with them and how much it has changed them.I didn't think we were doing something powerful with our outreach until that experience. No, I did not cry!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5-10years?</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>: We hope to empower 5000 teens with the skills and information they need to make informed choices, open a warehouse where people can walk in at any time to access help and establish our presence in other states in Nigeria.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today and how can we get over this?</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>: Our educational system does not entirely prepare us for life after school. For most of us, life after school is a complete shock. I would suggest that our tertiary institutions adjust the curriculum to fit in today's work demands and needs. Young people must also be willing to try their hands on different opportunities and gain skills that will better position for their dream job/opportunity. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing with us.</div><div>
<i>Rejoice</i>:Thank you too for having me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div>www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</div><div><br /></div><div>bofinitiatives@gmail.com</div><div><br /></div><div>https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-41150771047758112202022-05-05T23:48:00.007+01:002022-05-06T00:21:24.959+01:00Project Inspire Africa With Aceng Deborah<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d-mz6B-8PckWiVmirhmR9bcqS-Pwq_S0f9jtQpwpL6fwr8za7ToWj1ANWlY-qhA_gfLvNY9Fu095ISXwbKSQL-Bb9RNvA__ZzteaFLx_RN_0QSFmw26xAhWz1rOwCZhT_xMirHcyAGxlj-ohPAupN48tnHFBUknaqkaZmnKVSfpgItRmkRkOfuVRdQ/s2000/Colorful%20Organic%20Shape%20School%20Admission%20Flyer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d-mz6B-8PckWiVmirhmR9bcqS-Pwq_S0f9jtQpwpL6fwr8za7ToWj1ANWlY-qhA_gfLvNY9Fu095ISXwbKSQL-Bb9RNvA__ZzteaFLx_RN_0QSFmw26xAhWz1rOwCZhT_xMirHcyAGxlj-ohPAupN48tnHFBUknaqkaZmnKVSfpgItRmkRkOfuVRdQ/s16000/Colorful%20Organic%20Shape%20School%20Admission%20Flyer.png" /></a></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Diagnosed with sickle cell disorder,Aceng
Deborah was expected to grow up and lead a life of sadness but the reverse is
the case. She has today grown to become a ray of hope sickle cell survivors and
their parents through her nonprofit organization </i></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Fearless Smiles Of Hope Foundation. In
this interview with Project Inspire Africa, Deborah tells her story.</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Can we meet you?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My name is
Aceng Deborah, I am 23 years of age and a Ugandan by nationality.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Tell us
briefly your childhood experience. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can say my
childhood was okay. I was diagnosed with sickle cell disorder when I was 6-months
old. My parents knowing the difficulties that will confront me in the future
gave me so much love and this has made my life better than most people expect. As
a girl, my brothers feared that I would grow up to always fight them but
fortunately for all of us, the love in the family binds us very strongly.</span>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What’s your
educational background?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had my nursery
and primary education from Joy Nursery and Primary School. I then joined
Makerere College School for my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>O’level
before proceeding to Mengo Senior School for my A’level. In 2018, I got
admitted into Makerere University where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in
Development Economics and currently awaiting graduation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What are
your contributions towards making your country a better place?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not everyone
child born with sickle cell disorder is treated the way my parents did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why I started a not-for-profit
organization known as Fearless Smiles Of Hope Foundation. Through Fearless
Smiles Of Hope Foundation, we are spreading awareness about sickle cells
disease in rural communities of Uganda. We are also skilling those living with
the disease with life and social skills to enable them become economically
empowered. Through the work we do, we are breaking the biases surrounding
sickle cell disorder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>What steps
did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I grew
older, I observed that most awareness campaigns on sickle cell disorder were
concentrated in urban areas leaving rural areas in the dark. It was when I saw
this gap that I began carrying out awareness campaigns in rural communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">What have been your achievements? </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our work has
revolved around awareness creation in rural communities. We have organized an
outreach to Lira Children’s Hospital Sickle Cell Ward where we were able to
interact with children living with sickle cell disease, their parents and
health workers there. Over 50 beneficiaries benefited from this outreach. In the
communities we work,we have been to establish volunteer networks so that the
communities can own the projects we bring. We have also organized a blood
donation drive in Makerere University. At the drive, we were able to offer free
sickle cell screening and counseling services. We had 80 persons who donated
blood and 90 persons who were screened.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">What motivated you to do what you are doing?</span></b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Being born with sickle cell disease has been my number one
reason but in general, I can say, my desire to see change in the way people
living with sickle cell disease are treated in society is what makes me do what
I do. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What has
been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit? </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Funding has
so far been our greatest huddle just like any other non-profit but we continue
to do our best as we are enabled.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">How have you been able to raise money to
implement your ideas?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well my organization works in teams. When we
want to implement an activity we first of all look for partners who contribute
half of the budget. The rest of the money is raised by us the team members. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Could you
share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your
campaign that has impacted on you?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hmm…. Although I knew it was
important that people get to know the truth about sickle cell but I was yet to
see the true and real impact of what we were until the day I went for my
regular checkup at the sickle cell clinic some time ago. At the clinic, I met
this mother whose baby has been diagnosed with the disorder. I shared with her
my journey as a young adult living with the disorder. My mum who was with me
also shared with her her experience in parenting a child living with sickle
cell disorder. A few days later the lady called me thanking me for the
conversation we had with her. She confided in me that at the time we met,she
had already been pressurized to abandon her baby and was ready to do so because
her in-laws had made her believe that her child was bewitched or cursed. As I listened
to her speak over the phone, it dawned on me at that moment that my work had
meaning and is really impacting lives. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10
years?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I look
forward to a time where we can own our own sickle cell clinic together with a
vocational center.</span> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What do you
think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over
this? </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I blame 2
parties. On one hand, some youths are lazy. They fold their hands, do nothing
but blame government for not for not creating for them jobs. On the other hand,
the corruption in our leadership has designed every opportunity of growth. Every
one of us, both the leaders and the led must take responsibility for our lives
and do better.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #660000;">If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa,
what would be your message.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My message would be “Give priority to your people; to their
needs, dreams,aspirations,and challenges . African leaders must learn to prioritize
their people over selfish interest. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Thank
you for sharing your story with us. Keep being strong</span></b><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It is
my pleasure!<span style="color: #00b0f0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-385005774017081192022-05-05T18:06:00.002+01:002022-05-05T18:06:04.558+01:00Project_Inspire Interview With Victor Bello<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxF6nKahzKaj0jZsrWJkhfMaEK6clY6EwpeNW-5E3p2hFmf7fcn2kJNLuMtTX5BEKXJza5CSn3lOe0HmSVDtlBsirb1GseC9M0RB1j-lHWt7RLSuTFIR7LqyyZpDIzT7j6Lr5ELw0-QH6HKPgwjV87PGlrl-4lcJHBrS9eC203X1-XFC1cGPEvchpYg/s1600/20220505_094226_0000.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxF6nKahzKaj0jZsrWJkhfMaEK6clY6EwpeNW-5E3p2hFmf7fcn2kJNLuMtTX5BEKXJza5CSn3lOe0HmSVDtlBsirb1GseC9M0RB1j-lHWt7RLSuTFIR7LqyyZpDIzT7j6Lr5ELw0-QH6HKPgwjV87PGlrl-4lcJHBrS9eC203X1-XFC1cGPEvchpYg/s1600/20220505_094226_0000.png" /></a></div><i>
Victor Bello is a passionate Nigerian who desires to see his nation transform into an ideal society. In this interview with Project_Inspire,Victor shares about the actions he is taking to see that Nigeria transform into an ideal society. </i><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you? </div><div><i>Victor</i>: My name is Victor Eneji Bello, I am a change maker, a humanitarian and a peace building enthusiast. I am the founder of The Victor Bello Foundation. I am from Kogi State Nigeria; I live in the city of Jos,Plateau state. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly your childhood experience.
<i>Victor</i>: I grew up in the city of Kaduna with my parents and siblings; I grew up always wanting to be medical doctor because I wanted to reach out to people with free medication. I started writing song in my childhood too. One thing I have been passionate about since childhood is seeing people happy. I grew up wanting to be an answer to someone's prayer.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What’s your educational background? </div><div><i>Victor</i>: I finished my primary school at Demonstration School Kaduna before moving to Fezon Secondary School Kaduna and then to Wisdom College Kogi State. I am currently a student of the prestigious University of Jos Plateau state Nigeria, studying Industrial chemistry.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div><i>Victor</i>: Having an ideal society has always been my dream for our great Nation Nigeria and that’s is why I founded the Victor Bello Foundation with the aim to add value to livelihood. Our vision is to create a network of young people who will be of relevance to the society by contributing their own quota in building an ideal society. Our mission is to put smiles on the face of many lives, as often as we can, and to change lives that would lead us to achieving our ideal society. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What have your achievements been? </div><div><i>Victor</i> :In August 2019, we reached out to an IDP camp at Plateau State, Nigeria. The selected cluster was comprised of about 700 households, the Swat was badly affected by insurgency. The Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) suffered a lot. The houses of many IDPs were totally destroyed, their farms(their primary source of income) were destroyed too and they had to start their life from the scratch. The main objective of our visit to this IDP camp was to enhance and improve the living condition of the residents by: providing food items, mosquito nets, cloths and toiletries. As a result, their living standard has been increased and they have all returned to their various villages. We have also been able to reach out to 11 local communities; creating medical awareness on self-care, providing medical aid and counsel on personal hygiene. We initiated the Almajeri Scholar Scheme project February, 2020 but we couldn’t run the project because of the COVID19 lock down. We kick started the project in May, 2021, where we started organizing evening classes for these Almajeris in communities around us. We run these classes trice a week. We intend to also teach vocational skills to equip these children so that they can have a life out of the streets. We conveyed the Made for More conference 2021 in Jos plateau state. The conference was a self-development program for young people and the aim of the initiative was achieved.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div><i>Victor</i>:My desire is to see Nigeria transform into an ideal society and all I do is my quota to birthing that reality. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization?
<i>Victor</i>: One of the challenges I mostly face is finance. The passions keep me going but sometimes there are no resources to meet up. But still at that, I still execute project with the capacity I can. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard? </div><div><i>Victor</i>:I started my organization with no money, in fact, the first project I did I had not paid my school fees then. Many young people are limiting themselves to what they can do because of money. Money shouldn't be criteria to make impact. I didn't have money to start but I started afraid. Other young people should emulate this. Our dreams shouldn't be tied to monetary value. We were made for more! We will achieve a lot when we think this way </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas? </div><div><i>Victor</i>: I have personal savings from where I support the work I do at the Foundation. I have friend and colleagues that believe in the vision and they support in their own little way too. I don't get all the money I need for a project but I utilize all that is available. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Victor</i>:Growing up as a child I've always wanted to be a medical doctor because I wanted to reach out to people in rural communities with free medication. After my secondary school the passion was still there so I applied for medicine in a federal university of Nigeria but didn't get admission. I applied 2 more times and still didn't get admission. I almost gave up. I applied the 4th time and I got admission but I got a different course to study, I decided to accept the admission and move on with my life. I felt maybe the medicine Career wasn't for me but deep down I want to be a doctor so I can help under privilege sick people. Years after I initiated a medical outreach project to displaced communities in my organization. What we do is we reach out to communities that were affected by insurgency. We provide free medical counsel and give free medication. I am not a medical personnel but I mobilize as many medical personnel as I can get to go with us. On the 2nd edition of the project, we visited a village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. We were done with the outreach and we were preparing to travel back to Jos, an old woman walked up to me and said “Doctor Victor Bello please can you check my blood pressure”. I smiled and told her that I am not a doctor and then directed her to one of the doctors. She felt because I am the project lead, I am a medical doctor.
I wanted to be a Doctor because I wanted to reach out, I couldn't get to study medicine to be a doctor but I am achieving my dreams already by organizing medical outreaches. A lot of times we are faced with circumstances beyond our control and we are forced to do what we don't want but the truth is that nothing can stop you from bringing out the light in you. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </div><div><i>Victor</i>: In the next 5 to 10 years I want to be travelling to many States in Nigeria reaching out to more people and initiating more projects to touch lives and mentoring the next generation to do same.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today, and how can we get over this? </div><div>
<i>Victor</i>: Many of our youths depend on the government for jobs but we need to begin to think more about job creation. They are a lot of soft skills that we can learn and earn a living.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How can you be reached on social media? </div><div><i>Victor</i>: On Facebook:
Victor Eneji Bello | Victor Bello Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/victor.bello.524596 </div><div>On Instagram:
@vikbello | @victorbellofoundation_ </div><div>Twitter: @VBFchangemakers </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: The final word for the Nigerian youth. </div><div><i>Victor</i>: We are the leaders of today! We have largest population base on statistics. When we all stand for what is right, when we all participate in building an ideal society, we get a better chance in building our nation and securing the future for the next generation.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: We are glad to have you speak with us today. </div><div> <i>Victor</i>: It is my pleasure. Keep up the good work.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing your story with us and we do pray that many will be inspired as they read. </div><div> <i>Victor </i>: It is my pleasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-45390336498598252212022-04-05T21:31:00.000+01:002022-04-05T21:31:05.803+01:00Project Inspire Africa with Mulenga Chilekwa<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1DpfpSw6iuXKTsf-9-Wk3PrwZRM0P_TQeNPOMa3149YDo_i-_n66X0i0Q35D-n5KBFmXpMpGTKoAcLUA3e7enC1Zk8WPJEpLAutA7PfZz3hC5x4VS49THdWUyd_DhU52_93zyB1qGpTMFC4PXjcS1bE_6bnUzVeK_EjX__PsxXpw0XVsW1v0MjX5Ow/s940/20220405_212442_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1DpfpSw6iuXKTsf-9-Wk3PrwZRM0P_TQeNPOMa3149YDo_i-_n66X0i0Q35D-n5KBFmXpMpGTKoAcLUA3e7enC1Zk8WPJEpLAutA7PfZz3hC5x4VS49THdWUyd_DhU52_93zyB1qGpTMFC4PXjcS1bE_6bnUzVeK_EjX__PsxXpw0XVsW1v0MjX5Ow/s16000/20220405_212442_0000.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>Mulenga Chilekwa is a Zambian citizen whose desire is to see disadvantaged and vulnerable people live up their highest potentials. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa,she tells her story.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Can we meet you?</b></div><div>My name is Mulenga Chilekwa,a 23-years-old Zambian who loves reading novels and singing.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tell us briefly your childhood experience</b></div><div>I was born in Mpika Zambia the central part of Africa and lived there. I am the third child in a family of 8. Growing up we faced a lot of challenges finacially. I decided while growing up that I was going to do things differently and creatively since I didn't have other factors in my favor. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What’s your educational background?</b></div><div>I attended Fikulii Primary School where I did my grade 1-3 before proceeding to Ndeke Primary and Secondary School in Lusaka where I completed grade 3-12. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in public administration and library information science at the University of Zambia. I also several professional certificates in youth development and non-profit management.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are your contributions towards making your country a better place?</b></div><div>I am the founder of Muchi Foundation,a nonprofit organization poised to improving the welfare of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the society. We focus on the poor,the elderly and those living with disabilities. I also volunteer as the project coordinator for youths of the United Nations University Of Zambia and the logistics director for THE HULT PRIZE UNZA.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</b></div><div>Firstly I decided to venture into entrepreneurship in order to gain financial independence so that I can contribute my quota to the organization in its formative stage. Thereafter,I began looking for individuals and organizations with similar interests and objectives in other to build partnerships. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What have been your achievements?</b></div><div>So far,two hundred persons have directly benefited from our books and clothes drive programs and more indirectly. We have also been able to host awareness programs on both radio and television stations in Zambia. Through partnering with other organizations,we have trained and equipped volunteers who are now ambassadors of the SDGs and are driving change in their space.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What motivated you to do what you are doing?</b></div><div>My childhood experience really challenged me to become great and do everything to the best of my capabilities. I just want to see people realize their potentials and not be held back by poverty.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?</b></div><div>Like many non-profits, funding has been a major challenge for us but we are not deterred.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</b></div><div>I have had difficulties in raising money, most of the work that has been done is from my own savings and contributions from members of my organization.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has impacted on you?</b></div><div>One of the biggest skills I have learnt in the course of this journey is mobilization. Many of our projects wouldn't have seen the light of the day without a team to implement them.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</b></div><div>I wish to secure funding that will help us create more sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty and people living with disabilities. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this? </b></div><div>Our biggest problem is corruption. Our leaders need to change their ideology regarding leadership. It has to be primarily service and not self-serving.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message?</b></div><div>To drive sustainable growth in Africa,our leaders must bring youths to the table. Youths should be involved in making decisions especially those that affects them.</div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-88722366924517236872022-04-05T14:07:00.003+01:002022-04-05T17:38:19.900+01:00Project_Inspire Interview With Ruth Ki<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-KwZy68Qqjrc9DMlpsN71rYXHLbSWWMLPDp5R4gUNNBfbnnd7DOpedsl9yH_JZLjDB0PAdan__pis26NjumEXU5pkicRAex160tQGg_73MtiGTXh4JzvZHrfH43V5aIjD6R7-8GEaNucT_Pw2EJ7BoLd-mHK_mn6W36dzAMQRq2FTT4kkbkZZ7eUgA/s1600/Remini20220405135619196.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-KwZy68Qqjrc9DMlpsN71rYXHLbSWWMLPDp5R4gUNNBfbnnd7DOpedsl9yH_JZLjDB0PAdan__pis26NjumEXU5pkicRAex160tQGg_73MtiGTXh4JzvZHrfH43V5aIjD6R7-8GEaNucT_Pw2EJ7BoLd-mHK_mn6W36dzAMQRq2FTT4kkbkZZ7eUgA/s1600/Remini20220405135619196.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Ruth Ki was born in a community that didn't support educating the girl child. But she thrived to break the bias and is today helping young people in rural communities rise above their limitations and achieve their dreams. In this interview with Project_Inspire, Ruth shares her <b>story.</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b></i>: Can we meet you? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>: I am Ruth Sunday Ki,an indigene of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. I am the founder of Right Culture Development Initiative, a non-profit organisation based in Jos. I am currently undergoing my one year compulsory national youth service at the Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State. I am passionate about youth and community development. I love to see young people excel in all their endeavours. I am a cyber security enthusiast and a development consultant.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly about your childhood? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:Growing up was hard for me and my siblings because of the belief that girls are not supposed to access formal education because they are girls. This was a big cultural barrier for me and the girls I grew up with. My educational journey was a struggle. I went to a primary school where we sit on bricks and stones to listen to the teacher and had no access to learning resources.
Amidst all these,I gave my best and graduated with a First Class from the university. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What is your educational background like? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:I am a graduate of Criminology and Security studies from the University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria. I hold a diploma in Legal Studies from Plateau State Polytechnic, a Senior School Certificate from Government Secondary School Jebbu, Miango and a first school leaving certificate from LEA Primary School Tafi-gana and a host of other professional certificates. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:In 2018 while in 300 level in the University, I started a non-profit organisation(Right Culture Initiative) with the kind help of the community I grew up in to help young people access opportunities in education and promote academic excellence in rural communities on the plateau. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div>
<i>Ruth </i>:Our Organisation in its years of existence has been able to do the following:</div><div> 1. Reached out to 2,000 girls in three local governments of Plateau state with sanitary pads through our Academic Excellence and Menstrual Hygiene and Management awareness.</div><div> 2. We have reached out to youth in Jos North Local Government through our campaign against drugs and cultism due to its prevalence in 2020. </div><div> 3. Plateau Girls Leadership summit where we train young girls on entrepreneurship, leadership and capacity development</div><div> 4. I am leading a book drive to provide study materials for 2,000 children in Taraba state where I discovered need learning resources. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:What motivates me to keep pushing is the situation around me. Every day, I see the need to inspire, empower and encourage the younger generation irrespective of their background. I am encouraged to keep pushing whenever I see a gap that needs to be bridge. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us more about what you are doing and how it will help our nation realize its full potential? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:Right Culture Development Initiative is community development, Non-Governmental, non-profit organization to promote humanitarian culture among community members. Our vision is to have an established environment where opportunities are accessible for everyone through campaigns and awareness programs,conferences,medical outreaches,workshops and training amongst others.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your challenges since you began your non-profit?</div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:Our major constraint over the years have been funding for our community development projects. We have never received any form of external funding from funding organizations. I and members of our team fund most of our project and with the support of family and friends.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas but the finances are always a stumbling block, what will your advice be in this regard? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:If you have a great idea, don't let limited finances or lack of it deter you from attempting. Start small, start with what you have and the resources within your reach. Do not wait! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise funds to implement your ideas?</div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:Most of the projects we've been able to implement were self-funded. There were times I had to deliberately save money for community projects.Crowdfunding and support from friends and family have helped me sustain my vision to create a better world starting from my home.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of teaching the game that has really impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:In the course of doing what I am doing,I came across a situation in Bassa community where girls were denied access to formal education based on gender roles and responsibilities. We were able to push for change in that community and today,many of the girls in that community have completed high school while others are on scholarship to go through high school. This experience had such a big impact on me and proved that what I am doing is worthwhile. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5-10years? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:In the next five years, I want to see the Right Culture Initiative grow to become a non-profit to reckon with globally. I see our trainings and empowerment programs to run in different African countries. We would also be establishing an academy where children from rural communities can access quality education. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today and how can we get over this? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:What I think is the major cause of unemployment is lack of knowledge or better still, lack of the right information. I believe that with the right information, the youth in Nigeria will understand which skills are relevant and pursue them rather than staying and waiting.
My advice to the youth is to build capacity, seek the right information, prepare for opportunities before they arrive and recognise them when they finally do. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How can you be reached on social media for those who want to be part of what you are doing? </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:You can reach me on social media through the following links:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ruth.ki.33">https://www.facebook.com/ruth.ki.33</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/YourCyberGirl?t=TgsgXf5nkZpS27LzU1adig&s=09">https://twitter.com/YourCyberGirl?t=TgsgXf5nkZpS27LzU1adig&s=09</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-sunday-ki-116a431b1">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-sunday-ki-116a431b1</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Your final word for the Nigerian youth. </div><div>
<i>Ruth</i>:As young people, we have all it takes to create the kind of world we want to see. We can all contribute to making the world a better place in our little ways.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing your story with us and we do pray that many will be inspired as they read. </div><div>
<i>Ruth </i>: It is my pleasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-4675393643189157732022-03-05T16:13:00.008+01:002022-03-05T17:09:57.269+01:00Project Inspire Africa With Gift Siagumpa
<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5aTLULEQf0g6-OyJqJxosP4Xnm8jAc0BOBeTlwE5xYGFuzuGsMQZW8zYpuDuTHJ1jMRvY0lxX8h6rMkUWLG0AQuWuLFgtsjhwTeJfbAizYCy6ThwX1mmCtHcA2Pmli8ubxrNcKvFW4boK8_YOjzh-vpokSlG9ppn5dl7VNZC6fy2sBHyeAdXrhMZnoA=s4096" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5aTLULEQf0g6-OyJqJxosP4Xnm8jAc0BOBeTlwE5xYGFuzuGsMQZW8zYpuDuTHJ1jMRvY0lxX8h6rMkUWLG0AQuWuLFgtsjhwTeJfbAizYCy6ThwX1mmCtHcA2Pmli8ubxrNcKvFW4boK8_YOjzh-vpokSlG9ppn5dl7VNZC6fy2sBHyeAdXrhMZnoA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><i>With the leadership deficit in Africa,Gift Siagumpa has refused to sit on the sidelines and complain. He started the Master-Mind Leadership Foundation to help raise the next generation of Zambian leaders. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa, Gift shares the joy and struggles in his journey.
</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Can we meet you?
</b></div><div>My name is Gift Siagumpa, aged 34, Zambian and I enjoy writing, networking in the quest to learn more from others and providing solutions to societal problems.
</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Tell us briefly your childhood experience.
</b></div><div>As a child , I was privileged to be provided with the basics of life including a good education from one of the best schools in my time. I was also privileged to have parents who were involved in my life. My father was very intentional about parenting. He used to schedule coaching sessions with me and lived out what he taught. He is my biggest inspiration.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What’s your educational background?
</b></div><div> I began my education journey at Maamba Private School, that is, from Pre-school through grades 1 to grade 9 and proceeded to Kalomo Secondary School where I completed my senior secondary school education. I am proud to mention that I went to the same High School where the Current Republican President of my country Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema attended to.
</div><div>I was further admitted to Evelyn Hone University College Of Applied Arts and Commerce in 2010 where I pursued an Educational program; High School English Language and Literature and Library Information Science Management (LIS).
</div><div>Currently I pursuing Legal Studies at The University Of Lusaka (UNILUS) and envisioning innovative projects that provide sustainable impact.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are your contributions towards making your country a better place?
</b></div><div>I am the Executive Director of Master-Mind Leadership Foundation (MMLF;NGO),a registered local and international organization which thrives on two major principles of action namely Leadership Education and Community Development Projects.
</div><div>We are a Youth-led group of dedicated peers who share and support each other through the challenges of leadership. We provides mutually beneficial source of inspiration, information, and collaboration for all of our members and beneficiaries.
</div><div>Through the two principles mentioned above, we complement government efforts by addressing problems that affect the following sectors: Education, Health, Climate Change, Youths and Arts , Agriculture and Social Vices. In addition, we train youths and students on workable leadership skills, career guidance and self development courses.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?
</b></div><div>I began with extensive engagement with like minded youths and stakeholders from private and public institutions. It’s not been an easy road but all the same, I am grateful that I took a step. Together with my team,we invest a lot of time brainstorming on programs and more effective ways to implement them.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What have been your achievements?
</b></div><div>We have been running a number of campaigns through print media especially the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper where we reach over 15 million Zambians per year. Our major content revolves around creating awareness about social vices awareness ,leadership and personal development.
</div><div>The Organization has received writing awards and other awards in line with COVID-19 campaigns and Leadership Workshops.
</div><div>It was recently recognized as one of the impactful organizations by the World Literacy Foundation in Australia, Travel Fir Change Adventures (TFCA) in South Africa, United People Global in Bangladesh and New York ( Hurricane Island), Youth Opportunities Desk and many other institutions.
</div><div>We have also reached over 10,000 youths directly.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What motivated you to do what you are doing?
</b></div><div>Leadership has always been my theme of motivation since childhood. The very fact that nothing begins without Leadership, nothing changes without Leadership, nothing develops without Leadership, nothing happens without Leadership, nothing improves without Leadership, nothing is progressive without Leadership and alternately nothing succeeds without Leadership is what drives to make this contribution to national development.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?
</b></div><div> Our basic challenges include; getting a genuine team and financial aid. A genuine team is hard to come by because in most cases, people especially some youths would like to join the wagon when there is money involved and so it took some time for the executive team and I to formulate what we have created so far.
</div><div>With regard to Financial Aid, it’s something we have been looking forward to receiving since the inception of the organization. We have carried out most of our out-reach programs entirely onour personal budget ( membership contributions) and it’s been a rough journey yet very rewarding.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?
</b></div><div>We raise funds from among ourselves.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has impacted on you?
</b></div><div>Any time we step out to giving a helping hand to others,I am thrilled that our little acts of kindness is lighting up the faces of others. Seeing people get encouraged to pursue their dreams after coming in contact with our programs keeps me wanting to do more.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?
</b></div><div>We have a clear plan of what our organization should look like in the years to come. We are working towards building orphanages in vulnerable communities and to expand our reach so that more young people can benefit from the solutions we create. We also seek to develop effective partnerships with not only governments but also local and international organizations whose project drive an agenda like ours.
</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message.
</b></div><div>With the demonstration effect from ECOWAS/WAEMU, the international community could shift to a “contract with African neighborhoods” involving leading and lagging countries as well as tdonors to provide the right incentives to ensure developmental regional cooperation initiatives. For instance, the governments of East, Central, South, and West African neighborhoods could commit to:
</div><div>1. Establishing “African Economic Areas” that would tie the economic interests of leading and lagging countries in each regional neighborhood tightly together.
</div><div>2. Allowing and maintaining the free movement of labor, capital, goods, and services within these areas.
</div><div>3. Maintaining and protecting access routes between land-locked countries and outlets for trade, and providing the political space to support investment in regional infrastructure.
</div><div><i>In exchange for these actions, bilateral and multilateral development partners could commit to:
</i></div><div>1. A big increase in aid for improved social services and other life-sustaining infrastructure aimed at raising living standards and creation of portable human capital in lagging countries.
</div><div>2. Increased financial support for growth-sustaining infrastructure—ports, transport links, information and communication technology—in the leading countries where economic takeoff is most likely, as well as infrastructure to link the markets of large leading countries with labor, capital, goods, and ideas in smaller neighbors.
</div><div>3. Preferential access to the markets of high-income countries for sub-Saharan Africa’s exports, without strict rules of origin or eligibility criteria that impede rapid growth of trade in intermediate inputs with other developing economies.
</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Thank you for sharing your story with us.</b></div><div>It is my pleasure!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-77463565595792912772022-03-05T09:42:00.005+01:002022-03-05T09:42:36.838+01:00Project_Inspire Speaks With Asher Kayode Adewumi<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8ITOJcse3Yzs48D-iYr7S-R4tgS1AeEUIpliAmFLje3ewFY-jdu7NnECHJilP7va1B5Qa8a1X438ZHPhoNviCtA61fHmK4d2MIOhRyr2TOsKus90jvzt0PsTLrLDmjo25Ynr7bPf0NImwQldjmMsmnlphRVtuVsoHHlVO_hHLgax6tH8bFZPFYBFH5w" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8ITOJcse3Yzs48D-iYr7S-R4tgS1AeEUIpliAmFLje3ewFY-jdu7NnECHJilP7va1B5Qa8a1X438ZHPhoNviCtA61fHmK4d2MIOhRyr2TOsKus90jvzt0PsTLrLDmjo25Ynr7bPf0NImwQldjmMsmnlphRVtuVsoHHlVO_hHLgax6tH8bFZPFYBFH5w" /></a></div>
<i>Kayode believes that a people of good conscience will make a good nation and this is his motivation for starting I have Conscience Foundation. In this interview with Project_Inspire,Kayode talks about his journey and prospects<b>.</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b></i>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Kayode</i>: I am Asher Kayode Adewumi,the CEO of I Have Conscience Foundation. I'm from Kwara State. I am the first child of my family. I'm married and blessed with two children. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly your childhood experience. </div><div><i> Kayode</i>: I lost my father at the tender age of 5 and that cause a separation between me,my sibling and my mum because I had to move in with an uncle in another city. He took care of me, sponsored my education and inculcated good values in me even though he too was young and single. However, none of us could replace the lack of parental care and love, but I am eternally grateful for how far he has brought me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What’s your educational background? </div><div>
<i>Kayode</i>:I completed my primary school education at St Mary Primary School Kabba Kogi State before moving on to St Augustine College Kabba Kogi State and then to GDSS Ojagboro Ilorin Kwara where I completed my secondary school education. I hold a National Diploma in Guidance and Counselling from the Institute of Education Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Psychology from Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div><i> Kayode</i>: As an active citizen, I have taken up the mission of reawakening people's conscience toward a positive behavior in the society. This is why I founded I Have Conscience Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting positive behavior as a means of reducing social vices in the society.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div><i>Kayode</i>: We have carried out several sensitization and awareness program among children,youths,men and women in markets,schools,churches,mosques,parks and charity homes on matters of terrorism,religious intolerance,drug abuse,sexual violence and jungle justice. We have also been able to expand our operations from Abuja to Benue,Adamawa,Nassarawa,Plateau,Kwara,Lagos and Tabara. We have so far directly reached 3,300 beneficiaries. We have successfully implemented 52 projects since in our three years of existence. We also run a weekly radio program known as “Moment of Conscience”. Our partnerships with other organization have continued to grow. We belong to NNNGO, CSACEFA, NACTAL, CPN, ICDAY and FOWPAL to mention few.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you to do what you are doing? </div><div><i>Kayode: </i>Looking at the challenges confronting our dear nation and the world at large, I had to look for a way to bring about positive change in my society and country through humanitarian service. This is how I got here.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div><i>Kayode</i>: Since the organization commenced activities it has been self-sustained from friends and family. We have a lot to do for humanity but our financial strength is slowing us down. We strongly believe that with support from government and donors we will do more for humanity.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard?</div><div>
<i>Kayode</i>: My advice is they should not back down with their ideas, they should make do with little they can start with and keep pushing, someone out there is looking out for them, it is just a matter of time they will get there.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</div><div>
<i>Kayode</i>: Through friends and family.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you?</div><div><i>Kayode</i>: From our awareness to schools on Operation Catch Them Young, I have seen young people make commitments to live right and actually take steps to prove their commitment. This wells in me great joy and I won’t trade that feeling for something else. Also seeing that the little organization I started has now gained both national and international recognition is a huge boost for me to do more.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </div><div><i>Kayode</i>: To see that every home in Nigeria have a Conscience Ambassador and amplify our message globally.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today, and how can we get over this? </div><div>
<i>Kayode</i>: The major cause of unemployment among our youth today is the government.
Our government need to invest more in youth development.Already our young people are trailblazing even in the current difficult circumstances. We will do much more if the environment is right. I also advise that young people begin to explore entrepreneurship. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:How can you be reached on social media?</div><div>
<i>Kayode</i>:Website:www.ihcf.org.ng</div><div> Instagram I_haveconsciencefoundation
Email: foundationconscience@gmail.com
Facebook: I Have Conscience Foundation</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:The final word for the Nigerian youth. </div><div><i>Kayode</i>: Be a Nigerian with a good conscience.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing your story with us and we do pray that many will be inspired as they read. </div><div> <i>Kayode</i> : It is my pleasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div>bofinitiatives@gmail.com</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-58624340383450286762022-02-05T23:42:00.001+01:002022-02-05T23:42:27.506+01:00Project_Inspire With Esther Zayum<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8KVwg1y_SSGcOL6d8G3qK4Iy2b7E_ractCmcP0h0rAb3_2sfp3qHkTJceMz2IpWPgw5LjeTMaZObK5SVVg0_8LleZTiApzkznXzlL9qMxCo4yOKF4JTxpJ9G2H0TAhLzFZEEwaxRWjpfPBXRt3DXbG--NgizfM28fxh9GV43nP7j-oEqXRYFiUM6ZwA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2405" data-original-width="2400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8KVwg1y_SSGcOL6d8G3qK4Iy2b7E_ractCmcP0h0rAb3_2sfp3qHkTJceMz2IpWPgw5LjeTMaZObK5SVVg0_8LleZTiApzkznXzlL9qMxCo4yOKF4JTxpJ9G2H0TAhLzFZEEwaxRWjpfPBXRt3DXbG--NgizfM28fxh9GV43nP7j-oEqXRYFiUM6ZwA" /></a></div>
<i> Esther Zayum is a young Nigerian committed to alleviating the plight of vulnerable women and children. Through her nonprofit organization,Esther is at the forefront of creating safe spaces for women and children to attain their highest potentials.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> </i>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: My name is Esther Zayum, born into the family of Dr. Umaru Adah Gwamna. I hail from Rubochi in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Mkar, in Benue State. I am also member of the Young Nigeria Writer’s Association and the founder of the Amazon Healing for Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AHWOCEI). I am the CEO of House of AdielaZee, a unisex clothing outlet. I am married to Dr. Zayum Inusa Lodaam. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us briefly about your childhood experience.</div><div><i>Esther </i>: I had an awesome childhood experience even though my parents were very strict and never spared the rod. My parents instilled discipline and good manners in me which shaped me into the woman I am today. As the last child of the family, I received a lot of affection and love from my parents and siblings. As a child, I was smart, outspoken and had a lovable nature which made it easier for people to like me.I always spoke up against injustice which got me into trouble most times. Looking back, I guess fighting for the vulnerable women and children had being a childhood dream which has now become a reality. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What’s your educational background? </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: I did my elementary education at N.A.D.P Nursery and Primary School, Lafia, and proceeded to Shepherd International Collage, Akwanga, Nasarawa State for my Secondary education,I then went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Mkar, Benue State.My choice of course has helped prepared and shaped me well for the future I am already building.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What are your contributions towards making Nigeria a better place? </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: My major contribution has been helping women and children to find their voice, their identity and pursue their dreams without fear or intimidation. Seeing women and children who have come in contact with me pursuing their dreams and speaking up against violence gives me a sense of accomplishment. This is the summary of our work at Amazon Healing for Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AHWOCEI),a nonprofit organization I founded. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What have your achievements been? </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: Through high level advocacy, awareness creation and counseling, I had the opportunity to impact over 4,000 women and children through my Initiative over the last three years. This has contributed to whittling down of fears due to increase in sexual and domestic violence. I have footed hospital delivery bills for two survivors and also ensure they went back to school and in addition reconnected a survivor abducted by a baby factory company with her parents with the help of the Nigeria police. My “Changing the Narrative of Violence in Schools Campaign” 2021 have reached over 790 students, not less than ten(10) schools, and fifty (50) teachers. Also, over ninety (>90) community members benefited from the awareness campaign and free screening/testing on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and Syphilis during the campaign on Sexual and Reproductive Health issues. We started the year 2022 with a Youth Engagement Dialogue Hangout and fifteen (15) youths benefited from the interactive event.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What motivated you to do what you are doing?</div><div><i>Esther </i>: My major motivation has been the plights I see women and children go through on a daily basis. I am highly motivated by being a voice, working and making positive impacts in the lives of women and children in the society by changing the way they are viewed and seen. Anytime I want to give up and remember the plights they go through, it fuels my passion and keeps me going.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us more about your non-profit organization.</div><div> <i> Esther </i>: The Amazon Healing for Women and Children Empowerment Initiative, also known as (AHWOCEI) is a fully registered (CAC/IT/NO/101077), authoritative, non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to creating awareness, advocacy, counseling and strategic research in the areas of Gender Based Violence, Human Right Violation, Sexual and Reproductive Right of women and children in Nigeria and Africa at large. The AHWOCEI was founded on 26th September, 2017 but began full operations on 3rd March, 2018. It was established on the underlying principles that gender equality, sustainable peace and development are inextricably linked. Since its establishment, it has been leading strategic advocacy, research, discussions and dialogues around gender related issues.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization?</div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: Our biggest challenges have been the lack of funding/grants to enable us undertake bigger, impactful projects and inadequate capacity building opportunities for our team members.</div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas, but lack of funds is always a stumbling block. What’s your advice in this regard?</div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: I will advice young people like me to explore other options when it comes to funding such as writing your ideas in a proposal format and carrying out research on how much your idea will cost. Don’t stick to a particular strategy or option because it might not work at the time you need. There are hundreds of global and national funding opportunities, grants and resources lined up for young people with great ideas. All you need to do is to get the right links or network. Another critical aspect is mentorship, every young person that wants to excel should have a mentor, someone you can receive advice and communicate your ideas with. There are ideas that are great but needs some flavors to make it perfect. The mentor will help to shape your ideas and even get possible funding/links that could help bring the ideas into existence. I have seen many young people with brilliant ideas and funding but lack capacity and focus to drive it to reality. Lastly, you need to believe in yourself and not give up if funding is not coming at the time you need, instead you keep pushing, searching and exploring.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas? </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: I have been implementing my ideas through personal contributions, support from friends, families and sponsorship from well wishers. I have applied for grants also but still expecting their responses.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:Could you please share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has/have impacted on you? </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: Well, I have so many experiences to share but this particular one strikes the most because my life was endangered in the process. In 2019, we had a case of a missing teenage pregnant girl who was cajoled to sell her baby after delivery. After much investigation and questioning, we found out the lady that brought the case was the actual culprit who was double crossed by her partner and she wanted to use the organization to get the partner arrested and the girl returned back to her. When she discovered we had known the truth and were preparing to bring all evidence against her and partner, she sent thugs after me but due to divine providence, escaped the attack. She further lied to the lawyer that she never brought any case to me and that I had been threatening her life and job if she didn’t agree to all I said. Fortunately for the organization, we made recordings from both verbal and phone conversation which helped in giving us a favourable judgement. The teenage girl was rescued and reconnected to her parents. It really wasn’t a pleasant journey for me as the case was full of pressures and intimidation because so many influential people and the renowned orphanage were the girl was kept was been dragged to the mud if the case had continued. This case changed the way I saw things, the orientation I had of people and even security agencies. I wanted justice so much that I was willing to put my life on the line to achieve it, only to discover that money and power still has a play in delivering justice. The culprits have not being brought to book but thankfully the teenage girl was rescued. This made me re-evaluated and re-aligned our organizational strategies towards sensitive cases/matters as against current realities.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</div><div><i>Esther </i>: Well, I hope to achieve my masters’ degree and PHD which will help to build and expose me deeper into my line of work. Also, I hope to develop my organization into a centre of excellence for strategic research in the area of sexual violence, reproductive and sexual health. In addition, to establishing a Rape Trauma Centre where survivors can heal from their trauma. The bigger prospect is to be able to reach and impact more than 50,000 Nigerians within the next decade.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What do you think is the major cause of unemployment among the youth today, and how can we get over this?</div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: Lack of useful skills, religious/ethnic sentiment, population explosion, corruption and laziness. The high rate of unemployment among youths can be reduced drastically if we teach the youths responsibility and goal setting. Government and private sector should invest in education and vocational training for youth, equal opportunities should be given to men and women, encourage and provide soft loans/grants for young people to start or run business/enterprise to increase job opportunities for the youth.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What would you say is the role of the youth in national development?</div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: The youths are the backbone of the nation and their role is significant to national development, peace and stability. The youths have the role of restoring and improving. The youths have a role to restore and revive the current status/image of the nation. They are to improve science and technology, agriculture, medicine and leadership amongst others. Also, the youth have the role of supporting networks, movements and community initiative that thrive in advancing social justice and gender equality. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:How can you be reached on social media? </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: You can reach me on facebook @Adiela Gwamna and Instagram @Solest07</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>:What are your final words for the Nigerian youth.</div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: Believe in yourself, believe in your ideas, set realizable goals and Stick true to yourself even if no one does. Keep pushing and chasing, one day people will all pay to witness the crown that will be placed on your head. Show the older generation that they are wrong about you. Let them know you have intelligence and skills. Show to yourself what you are made up of.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing your story with us and we do pray that many will be inspired as they read. </div><div>
<i>Esther </i>: It is my pleasure.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div>www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</div><div><br /></div><div>www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</div><div><br /></div><div>bofinitiatives@gmail.com</div><div><br /></div><div>https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-70052574637323943402022-02-05T23:05:00.003+01:002022-02-05T23:07:51.374+01:00Project Inspire Africa Interview With Rita Moyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTX_yEs3nHeKhMnmzbEiVB5eMK6k0SvvFEm5DRjs_zK2ReKeAaYtLwc3PhL4SaHgeJwh5ho-wDp81N0a7ElBLdCPjKWx-R5qyy9eX_nGxyuh8YoJPRsPD6v1FSAl4Y1FN8Ihx2DC-kdY8MPpesKlsLNFpwHSw4MnXx1mAJA1kWNOyIasiw1VxIgYaOFg=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTX_yEs3nHeKhMnmzbEiVB5eMK6k0SvvFEm5DRjs_zK2ReKeAaYtLwc3PhL4SaHgeJwh5ho-wDp81N0a7ElBLdCPjKWx-R5qyy9eX_nGxyuh8YoJPRsPD6v1FSAl4Y1FN8Ihx2DC-kdY8MPpesKlsLNFpwHSw4MnXx1mAJA1kWNOyIasiw1VxIgYaOFg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Rita Moyo, is a 26-years-old citizen of Zimbabwe who is working to end teenage pregnancy and early child marriage in rural communities in Zimbabwe even in the face of cultural acceptance. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa,Rita tells her story.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Can we meet you?</span></b></div><div>My name is Rita Moyo, a 26-years-old citizen of Zimbabwe. I love reading and I am a lover of history and economics. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">Tell us briefly your childhood experience</span></b></div><div>I grew up under an extended family setup in Midlands Province of Zimbabwe in a place called Silobela where small scale farming was prevalent. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">What’s your educational background?</span></b></div><div>I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Namibia, a National Certificate in leadership, a Certificate in Basic Counseling, Intellectual Property, and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights. I attended my primary school at Totololo Primary school which was 2.5km away from our farm so we had to walk every day either winter or summer. I then proceeded from High School to a mission school named Loreto High school, where l then stayed in a hostel. My experience at the mission school led to the desire for making a social impact because l joined a Christian group called Youth Catholic Services(YCS) and from there l knew what l aspired to be though l didn't know the term.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">What are your contributions towards making your country a better place?</span></b></div><div>l am the co-founder of Lotus Development Trust Zimbabwe. We have focused our operations in the Mindlands Province where I grew up, raising awareness about the issues relating to sexual reproductive health rights in the community, aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy. We are also rising up to the challenge of mental health crisis among youth people. We have and are still building online communities that create safe spaces for youths to talk about mental health. Our awareness campaigns, seminars and youth entrepreneurship programs have directly reached 1000 young people and we hope to do more. We have also provided face-to-face counselling to at least 24 youths on reproductive health. Our volunteers have been trained professionally in the areas we work in.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?</span></b></div><div>Every good thing starts with a vision and then a team. I started by sharing my vision with others, setting up a volunteer’s team and testing our ideas to see their results.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">What motivated you to do what you are doing?</span></b></div><div>My childhood experience is the main source of my motivation. At a teenager, I saw a lot of my schoolmates drop out of school because of pregnancy and this made me want to do something to change the narrative and that is how I began my advocacy on sexual reproductive health. Child marriage was also common and justified on the grounds of religion.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?</span></b></div><div>As an organization our biggest challenge has been cultural beliefs. The next is limitations placed on our work as a result of lack of funding. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</span></b></div><div>Our funding at the moment come from personal income. We are looking forward to get donors to see the power in what we are doing and give us an opportunity to do more.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has impacted on you?</span></b></div><div>In the process of doing what I do, I have seen girls who were forced into early marriage. I have worked with some of these girls and succeeded in getting them back to school.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #073763;">What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?</span></b></div><div>To secure funding, create sustainable ways of implementing projects which will lead to reduction in teenage pregnancy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this? </span></b></div><div>The rot in the leadership of the Continent spills over to every facet. Our leaders need to redefine what it truly means to lead people selflessly and until this is achieved, the issue of unemployment may never be addressed. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message?</span></b></div><div>Give young people the opportunity to dream big and implement those ideas. Our Continent should not become a toxic ground for talent.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #073763;">Thank you for sharing your story with us</span></b></div><div>It is my pleasure!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</b></div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div>bofinitiatives@gmail.com</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-54806270549170320052022-01-05T16:36:00.001+01:002022-01-05T16:36:10.244+01:00Project Inspire Africa Chat with Ange Imanishimwe
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg0zTyh-kF05Js0VlllHmyQoGb19yYLmVv2Sy-7V9aHrN3BLebByJyFLHFSVn22gVu80L5xhsicnRfAK3PaoewSejdVPFt4Y55xxGCdz5h9hCxk7vlntvbWrHbZuhNRnAvErJcUUVAwQJaOglo4kP1T09x60vmxtYksVgoVUFwbzOt2h1uN_l5TXQezQ" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg0zTyh-kF05Js0VlllHmyQoGb19yYLmVv2Sy-7V9aHrN3BLebByJyFLHFSVn22gVu80L5xhsicnRfAK3PaoewSejdVPFt4Y55xxGCdz5h9hCxk7vlntvbWrHbZuhNRnAvErJcUUVAwQJaOglo4kP1T09x60vmxtYksVgoVUFwbzOt2h1uN_l5TXQezQ" /></a></div><i>
In the face of environmental degradation and unemployment,Ange Imanishimwe is creating thousands of jobs through biodiversity conservation in Rwanda. In this interview with Project Inspire Africa,Ange shares his story and its impacts in Rwandan communities. </i><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">
Can we meet you? </span></b></div><div> My name is Dr Ange Imanishimwe, PhD, a 35-year-old Rwandan citizen. I love watching the wildlife and mobilization on biodiversity conservation. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tell us briefly your childhood experience.</span></b>
From a young age, I committed to creating a good change in my community by integrating biodiversity conservation, community health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, climate protection, and sustainable development in Rwanda.
When I was a child, I was used to watch the animals especially birds and grasshoppers and was amazed by discovering what the nature has. I remember that I was used to forbid the kids from destructing the nests of the birds and from killing the animals. No wonder today I am a Biodiversity Conservation Activist who is inspiring others to conserve nature.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">What’s your educational background?</span></b> </div><div> I hold a bachelor's degree in Zoology and Conservation and an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Rwanda. I also hold a combined PhD in Biodiversity Management from the University of Rwanda and University of Hawaii. I have also obtained a certification from the University of California, Berkeley in Public Policy and Civic Leadership.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">What are your contributions towards making your country a better place?</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></b>I have worked in The Nature Conservancy (<a href="http://www.tnc.org">www.tnc.org</a>) as a short term Consultant. In this role, I negotiated nearly 500,000 USD in grants and investments from the South Korean government, UNDP, The Van Tienhoven Foundation, The New Forests Company, and others to support my community. I have served as a Tourist Guide in Nyungwe National Park at the Rwanda Development Board for four years (<a href="http://www.rdb.rw">www.rdb.rw</a>). I founded Biodiversity Conservation Organization BIOCOOR with the vision of putting Rwanda to the level of middle income countries by integrating biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, climate protection, community health, natural resources management, and sustainable development of Rwanda. As a result of the work we do at BIOCOOR, I have been able to create 27 permanent jobs and 1800 part time jobs in my community and have built Dr IMANISHIMWE CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP CENTER around Nyungwe National Park. This Centre focuses on capacity development in entrepreneurship, leadership, project management and biodiversity conservation. We have so far trained 18 students from African Leadership University and the University of Rwanda. We have also extended our programs to the whole Southern Province and our Headquarter is in Huye. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">What have been your achievements?</span></b></div><div>
BIOCOOR has launched projects to promote youth entrepreneurship, safe water and sanitation practices, proper dairy processing techniques, the removal of invasive plants that damage the forest, as well as soil improvement and composting.
BIOCOOR also includes Information Communication Technology training to teach the local youth on how to use technology to communicate effectively.
The Organization has created more than 3800 jobs for the local people. BIOCOOR has built the capacity of 15,000 persons in biodiversity conservation and helped 3 companies to operate in the region. Around 200 students have participated in our internship program at BIOCOOR and are today driving positive social change in their communities.
We have also established a botanic garden around Nyungwe to promote ecotourism and transformed 500 poachers into protectors. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>What motivated you to do what you are doing?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;"><b></b></span>Local farmers near the Nyungwe National Park live in extreme poverty due to the acidic soil, which results in a low crop yield. Poor farming conditions have led to illegal activities, such as poaching and deforestation, as a means to survive. These activities damage the environment, so BIOCOOR is trying to preserve the forest, while simultaneously influencing the economic development of the people living near the NNP. Seeing this problem, I was inspired to take action and this is how BIOOCOR came into existence. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit? </span></b></div><div>
Securing funding was a major challenge because some people undermined us because they felt we are young. We were challenged to realize that those who were supposed to help us are the ones who were pulling us down; they did not believe in our initiative and ambitions. But the story has now changed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?</span></b>
I really know the principle of 5Cs: Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Courage, and Competence.
I didn't start with any money but I started with discipline and the ability to sell my idea to potential funders convince those who have money why they should help us. Many of them understood our cause and supported BIOCOOR. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has impacted on you?</span></b> </div><div> The first thing I witnessed as we began our work is the change of mindset among my people. I have witnessed poachers become park protectors and they shifted from extreme poverty to better standards of living. The number of animals currently at the Nyungwe National Park has increased due to the tremendous decrease in poaching because of the advocacy work of BIOCOOR and our partners.
Our conservation and teaching work has inspired the people and we are having the youth who are doing business in conservation. This is the essence of leadership and entrepreneurship that we have been fighting for. The impact of our campaign reached the UK and now our work is been supported by a charity called NYUCO. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years? </span></b></div><div> In the next 5 to 10 years, we will extend our work to Kenya, UK, USA, Tanzania, one Asian country, and Australia. We plan to create more 5,000 green jobs in that period. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this? </span></b></div><div> Our environment is hostile to business development and our old people have perfected the act of undermining youths making it difficult for us to rise to our fullest potentials.
To make progress,our leaders must begin to think critically and embrace ideas that will help thrive as a continent. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message.</span></b> </div><div> Dear Presidents,
We have everything we need to help our people to get jobs and have the basic income. Let us revise our policies and concentrate our work at improving the community livelihoods through sharing the resources and supporting the people in need.
Also let us revise our partnership with the West, instead of receiving from them; let us give them as well. Let us have our children studying at our own universities and ensure that the quality education matches global standards. When we attain this height, Africa will take her place on the global stage.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Thank you for sharing your story with us and we do pray that many will be inspired as they read. </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It is my pleasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284283661939927171.post-4478127229642836832022-01-05T08:41:00.001+01:002022-01-05T08:41:06.285+01:00Project_Inspire Interview with Dennis Anzaku Tsakpa
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh3liOqTaQ6eYXO-DSwXWypuCBVu6JKqxjgAsVOE7EMbYV25VVxJ3zmlLsXdM-nDnGv6ITeVDmHto2ZfoQ43ALtsLYTDxXRHLdeUMZV8HIgY4gidmTbfNxBJs0Du_jLJPpPTP-oXCexO2RX10I656f1Oc250GSJfWgWhebGNegRmH83fNlE_4F_DKYNg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="3336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh3liOqTaQ6eYXO-DSwXWypuCBVu6JKqxjgAsVOE7EMbYV25VVxJ3zmlLsXdM-nDnGv6ITeVDmHto2ZfoQ43ALtsLYTDxXRHLdeUMZV8HIgY4gidmTbfNxBJs0Du_jLJPpPTP-oXCexO2RX10I656f1Oc250GSJfWgWhebGNegRmH83fNlE_4F_DKYNg" /></a></div>
<i>From working to achieve equal access to opportunities for girls to setting up a low-cost school for girls,Dennis Anzaku Tsakpa is inspiring of the next generation of women to dare to dream. In this interview with Project_Inspire,Dennis tells his story </i>. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Can we meet you?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: I am Dennis Anzaku Tsakpa, a 34-years-old, indigene of the Eggon tribe in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Tell us about your childhood?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: I spent most of my childhood in Keffi and Lafia Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. As a child, I watched my mum shuffle between school, work (teacher) and (family), and she was excellent at it. Because of his job as School Principal with the Ministry of Education, my dad was always on the move as a result of transfers and when it was possible, we also moved with him. He became a principal at a very young age. My dad was so dedicated to his job that one would think he was working for a private organization. His work ethics really influenced me. The death of my little sister dealt a great blow on my family, especially my mum. It was at this time that my dad had us relocate from Keffi to Lafia, to help my mother heal from grief. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What is your educational background like? </div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: My parents were both educationists and spared nothing when it came to our education. In fact, they pushed us hard and fast. I finished primary school at a very tender age and proceeded to secondary school before I turned 9 years. I obtained my first degree two months to my 20th birthday. I hold a Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy (Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome-Italy- Affiliated), a Master’s Degree in International Relations (Benue State University) and a PGDE. (National Teachers Institute). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What contribution are you giving to make Nigeria a better place?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: In my attempt to create sustainable impact and contribute to community and national development, I founded EVERY GIRL INITIATIVE (EGI), a gender focused, non-profit organization working to improve and expand the perimeters of opportunities for young girls, promote gender equity, enhance the abilities of young girls to tackle their own economic, social and environmental problems for sustainable community and national development. I founded and registered EGI legally in 2018, after about seven years of professionally working in the development sector in the fields of Protection, Gender and Peace Building. I mobilized a team of related experts from various fields (legal, medical, educational, socio-work) as board members, and a group of young people with vast experience in the development sector to found this organization.
I had the idea of pioneering a system of NGO that is primary impact driven, ran by volunteers, and not dependent on donor funding alone for its project activities and sustainability. We designed EGI to keep functioning, running its projects, making impacts with or without donor funding through the use of volunteer staff, engagement in social enterprises and internally generated revenue. Today Grade Agros and Grade Pads/Stitches (both social enterprises) are an offshot of the organization, with a profit percentile dedicated to support the operations and projects of the organization.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What have your achievements been? </div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: Through EGI we have been able to make impacts in the lives of many young girls in local and urban communities of North East, and North Central Nigeria in the areas of Education, Livelihood and Employability Skills Training, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Menstrual Hygiene Management and Capacity for Leadership; addressing all forms of Gender based violence reaching 3,813 persons. Our most priced projects based on their overall vison for impact are One Girl A Thousand Pad, the Boys Against Violence, and the Sheroes Girl Science Academy.
Through the One Girl a Thousand Pad we are out to end period poverty and address the many challenges menstrual hygiene management faced by millions of girls in both and urban communities in Nigeria. The project is three pronged: The first is the advocacy campaign part where I am mobilizing for mass action and campaigning for period products to be made available and accessible for women FREE of charge. The second approach is training and building capacities of women, girls and communities on healthy, safe and dignified management of the menstrual process. The third approach is providing access to period products for vulnerable girls/women, and that is why I founded the Grade Pads and Stiches in Adamawa state where we produce reusable, eco-friendly, washable menstrual pads and distribute for free, while at the same time empowering girls with the know-how and skills to produce the pads themselves
The Boys Against Violence (BAV) project is a GBV prevention and response intervention that is aimed at ending all forms of violence against women and Girls by re-defining the negative notion of masculinity that is associated with violence and, as well as building the capacities of young boys to be agents of prevention and not just perpetrators of sexual and gender base violence. We are building the “Real Man”
The Sheroes Girl Science Academy is a girls’ only Nursery and Primary School that is located in Lafia, Nasarawa State. We are giving young girls at the community level access to a system of education that is basically focused on science and digital skills needed to thrive and excel in today’s world of work and governance. We are equally raising “the total woman” who is smart, strong and capable of activating her limitless potential while boldly pursuing her dream with dignity and in peace. This is all at a very affordable and no cost (scholarship) to these girls.
EGI is currently partnering with DCR Ambassadors - with support from the UN Women and EU Spotlight Project to build the capacities of various actors in Borno State to effectively address and end all violence against women and girls. We are equally setting up a Centre for Gender Safety and Security for women and girls in Borno State. We worked with SFH/UNESCO to engage young people to create access to sexual and reproductive health service.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What motivated you into doing what you are doing?</div><div>Dennis<i> </i>: My life experiences; both personal and professional formed the basis of my motivation for what I do. At a particular time in my life (when I was much younger) I wanted to become a catholic priest, even though that desire later changed. What did not change however, was the desire to make impact on people’s lives. Since I couldn’t do that within a spiritual and religious context, I opted for the development sector.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What has been your major challenge since you began your non-profit organization? </div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: Like most nascent organizations, there is the challenge of funding to push the activities of the organization, reach out to more target population and make impacts. There is also the challenge of getting the right people to work with; young people with zeal, passion and the commitment for impact. Most young people are after give aways, and their notion of NGOs is one devoid of sacrifice and touching lives. There is also the challenge that comes with been a young person in a field dominated by older people in Nigeria; you are either seen as a threat, or your innovations are challenged because people are set in their old ways of doing things that have generated little or no impact all the while. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Share with us one or two experiences that you have had in your journey that has really impacted you. </div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: I was in Jos recently to buy office equipment and I came across a man in the shop whom upon hearing the name of the organization was amazed, and told me of how thrilled him and his wife are about the One Girl a Thousand Pad Campaign which they came across severally online. He offered to pay for one of the items (printer) I picked for the organization as his contribution to the cause, and asked that I sent my special regards to the Executive Director. He is a man with 6 girls and he said he couldn’t wait for the reality of free pad products come to pass. His gesture lighted up my soul again at a time I was beginning to question if the campaign was really making impact and that night I started a rethinking and redesigning the campaign so that we could do better.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Many young people have great ideas but the finances are always a stumbling block, what will your advice be in this regard?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: My advice always to young people who have great ideas, but lack finance is to start small and start where they are. Develop the capacity for financial and resource mobilization. Sourcing for finance to build on your ideas is not something you do emotionally, it is a skill you must build. Be on the lookout for global platforms to sell your ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: How have you been able to raise money for your projects?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: As I have hinted earlier, I engage in social enterprises that tend to generate income that supports projects and activities, even though at a minimal level. I engage in consultancies too. I am training consultant and have worked with national and international organizations from where I reserve a percentage of my personal income to execute activities. My wife does the same too, given her level of passion and commitments to the girl child. I get support from people of goodwill too.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What do you think has been the major cause of unemployment among youths today and how can we get of this?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: Corruption has marred our system and denied us of the opportunities we deserve. On the other hand, we have not helped ourselves as many young people are depending on white-collar jobs that are nowhere to be found. I recommend that our youth begin to think outside the box and carve a niche for themselves. The government must begin to intentionally create a friendly environment that allows ideas to thrive and not die.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: What are your prospects for the next 5- 10 years?</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: to multiply our impact and become a globally recognized brand. We are working to see Sheroes Girls Academy have branches in all regions of the country. We want to see Pads production centers established in four key Locations in Nigeria, and most importantly for pads and menstrual products to be free, accessible and available.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Final words to the Nigerian youth.</div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: If you truly want to excel, forget bandwagon mentality; chart your own course even if it sounds stupid, crazy and unfeasible. Learn the humility of starting small; and growing big; lastly, never ever rely on government; but don’t fail to call government to account. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<b>PROJECT_INSPIRE</b>: Thank you for sharing your story with us and we do pray that many will be inspired as they read. </div><div>
<i>Dennis </i>: It is my pleasure.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Follow Busaosowo Foundation:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation">www.instagram.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation">www.facebook.com/busaosowofoundation</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:bofinitiatives@gmail.com">bofinitiatives@gmail.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1">https://wa.me/message/MNWQTFWQRZBUL1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BUSAOSOWO FOUNDATIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164894311837044318noreply@blogger.com1