Kenya is a changed nation or rather Kenyans work so hard to better and improve their lives. Whether it’s through innovative technology practices, more personalized service delivery and faster delivery of goods, then trust Kenyans to be on the go.
In the heart of this growth is Safaricom Foundation which has over the years impacted the Kenyan community through different people-driven initiatives. This has been achieved under the 8 categories of Elimu (Education), Afya (Health), Wezesha (Empowerment), Water, Environmental Conservation, Technology for Good, Disaster Relief and Arts and Culture.
For the period 2018-2021, Safaricom Foundation has made on a strategic decision to focus on three key thematic areas (education, health and economic empowerment) which are aligned to the Sustainable development goals.
For instance, under the Elimu initiative, Safaricom Foundation has endeavoured to foster inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning. The initiative has been targetive of children with disabilities and those from nomadic pastoralist communities. It has increased access to ICT education and competencies in literacy and numeracy.
The Elimu initiative tops the list of Safaricom Foundation works with over 95 projects across the country. These projects touch over 1.2 million learners in Primary, Secondary and vocational training institutions.
The foundation chips in by donating books and ICT facilities, building and refurbishing classrooms. Beneficiaries of the the Elimu program include Mulufu Primary School, Nzouni Primary School, PCEA Elburgon Primary School, Subuku MixedSecondary School, Siany Kabonyo Primary School and Sikarira Primary School.
Others include Bahati Primary School, Dahir Primary School, Ebukuti Primary School, Kakwanyang Primary School, Kauma Primary School, Kwasuvu Primary School, Kyangoma Primary School and Mithini Primary School.
A nation definitely cannot achieve if the citizenry is not healthy and thus the Afya initiative is geared towards survival and improved health of mothers and infants during childbirth and early childhood. They also focus on increasing access to health screening and treatment for chronic lifestyle diseases.
75% of Kenyans population is under 30 which warrants a huge thirst for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The Wezesha initiative focuses on establishing macro and small-scale social enterprises that have a social impact and create jobs. Furthermore, through Wezesha, the foundation aims to increase access to entrepreneurship education and financial literacy for young people.
These projects have far-reaching impact with the clean water initiative, for instance, benefitting more than 300,000 people across the country.
In supporting Environmental Conservation, the foundation has endeavoured to preserve and protect endangered water towers, protect and restore endangered wildlife and their habitats. This has manifested through the Safaricom Lewa Marathon which is currently in it’s 18th year.
In supporting Technology for Good, Safaricom Foundation has initiated projects in the development and deployment of technology solutions to drive social impact and self-reliance.
The Foundation has also responded to serious and complex emergency cases in Kenya, saving the lives of over 122,000 people and keeping them from more harm. The Disaster Relief program also helps communities prepare for disasters and recover more quickly after an emergency.
A nation is built through set cultures, standards, principles and values and thus in its devotion to identify, protect, preserve and enhance Kenya’s cultural heritage, Safaricom Foundation has supported arts and culture in museums, schools, institutions and communities across the country.
Change doesn’t happen in one day but through a set of steps; steps in the right direction and with the spirit of togetherness.
