A Social Entrepreneurial Journey

As I sit down to reflect on my journey as a social entrepreneur this week, I can't help but marvel at the winding path that brought me to where I am today. It all began in 2015 when, fueled by a mix of excitement and boredom, I co-founded the Vihiga Poverf Digital Youth Group. Little did we know that this venture, initially sparked by youthful enthusiasm, would be the genesis of my foray into social entrepreneurship.

Our first project was a vegetable farm at my home, with 1100 stems of kales meticulously planted. However, our optimism was quickly met with the harsh reality of climate change. Devastating rains and hailstorms shredded our hard work, leaving us disheartened. Despite the setback, I persevered.

In 2018, I established the Progressive Youth Group, a venture that taught me valuable lessons in resource mobilization and project management. Challenges arose when a faction within the group revolted, resulting in the loss of a significant financial opportunity from a secured partner. The experience, though painful, became a crucible for growth.

Fast forward to 2023, and I founded Forezava Farm, a social enterprise gaining recognition and support. The focus has been on implementing the Friends of RIver Ezava project through groups and individuals. Despite challenges, including a rocky start, Forezava Farm is now attracting partnerships with esteemed organizations like UNDP and USAID.

These years of trials and triumphs have honed my skills for leading community development initiatives. The journey has been arduous, marked by disappointments and victories alike. Yet, each experience has shaped me into a resilient social entrepreneur, ready to tackle the challenges that come my way.

There's nothing unique about my story. This is the story of most young people out here struggling to make ends meat. Young people on a daily grind. Young people that need a hand to hold on. While I may have been determined enough to pull through the turmoils of initial trial and error most youth don't. Partly because the odds are cast against them from the start or just that things change and their interests are shifted.

My desire and commitment is still with what drove me to make that first step. I still worked with members from my community with whom we founded Vihiga Poverf Digital Youth Group to reinvigorate it and the work they have set out to do is amazing. Progressive Youth Group and many other community organizations that I have had a hand in establishing still form a central cog to my planning. 

What matters moving is not what you think, it is what you do. 

About Author: Kevin Makova

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