By Evans Kibe
Jonathan Jackson Foundation(JJF), the dedicated custodians of community change, have launched the 2022 building businesses program dubbed “Jenga Bizna Mtaani”. The foundation serves vulnerable populations in Nairobi’s informal settlements through economic empowerment trainings, granting micro and small enterprises and using sports as a tool for social development. On the 9th of February 2022, two youth groups received capital goods fully funded by the foundation to ensure that the members of the group create employment and means of earning income for their households.
Diana Sifuna, the Chief Executive Officer of JJF relayed the message from the Chairman, Jonathan Jackson,
“The vision of the Foundation is to build sustainable businesses within the communities. It is not enough to train youths on economic empowerment and to provide mentorship. It is worthwhile to take a step further and help them to build businesses – Jenga Bizna. JJF will continue to monitor and evaluate the implementation of Jenga Bizna projects across the communities being supported…”
However, she says lack of accountability, transparency and poor books keeping is the main challenge facing the organization especially when they want to validate how their fund has been utilized.
At Riruta Stadium in Kawangware, Dagoretti South, Team Change Resist Crime youth group received a fully kitted smoky trolley with 2 week’s supply of initial inventory for the group business. George Ouma, the beneficiary member of the group said,
“JJF continues to support our efforts as reformed youths in the communities by helping us to feed ourselves. This action will positively impact our future generation as well.”
Edited By Kamadi Amata
