Wajibika Initiative

The lack of meaningful participation by citizens in the decision-making processes is one of Kenya's biggest issues with civic engagement. Citizens are frequently excluded from decision-making processes, especially at the local level, despite the existence of numerous legal and institutional frameworks to promote citizen engagement.

Only 14% of Kenyans, according to a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), took part in local public consultations in 2019. There are a number of reasons for this low level of participation, including a lack of knowledge of opportunities for citizen engagement, restricted access to information, and mistrust of governmental institutions.

According to a research by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Kenya's legal framework for public engagement and its actual execution differ significantly. For instance, despite the fact that Kenya's Constitution mandates public engagement in decision-making, the IFES study showed that this participation is frequently tokenistic and has little real impact.

According to a report by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Kenya faces various challenges in promoting civic education and active citizenship, including a lack of understanding of democratic processes and limited opportunities for civic participation (NDI, 2022). The report recommends the promotion of civic education and the involvement of civil society organizations in civic engagement initiatives as a means of addressing these challenges.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reported that  65% of eligible voters in Kenya participated in the general election held in August 2022. The voting rate among young people was, however, lower than that of other age groups. According to a study by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), only 34% of Kenyan youth between the ages of 18 and 25 participated in the 2017 elections.

References:

• report by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Available at https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/NDI%20IRI_International%20Election%20Observation%20Mission%20to%20Kenya.pdf

An instructional and learning strategy called service learning combines training with significant community service. Service learning aims to solve community needs while giving students the chance to apply their academic knowledge and critical thinking abilities to real-world issues.

What Wajibika Initiative does.

Civic participation is enhanced via service learning. Students who participate in service learning have a greater awareness of the social and political issues that affect them as well as a sense of duty and dedication to their communities. Students who participate in service learning are also exposed to a variety of viewpoints and experiences, which can foster in them a sense of empathy and understanding for others.

Encourages students to take on more leadership roles in their communities and to grow as community members who can make a difference.

Workings

Preparation: The training and direction for the service learning project are given to the students in the workshop. This involves getting to know the problem they'll be tackling, the community partner(s) they'll be collaborating with, and the objectives and results of their service learning project.

Service: Students participate in significant community service that is connected to the course material. This could entail working as a volunteer for a nonprofit, carrying out study or advocacy work, or planning an occasion or fundraiser.

Reflection: Students think back on their experiences and what they have learned after the service experience. Discussions, writing, or other types of self-reflection are common ways to carry out this reflection.

Assessment: Based on the service rendered, the reflection, and the learning objectives, the instructor or community partner evaluates the service learning project. This makes it easier to make sure the project satisfies both the intended objectives  and the needs of the community .

The target population for the project is 200 youths in Nairobi Informal settlement(Mathare, Korogocho, Kawangware and Kayole) high schools who are interested in learning about civic responsibility and democratic processes. This may include students who have an interest in community service, politics, or social justice issues. The project will also be open to students from diverse backgrounds and communities to ensure that a broad range of perspectives and experiences are represented.

The target youth are beginning to establish their attitudes and opinions about civic responsibility and political processes at a pivotal point in their development. By engaging them in service learning projects that require active participation in democratic processes, they can develop an understanding of the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. This can lead to increased civic engagement and a more vibrant and participatory democracy.

Husisha Initiative Organization was established in 2018 with the mission to  reinvent how people learn, share knowledge, tell stories, and inspire human rights based approach in Informal settlement in Kenya. Over the years, our organization has been dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and human rights in Informal settlements in Kenya.

We have made significant progress in achieving our mission through various initiatives, programs, and projects. Our organization has worked tirelessly to address critical issues facing our community, including  ensuring that lifelong learning opportunities are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Wajibika Initiative requires funding to cover the costs associated with its development, implementation, and evaluation. These costs  include:

1. Personnel costs: This will include project staff, trainers, and other support staff.

2. Materials and equipment costs: This will include training materials, communication tools, voter registration materials, and other resources required for the project.

3. Transportation costs: This may include the cost of transportation to and from the project sites.

4. Outreach and marketing costs: This will include the cost of promoting the project to students, parents, and community members.

5. Evaluation and monitoring costs: This will include the cost of collecting and analyzing data to evaluate the effectiveness of the project.

Service learning initiatives have the potential to be an effective instrument for promoting civic engagement and democratic participation. Students will acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to bring about positive change in their communities and beyond by getting involved in initiatives that are relevant and deal with real-world problems.

Participatory engagement will involve collaboration, co-creation, and co-design between stakeholders and target beneficiaries.

incorporate features that encourage engagement, such as gamification elements or social networking functionality that allows citizens to connect with others who are interested in similar issues.

Establish a student advisory council that meets regularly to provide feedback and guidance on service learning initiatives. This council will be composed of a diverse group of citizens from different backgrounds and perspectives to ensure that a wide range of voices are heard.

The impact goals of the Wajibika Initiative are to:

1. Increase understanding of civic responsibility and the skills necessary for active participation in democracy.

2. Increase the sense of personal efficacy and confidence in students to engage in civic activities.

3. Increase the number of students who engage in civic activities and become active participants in democratic processes.

4. Promote a more vibrant and participatory democracy by increasing the number of informed and engaged citizens.

5. Foster a sense of community and encourage students to become more socially responsible and engaged members of their communities.

6. Encourage students to think critically about social justice issues and become advocates for change.

7. Increase awareness and participation in democratic processes, such as voting and lobbying, among students and their communities.

The staff of the Husisha Initiative Organization will be responsible for designing the evaluation tools and preparing evaluation reports. However, a team of stakeholders will be convened to evaluate the overall performance of the Wajibika Initiative in a series of reviews. These stakeholders will be representatives of the partnering organizations. They will be asked to rate each of the project's objectives and give feedback on expanded programming.

By tracking these indicators, the project can assess its progress towards achieving its impact goals and make adjustments as necessary to improve its effectiveness.

1. Number of students who participate in service learning projects that involve democratic processes.

2. Number of community organizing campaigns or lobbying efforts undertaken by students.

3. Changes in attitudes and beliefs about civic responsibility and democratic processes among students, as measured by pre- and post-project surveys.

4. Increases in the sense of personal efficacy and confidence among students, as measured by pre- and post-project surveys.

5. Number of students who continue to engage in civic activities after completing the project.

6. Changes in the level of civic engagement among students and their communities, as measured by surveys or other means.

7. Number of students who become advocates for social justice issues and take action to promote change.

8. Increases in the number of students and community members who participate in democratic processes, such as voting and lobbying.

Reporting

Husisha Initiative Organization will develop and share quarterly reports with beneficiaries, stakeholders and Solve. We will keep all the project documentation(minutes, reports, financial documents) for 3 years.

If students engage in service learning projects that require active participation in democratic processes, they will develop an understanding of civic responsibility and the skills necessary to be active and engaged citizens. This will lead to a greater sense of personal efficacy, increased civic engagement, and a more vibrant and participatory democracy.

Assumptions:

• Students have the opportunity to participate in service learning projects that involve democratic processes
• Students have access to resources and support to engage in these projects effectively
• Engaging in service learning projects will lead to increased understanding of civic responsibility and the skills necessary for active participation in democracy

Activities:

1. Identify service learning projects that require active participation in democratic processes, such as voter registration drives, community organizing campaigns, or lobbying efforts.

2. Provide students with the necessary resources and support to effectively engage in these projects, such as training in community organizing, access to voter registration materials, or connections with local advocacy groups.

3. Encourage reflection and discussion among students about the democratic processes they are participating in and the impact they are having on their communities.

4. Provide opportunities for students to share their experiences and learning with others, such as through presentations, posters, or social media.

Outcomes:

1. Increased understanding of civic responsibility and the skills necessary for active participation in democracy
2. Greater sense of personal efficacy and agency in effecting change
3. Increased civic engagement, such as volunteering, attending town hall meetings, or running for office
4. A more vibrant and participatory democracy with a greater diversity of voices and perspectives represented.

Wajibika Initiative can be divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Training and Preparation In this phase, the project team will provide training on civic responsibility and democratic processes, as well as on the use of audiovisual media and behavioral technology. The training will be conducted through workshops and interactive sessions that engage the participants.

Phase 2: Service Learning Projects In this phase, the participants will engage in service learning projects such as street clean-up, community organizing campaigns, and awareness efforts. The projects can be designed to address local issues such as waste management, access to education, and healthcare.

Phase 3: Audiovisual Media and Behavioral Technology In this phase, audiovisual media and behavioral technology will be applied to enhance the impact of the service learning projects. For instance, video documentaries can be produced that showcase the impact of the projects on the community. Behavioral technology can be used to promote positive behaviors such as recycling and waste management.

Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into the Wajibika Initiative can help to ensure that all participants feel valued, respected, and supported. It can also help to create a more effective and sustainable project that has a positive impact on the community. The following strategies will be applied:

1. Engage diverse stakeholders: Involve stakeholders who represent diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in the project. This will include youth from different ethnic groups, genders, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Ensure that their voices and perspectives are heard and valued throughout the project.

2. Cultivate an inclusive environment: Create an inclusive environment where all participants feel valued, respected, and supported. Establish ground rules that promote respect, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from each other. Encourage active listening and constructive feedback.

3. Address power imbalances: Recognize and address power imbalances that may exist within the project. This can include power dynamics based on age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. Ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and lead.

4. Incorporate diverse perspectives: Incorporate diverse perspectives into the project design, implementation, and evaluation. Consider how different groups may experience the project differently and make adjustments to ensure that the project is inclusive and accessible to all.

Wajibika Initiative is focused on encouraging civic responsibility and active participation in democratic processes among 200 youths in Nairobi Informal settlements through service learning projects, our business model is centered around providing value to both our key customers and beneficiaries.

Key Customers: Our key customers are the various stakeholders involved in promoting civic responsibility and democratic participation, including local government officials, community leaders, and youth organizations. We also work with corporate sponsors and donors who are interested in supporting social impact initiatives in the community.

Beneficiaries: Our primary beneficiaries are the 200 youths in Nairobi Informal settlements who participate in our service learning projects. These projects are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that help young people develop leadership, communication, and project management skills. They also increase their understanding of democratic processes and civic engagement, and empower them to become active citizens in their communities.

Products and Services: Our organization provides a range of products and services that cater to the needs of both our key customers and beneficiaries. These include:

1. Service Learning Projects: Our main service is the implementation of service learning projects that promote civic responsibility and democratic participation among youth in Nairobi Informal settlements. These projects are designed to be hands-on, engaging, and impactful, providing participants with practical experience in community organizing, advocacy, and activism.

2. Training and Support: We provide training and support to youth participants, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of our service learning projects. This includes training in leadership, communication, project management, and advocacy, as well as ongoing support throughout the project implementation process.

3. Community Engagement and Awareness: We also provide community engagement and awareness efforts, using audiovisual media and behavioral technology to raise awareness of the importance of civic engagement and democratic participation. This helps to build support for our service learning projects and promotes a culture of civic responsibility in the community.

How we provide these products and services: We provide our products and services through a combination of in-person and online interactions. Our service learning projects are implemented on-site in the communities we serve, and we use various online platforms to provide training and support to our stakeholders. We also leverage social media and other online channels to promote our projects and raise awareness of our mission.

Why our customers and beneficiaries want or need these products and services: Our customers and beneficiaries want and need our products and services because they are designed to address pressing social and economic challenges in Nairobi Informal settlements. By promoting civic responsibility and democratic participation, we are helping to build a more engaged, empowered, and resilient community. Our training and support services provide stakeholders with the tools and resources they need to make meaningful contributions to this effort, while our community engagement and awareness efforts help to build momentum and support for our mission. In addition, our corporate sponsors and donors are interested in supporting social impact initiatives that have a meaningful and measurable impact on the communities they serve.

To become financially sustainable, our organization must develop a plan to generate revenue that covers our operational costs and supports our service learning projects. Here are some strategies we can consider:

1. Diversify Funding Sources: Our organization will explore a range of funding sources to generate revenue. This includes applying for grants from foundations, governments, and other funding bodies. We will also seek donations from individual donors and corporate sponsors who are aligned with our mission.

2. Earned Income Strategies: Our organization will also develop earned income strategies that generate revenue while also providing value to our beneficiaries. For example, we can offer training and consulting services to other organizations, or develop social enterprise ventures that generate revenue while also promoting our mission.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations: Our organization will form partnerships and collaborations with other organizations to share resources and costs. For example, we will partner with local businesses, community organizations, or government agencies to jointly fund and implement service learning projects.

4. Fee-for-Service Model: Our organization can also develop a fee-for-service model where we charge a fee to our beneficiaries for our services. For example, we can charge a fee for training and support services provided to youth participants or community leaders.

Husisha Initiative Organization is applying earned income strategies such as selling comics on healthy negotiating with two corporate sponsors. This approach will help the organization generate revenue while also promoting its mission and engaging with its target audience.

In addition to selling comics, eLearning development can be another effective earned income strategy for the organization. With the increasing importance of digital technology and online learning, eLearning development can be a valuable way to reach and educate a wider audience. The organization could develop online courses, webinars, and other digital educational resources that align with its mission and values. These resources could be sold to individuals or organizations that are interested in learning about topics related to healthy negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication skills.

To ensure that the eLearning resources are effective and engaging, the organization would conduct thorough research to identify the target audience's needs and preferences. The content would be well-designed, user-friendly, and accessible to a wide range of learners.

To monetize the eLearning resources, the organization would offer them for a fee or charge a subscription fee for ongoing access to the content. It could also offer customized training programs and consulting services to corporate clients who are interested in promoting healthy negotiation and communication skills among their employees.

Overall, eLearning development will be an effective way for the Husisha Initiative Organization to generate revenue while also promoting its mission and expanding its impact. By leveraging technology and digital platforms, the organization can reach a wider audience and provide valuable educational resources to individuals and organizations that are interested in improving their negotiation and communication skills.

We are at the pilot level of development.