Paul is 25 years-old and lives in Kawangware, a slum in Nairobi with a population of 250,000 people. He's never had a formal job, working in construction for $2 dollars a day, when he could. Ready to learn and "change my lifestyle," Paul is excited about the opportunity of working with iSmart and claims that "life is what you make it." This project will support Paul with training, uniforms, a backpack, sales materials and products like solar lamps, which he can sell again and again.
Prior to working with LivelyHoods, some of our youth were stealing, some were washing cars, and some had children of their own with little means to support them. Unemployed youth in urban slums cost millions in lost potential and contribute to civil unrest and insecurity, compounding social issues in a country with 75% youth unemployment. Why not leverage Paul's talent, creativity and potential towards creating change in his community?
This microproject will give Paul a job with meaning at iSmart. iSmart is a door-to-door sales force employing high-potential, disadvantaged youth to sell hard-to-find and socially responsible products, such as clean-burning cook stoves, in Nairobi's slums. Youth once excluded from the formal job market have the opportunity to become economically empowered, and slum residents gain access to goods that don't normally penetrate their neighborhoods.
For Paul, this job represents a transformative shift from a life of instability, insecurity and dependence to a life of freedom, dignity and pride. Some of our youth have tripled their income, savings and have been able to afford school fees for their children and siblings. After working with us, our youth report an increase in their confidence and visions for the future. Former employees have gone on to become teachers, pursue their education, and start businesses.
