Expand Our Workshop and Makerspace Facilities

Introduction

At Twende, our mission remains focused on accelerating innovation for both youth and adults, empowering them to become creative problem-solvers who build practical solutions for personal and community challenges.

Since our last update, our community has stayed active with ongoing hands-on workshops and continuous problem-solving. While we navigate the administrative processes required for our major building expansion, we remain committed to maximizing our current resources and ensuring our makerspace continues to serve local innovators effectively every day.

Progress & Operational Update

1. Construction Permit Approval: Navigating Local Regulations

Our application for construction permit approval with local authorities remains active and under review. Due to local regulatory processes and statutory requirements, obtaining this formal permit is taking longer than initially anticipated. We are actively following up with the relevant municipal offices to fulfill all procedural steps. Securing this permit remains our primary prerequisite before breaking ground on the new building expansion.

2. Ongoing Hands-On Workshops & Community Engagement

While we wait for the expansion approvals, our core programs remain ongoing. We continue running hands-on workshops for youth and adults, guiding makers as they design and build practical technologies. Although we haven't added new heavy equipment to the floor during this interim period, innovators are fully utilizing our existing machinery, tools, and dedicated prototype storage space to bring their ideas to life.

Due to the delays with building permits, we have decided to move forward with small renovations to meet the growing needs of our makerspace.

Next Steps & Immediate Focus

As we prepare for the coming months, our team is focusing on three key priorities:

1. Persistent Follow-up on Building Approvals: We will continue our active engagement with local government authorities to navigate the regulatory process and secure the construction permit as swiftly as possible.
2. Makerspace Renovations & Layout Optimization: To better support our current workshop participants, we are carrying out internal renovations to make our existing makerspace more user-friendly, organized, and accessible. Optimizing our current footprint ensures that innovators can work safely and efficiently while we await the full expansion.
3. Funding Mobilization: We are maintaining our efforts to reach our next financial milestones so that construction can begin without delay once regulatory approvals are secured.

A Call to Our GlobalGiving Community

Navigating large-scale expansion projects involves patience and perseverance, especially when waiting on statutory permits. However, the heart of Twende is defined by the everyday problem-solving happening inside our space right now.

Every contribution from our GlobalGiving supporters keeps our workshops running, powers our makerspace operations, and helps us optimize our current facilities. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and belief in our mission. We will keep you updated as our permit status progresses and as our internal makerspace updates take shape.

Thank you for standing with Twende!