Communication For Development (C4D)

#MasterClass #SkillUp #YouthSpace #C4D  

It is a wrap! 

I had a wonderful 3 days master class session along Ngong road with a group of youth ambassadors for positive social change from Mukuru, Huruma, Mathare and Kibera. 

The youth are currently working with Plan International Kenya under the safe an inclusive cities where they are implementing different approaches for Communication For Development (C4D) under different thematic areas. 

Objectives: -

1. Help the participants understand what is C4D as aligned to Plan International Kenya and other best practices. 
2. To train the participants, both the creative and technical aspect of content creation using new media and tools, especially the internet, smart phone and mobile application. 
3. To equip the participants with the soft-skills that would enable them integrate with their communities as champions of Community for Development (C4D). 
4. Train the participants on different advocacy strategies to achieve C4D goal 
5. To train the youth on how to become content creators, how to develop that 'muscle' starting with simple steps and how to keep a balance from not only consuming content but also by adding value to self and the community at large through advocacy using their smart phones.

 In pictures

The Master Class: Content Creators vs. Content Consumer

The masterclass was a comprehensive unit build upon the ASK model (Attitude, Skills and Knowledge) while also understanding how to create great stories based on the 1H and the 5 W’s (How, Who, Why, When, What and Where). 

Methodology used; - Lecturer Insights - Small group outdoor and indoor assignments. - Practical I. - Participants insights - Case study.

 Inconclusion, I trained the youth ambassadors on how to make / take pictures and videos with a smartphone while ensuring they understand how to use simple mobile applications for editing both videos and pictures. 

Are you planning for skill up session for youth within your network? 

I’m here for you to train the youth and different groups on diverse skills using the A.S.K model. I ensure quality delivery and offer everlasting experience that will enable the participants to learn beyond the training. 

I train youth and other groups in the  21st century skill with an aim to inspire them to learn, share knowledge and create solutions to tackle exists problems in the society. 

Get in touch wilson.maska@gmail.com

How to Spot Opportunity

#ActivateYourself #YouthSpace #Networking #PersonalBranding 9am

Did you know how to spot opportunities demand for your attitude, skill and knowledge? Sometimes the next opportunity is just next door hidden between an invisible trigger that might make you inactive. 

The invisible triggers can be less pay, everything looks like an impossibility, no deal, a waste of time, delay, frustration, no feedback etc. Break those chains in your attitude, stay alert, be open to new learning, new challenges, meet new progressive friends, learn more about self, volunteer, help someone, build a reputable personal brand offline and online this is where opportunity resides.

I believe even in delay or rejection there are still opportunities which can be learned through that experience. By doing something you get closer to your next desired opportunity, even if it doesn't pay, than do nothing and expect an opportunity to drop at your door step. You might be lucky, but don't depend on luck too much it very painful if things don't turn your way based on luck.

"I rather try something and fail, as a result, I pick valuable lessons than to wait for luck to be on my side one day, whereby that one day isn't defined." Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 

Book me today for a life-skill session on how to spot opportunities by positioning yourself (Personal Brand). wilson.masaka@gmail.com

Soccer Balls and Shoes (boots) Campaign - Play Safe & Secure a Future in Soccer

The first soccer shoes campaign that I started was in 2000, actually my first soccer shoe that I wore was donated to me back in 1996 by the late Helge, who was a friend of the Mathare Sports Association (MYSA) from Norway. He donated the soccer shoe (boots) to me during the Helge's cup tournament after scoring the only goal during the finals against an all-star’s youth team from Mathare United. 

In the following years in 1997,1998 and 1999 I was honored to be selected three times for the prestigious international tournament in Oslo, Norway called Norway cup where I played for the Kenyan team under the umbrella of Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA). 

My soccer journey is what continues to drive me towards achieving a bigger vision where there will be no child playing barefoot in my neighborhood whilst offering the best platforms for upcoming soccer stars to see their stars shining from the local scene into the international markets. 

I envision a model that will enable the young-stars play in a more dignified environment where they don’t get unnecessary injuries and lack the basic needs to nurture their careers in soccer. It is unfortunate to see similar hurdles existing today like those during my journey more than 30+ years playing barefoot and my parents not able to offer soccer shoes (boots) as one of the essential items towards my growth. The problem I seek to address through soccer. 

 The majority of the youth and children between 12- 25 years are the most vulnerable when it comes to matters, crime, drug abuse, alcoholism, political intolerance just to mention but a few. The same group also lacks the necessary platforms, mentors and resources to help them pursue their talents to the best levels they can. 

Together with my friends we founded Mathare North Rangers F.C in 2010 to help nurture talent, mentor the children and youth on matters school life, entrepreneurship, leadership and soccer while providing a healthy and safe environment for the kids to become responsible citizen in an environment infiltrated with many challenges. During the weekends and school holiday, you will find kids roaming the streets engaged in nothing meaningful especially in urban informal settlements, my goal is always to create safe spaces in soccer activities where kids receive mentorship, training and have fun to explore more in soccer activities. 

I started the soccer shoes and resource mobilization campaign after realizing many youths are playing without shoes or if they have shoes it isn’t safe enough to protect them. This situation contributes to their low self-esteem towards playing to becoming future stars because there are no clear pathways from the grassroots to the top levels. On the other hand, the majority can't afford to buy shoes because parents have other priorities on their list other than buying soccer shoes. 

This situation is similar to my story, it reminded me 28 years back when I used to play in the same spaces with my friends with the home-made balls. I'm determined to break this vicious circle at least within my community with the main focus of helping Mathare North Rangers F.C as a successful model of a grassroots initiative that engages the youth beyond soccer. I took this pictures on Sunday 11th October 2020 in my neighborhood. Picture It is unfortunate that much hasn't changed from the base of the pyramid in matter soccer and I believe that every individual effort, even in a small way counts in nurturing the grassroots talents. 

This is the reason I started mobilizing resources from my network and beyond to assist young upcoming stars from U12 - U14 play in the ideal spaces with the appropriate gears for the game. This would eventually shield them from injuries and improve their desire to become pro-soccer stars in an environment where it's very unpredictable to make it to the next level in more calculated and professional manner. Since inception in 2000 the campaign has so far reached more than 300+ soccer stars and I'm motivated to do more even with the tough economic challenges brought by the pandemic. The question is how do I achieve a sustainable model in making sure our team Mathare North Rangers F.C will grow into the next level even without my presence. 

Currently I'm working on implementing a collective or a shared model where everyone contributes something even if it isn’t on the same rate. Implementation Plan Below is my implementation plan as the Team Manager / Resource mobilizer of Mathare North Rangers F.C a community grass-root soccer club that I founded with friends under Wilsen Initiative (WI) www.wilseninitiative.wordpress.com 

My main roles are; 

• Mobilize resources for our teams U12, U14 and Over 16. 
• Mentorship and training of players and coaches. 
• Source for linkages for further exposures for the team at all levels. 
• Organize annual community U10 & U12 tournament featuring 18 teams in the community. 

This is subject to availability of required resources to run a successful tournament. My sustainability action plan 2020 to 2025; - 

1.  Established Mathare North Rangers Support Group (MNRSP) I continue to encourage the senior players to make small contributions towards the welfare of U10 and U12. Majority of MNSP members aren't stable, but they do make efforts to support the team especially on transportation. Currently, we are seven members including myself and we invite well-wisher 
2. Reach out to parents by encouraging the young-stars to talk to their parents and guardians to offer support for their soccer activities. Even though the approach is on a slow pace as experienced with our target group where soccer isn't part of the family priorities of need, but we have seen good efforts made by a parent of our U12 towards purchasing of uniforms . 
3. Continue with the annual call for support mobilization through my individual network and even reach-out to other spaces where I'm not known but explore possibility for support and partnerships. 70% of our resources received in the past were donated by my networks of friends and 10% from our players and 20% from MNRSP members. 
4. The introduction of top up model based on co-sharing: This means all players in our team (Mathare North Rangers F.C) are encouraged to save 50% of the total cost of a soccer shoe and the other 50% shall be raised by the Mathare North Rangers F.C support group (MNSP). We can only do 3- 5pairs per month and this only applies to players above the U14 years. 
5. Shoe Shared model: - Every player is encouraged to source for their own shoes for training which can be any shoe provided it is comfortable to play with especially running shoe which we also call 'rubbers' would be ideal compared to playing barefoot. In case we get support for shoes we save them for the game so that any player can use them when they are playing, so this mean we inculcate the culture and spirit of sharing and responsibility. We would wish to get everyone a pair of shoes per year, but it is expensive and we don't have guarantees of annual support from different sources. We choose to go with the shared model due the fact that we don’t have the funds. The sharing model ensures equality within the team as opposed to only awarding a few in a team of more than 30 players without shoes. 
6. The Next Upraising Star: - Here the main focus is to award individual stars with soccer shoes from the age of U12 -U14 who have shown consistent stellar performance not only in our team but also in other clubs within Mathare North. This is also subject to availability of resources and player don need to apply to be awarded. 

 Activities 

• The soccer and resource campaign run all through the year, but more activated in October – December.
• In December we also organize U10 & U12 soccer tournament for kids even though it’s subject to availability of resources to run a successful tournament 

My aspiration and vision for the team 

To inculcate the culture and spirit of collective responsibility and support where everyone contributes whatever they have as we continue to invite and encourage our wider network for support. We also encourage former Mathare North Rangers players to join the support group. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported that calls since inception and I hope you won't give up because the problem still exists. As I work around introducing new sustainable approaches, we still need your assistance in acquiring at-least 10 balls and 10 soccer shoes per year. 2020 

Call for Support 

I invite you to join me in this year's annual soccer shoes and balls campaign that seeks to connect young stars in Mathare North slums (Mathare North Rangers F.C) with quality soccer shoes and balls to avoid injuries but also to motivate them in their soccer journeys. By the time of posting this article I have acquired 4 new soccer balls and 6 quality playing shoes for the young-stars. The Goal; - • 10 soccer balls and 10 pairs of shoes. Currently I'm left with 6 new balls and 4 soccer shoes. The Target: 1st December 2020. Get in touch with me through wilson.masaka@gmail.com 

 Other related links of soccer insights and successful campaign I have initiated in the past years

• https://wilseninitiative.wordpress.com/2014/12/15/soccer-shoes-boots-campaign-right-to-play/
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2013/08/change-that-starts-from-within.html
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/12/giving-back-through-soccer-shoe-campaign.html?m=1
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/11/soccer-donation-from-alive-and-kicking.html?m=1
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2020/10/10-things-that-still-exist-in-soccer.html?m=1
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/?m=1
•  http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/12/more-than-founder-2018-digest.html?m=1
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/11/soccer-donation-from-alive-and-kicking.html
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2016/05/donation-from-netherlands-through.html
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/11/second-edition-of-mathare-north-festive.html
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2018/07/new-uniform-mathare-north-rangers-fc.html
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2019/11/finals-mathare-north-festive-season.html 

Together 
We Can Do It!

My Biography - Wilson Masaka

 

10 Things That Still Exist in Kenyan Soccer That Hinders Growth.

This is a reflection / flashback of my 25 years journey in soccer. 

 I have achieved many recognitions, exposure and accolades, but my top most satisfaction is achieved when I pass the acquired knowledge and skill to the next generation, especially through training, coaching and mentorship on matters on and off the pitch. 

 Every soccer star has their own stories on how they started, the majority if not all soccer stars in Kenya didn't start their soccer journeys at a more professional academies like those in developed countries. The general tale of the stories is that from the onset, players engage in soccer activities that doesn't have clear roadmaps of mobility towards a more professional level in soccer as a career. 

The light of turning professional is dimmed from a distance and many players hop from one club to the next one in search of better contracts while hoping that 'lady luck' will come to their rescue to connect with oversee clubs of their desire. 

Due to all this unpredictability and uncertainty, many don't make it to the desired level and it's unfortunate to see the number of talents aren't nurtured to the next levels at their prime age as per soccer standard where it is expected that at that time a player should have gained meaningful engagement with a professional soccer club. 

 Some of the challenges that I did experience 25 years back that still exists within the system at the earliest stage of initiation into soccer starting at the grassroots are:- 

1.  No professional academies that can match what we see overseas. 
2. No clear roadmap that can assure and encourage parents to invest in soccer as a career. 
3.  Lack of adequate resources like transportation, uniforms, soccer shoes, tracksuit, balls etc.
4. Lack of of professional leadership, starting from grassroots clubs or initiatives.
5. Top clubs not having enough resources to sustain operation as a business model that would create an ecosystem that effectively support their academies tapping talent from the grassroots.
6. Limited safe spaces for young stars to play and a lot of ad-hoc approach in transferring skills and knowledge. 
7. Sports injuries that are unattended that force many to drop their dreams. 
8. Inconsistent approach by federation and other stakeholders that are expected to lead ways of building a sustainable soccer economy. 
9. Lack of players training and mentorship especially on matters that deals with off the pitch that are vital to their well-being into turning pro or even leaving a better life after they retire. 
10. Corruption allegation and infighting from different stakeholders in soccer.

I have achieved many recognitions, exposure and accolades, but my top most satisfaction is achieved when I pass the acquired knowledge and skill to the next generation, especially through coaching and mentorship on matters on and off the pitch. 

The Untold Stories 

The untold Stories There are many untold stories in our soccer journeys that hasn't been either been told or documented and if well told I believe our past undoing would usher in a new mindset to start thinking globally while implementing sustainable initiatives that would over the best environment for our soccer players starting at home. 

The ripple effect would be diverse from encouraging many to play, our national team sourcing for the best at the local levels, exporting best talent abroad, attract the ideal investors and a more competitive / professional league from the grassroots to the top league. 

 The Advise In case you're playing active soccer in Kenya the time is now to get smart in documenting your gear more importantly, learn how to combine Soccer + Education and Business. 

Currently I offer training Bootcamps for soccer players and clubs to help them build their brands in a more sustainable way at an early stage. On the flip side, if we need to amplify our voices and usher a new beginning for change and better livelihoods for soccer players. 

We need to create forums and platforms to celebrate our journey, account for the mistake done never to be repeated, build systems and structure that would offer soccer as a career of choice in Kenya as opposed to how it is currently done where there are no clear roadmap to visualize the journey and commit at an early stage in life. 

My philosophy in coaching; 

 "Generally a great coach recognizes that there are some things he/she can't change on how a player plays, but he /she taps into those individual unique talents and skill in every player to form a winning combination that can adjust to any situation." - Wilson Masaka - Ex-Coach Mathare North Rangers/Metro Sports

In celebration of my journey below is my short soccer resume (Highlights). I still have the passion of becoming a professional soccer coach and I believe I can do better than some of the coaches. 

If I was still playing soccer, which team, would I be playing for in Kenya? 

 Team played for at different stage;

• De La Rue (Super league) - Pumwani Sportive (Super Two league)
• Otto-benecker F.C (Community grassroots soccer). 
• Helges Sports (Community grassroots Soccer).
• Mathare North Villas F.C (MYSA Community League - U12)  

Local and international tournament.

• Coca cola-cola tournament 
• MYSA championship 
• Norway cup 1997, 98 and 99. 
• National team Call ups - National team U17. 

 Workshop and training 

•  Dekeyser fellowship in Hamburg, Germany. Fellowships for the sports coaching project, with Jens Lehman. 
• FIFA Futuro workshop and clinics held in Kasarani
• KNVB soccer clinic with Mysa team heading to Norway cup 

Teams founded and coached at grassroots 

•  Metro Sport F.C 
• Mathare North Rangers F.C 

 Ongoing initiative:- 

• Mathare North Rangers F.C - Resource Mobiliser. - Soccer Boots and Balls campaign under Wilsen Initiative (Wi) - Annual U12 soccer tournament Mathare North 

Get in touch with me in case you want to support my journey and initiative. Email:- wilson.masaka@gmail.com

Social Media Republic 10 Points to Keep in Mind

#YouthSpace #SkillsTransfer # Tips #SocialMedia101 

 10 points to keep in mind to tackle cyber bullying especially on social media; 

#MyDiary 

1. Never start a fight. 
2. Don't post when in anger! (Emotional Intelligence). 
3. You will never win a battle online, always keep that in mind. 
4. Ignore negative posts, blocked when necessary, unfriend, leave toxic groups and friends. 
5. Think positive, post positive then positive things will follow you. 
6. Build a brand around your different persona's (Brand awareness and strategy). 
7. You can learn the skill of questioning whereby engage if it is appropriate but if it's too much let it be (refer to no. 3), other good people will come to your rescue. 
8. Remember real life is out there not on social media. Talk to friends, take a break from online, do something else that brings energy to you before you return. 
9. It isn't a must to post everything online. Think, think again, read twice then decide to post or not to post. (Reactive vs. Reflective) 
10. Learn to respect other people's opinions. Remember social media republic there exist all types of people choose your network of friends wisely and groups you belong to. 

 What else #YourTake Let us engage live! 

I'm always available for youth boot camps at your chosen location. +throughMylens Consult / Connect / Create More about me www.wilsenx.blogspot­.com

Source: https://www.slopemedia.org/all/the-deception-of-social-media-amp-the-transition-to-college

Aspire To Be Your Own Boss, But Plan Before You Quit Your 9am to 5pm Job.

 #YouthSpace #WorldOfWork 

 Today I want to share with you some lessons you need to know before you quit your 9am to 5pm job into self employment. 

 As a self employed person you will have to learn and unlearn many things which includes the time you work or generally how you handle your To-do list. In some cases you will have to work 24/7 to make it happen, mind you there are many untold stories about quitting or transiting from being employed by someone (including companies and organizations) into self employment. 

On the flip side being employed isn't either a bad idea and it can also be rewarding towards your desired vision, but first before you quit employment into self employment you need to draft your transitions towards your ideal world of work. 

There are many myths around being your own boss that young people need to know before kick-starting their own journeys of self employment. On top of the list many believe that self employment pays than being employed, I would say before settlings into this thinking you need to weigh in many factors because being employed can also be rewarding and can pay well than some self employment ventures. Let us look at some pros and cons without following any preference; 

 Self Employment 

1. You determine what to do (the boss factor). 
2. You do nothing you get nothing. 
3. You can go for a long period without a pay, especially when you're starting. 
4. You're many things in one. 
5. You report to nobody. 
6. You absorb all the risks. 
7. Open to new learning and innovations 
8. You need more than money, social capital is key to sustain your ventures. 
9. Cash flow might be in a fluctuating mode 

Employed 

1.  You can be fired untimely 
2. Steady monthly pay, offers job security and planning schedule. 
3. Contractual and if you're lucky attracts good packs.
4.  'Permanent' and pensionable especially in the government sector. 
5. You report to some hierarchy 
6. You might need to specialize on one or two things. 
7.  Shared risk and mostly the employers are the one responsible for high level decisions. 
8. Might be restrictive in terms of innovation because of hierarchy and decision making levels which depends with the organization culture. 
9. It offers the best experience before diving into self employment. 

 ""Never waste time at your youth, it only comes once and no matter at what age you would want to feel like a youth, there are somethings that you will have to stop. Practice self-awareness, identify what you are good at, choose your circles carefully, learn a new skill and aspire for something to do in real life that will better your life and that of others than being obsessed with unrealistic dreams" - Wilson Masaka,  youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur

This are just a few highlights about self employment and being employed. The next question that follows is should one quit their 9am to 5pm job and dive into self employment? Well, my take is that never copy anyone and never believe the quitting stories in totally there might be something that you wouldn't be told. People leave their employment for many reasons, for example redundancy, fired for misconduct, end of contract, company collapsed, low pay, lack of job satisfaction, toxic work environment, greener pastures, self employment ventures, pandemic era etc. 

Below are top four things to consider before quitting your employment job;- 

1.  At an early stage of employment visualize your transitions within the company and later out of the company, always give yourself timelines. 
2. Think of what you would do with self employment you as the main driver of the venture. 
3. Start a venture that you can run parallel to you being employed else where. You can always employ someone and make sure it isn't in conflict with your employment contract. 4. Save, save and save. 
4. More importantly invest into some activities that will grow your money. "Saving is a culture that doesn't start immediately when you start to earn good money, but it rather something that is nurtured in you even when you don't have the money." - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur

Twelve Great Philosophies You Will Learn From My Journe

 +thoughMylens www.wilsenx.blogspot.com Did you know apart from being a trainer, facilitator and social entrepreneur, I also do motivational talks based on storytelling and insights with an aim of influencing youth patterns of change towards positive pathways.

Over the last 20 years of my journey I have gain valuable experiences in working with diverse groups that have shaped my journey and philosophies towards my meaning of success and general life. 

Below I would love to share with you some of my philosophy, insights, values, mantra, and quotes based on team work, values, leadership and friendship of which I have experienced during my journey.

  

  #L2philosophy #LifeSeries... #LifelongLearning 

1. Education systems :- "There are things you will be taught in school and other related education systems, some your parents and guardians will train you, and more importantly life will offer you an endless education." Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur www.wilsenx.blogspot.com 
2. Destiny and Dreams :- "Clarity of vision isn't only seen through what we see with our eyes, but more so on how we feel, act and think toward achieving our desired destiny" - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 
3. Teamwork :- " Everyone should be rowing in the same direction despite the speed or power they apply to ensure you reach your desired destination as a team." - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 
4. Mindset and Attitude:- "Your pain is another person's gain, a problem is another opportunity for creativity and innovation, a fail is an opportunity to restart, stop and rethink.- - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social 
5. Purpose :- "Speed isn't everything, sometimes what matters most is if you're sailing in the right direction " Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Entrepreneur 
6. Tag team, Conflict, Leadership & Shared Values:- "In the same boat there are many whose intentions isn't to row towards the destination but their main agenda would be to throw others out of the boat or drill holes while in deep waters." - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 
7. Friendship Vs 'Friendsheep' :- "Know your real friends when you don't have money or you aren't in any position of influence because with money, position, and power you attract diverse friends, but when you lose it all the so called friends will also fade into thin air slowly." - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 
8. Values (Care &generosity) :- "Some people will give not because they have something in excess, but they do so because they have their own understanding of values and principles of giving which is engraved in their hearts." - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 
9. Personal Journey & Storytelling (Story of Self, Us, Now) :- "There isn't a single master story that overwrites all other stories. Every story is unique in its own ways only that it needs to be told well, intentional and impactful" - Wilson Masaka - Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur
10. Embracing Failure:- "If you fail don't become bitter, focus on how to become better" - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Mentor / Social Entrepreneur 
11. Dreams and reality check:- " Your imagination should much the reality on the ground If you want to see your efforts or else you will live the rest of your life believing like a failure" - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur 
12. Show and Tell:- "If you have something to tell people will listen to you, if you have something to show people will follow you and give you the business" - Wilson Masaka In session 

My philosophy isn't only to TELL but also Do, in a session I use different methodologies to reach the desired goal and one is through the use of participatory learning approach where we also get to listen from the participants view points to create a great synergy of learning from both side. Get In touch with me for master session with your group. My email:- wilson.masaka[at]gmail.com