15th February 2021 at Oasis Mathare.
Organized by Wilsen Initiative (Wi) in conjunction with Oasis Mathare.
Location:- Oasis Mathare Juja road next to Mathare/ Huruma Chief's camp.
Charges:- The session on 15th February will be free of charge.
Participants: - 18 years and above with interest in the digital sector especially photography.
This master session is ideal for the following people:-
Anyone who wants to kick start their journey in the digital economy especially in photography.
Anyone in the middle level career in the digital economy and is searching for different ways to harness their creativity and other ways of content creation.
Self taught & personal branding: - Anyone who wants to build a sustainable brand around self and product (what you do, why you do it and how best to monetize your work).
Anyone who is inspired to learn more in the digital economy and has taken the route of self learning as opposed to going to a college because of lack of fees.
Generally, I love soccer in Kenya despite the many the challenges experienced in all quotas.
One day Women soccer in the country will reach the expected levels of professionalism, infrastructure, support, sponsorship etc.
The question is when will this happen or pick the right speed towards realising the vision?
Below are different possibilities I'm thinking that can improve Women soccer in Kenya.
+throughMylens - Wilson Masaka
Forge partnerships with corporate companies to sponsor the league. To achieve this, there should be a win-win proposal.
Set funds to support the Kenyan Women Premier League. I hope there are funds from FIFA to supports girls /women soccer or youth in general. Forgive me if I'm wrong!
Alternatively, launch a pay bill number to be handled by a reputable corporate as part of fundraising for Women Soccer Development in Kenya. I hope the FIFA & FKF constitution or policies allows this kind of approach.
Have regular stakeholders meeting to discuss soccer development in the country. Once per year have a community, regional and national meet-ups to discuss development of the game.
Seek for sustainable partnerships with County government to launch Inter-Counties Women's tournaments.
Support girls soccer in schools through tournaments and soccer clinics.
Set-up a fund for any organization running women's soccer academies to be supported to amplify their work.
Lobby for an East African women clubs championship at CAF which will eventually have an African Champion Leagues featuring top women's clubs in Africa.
Publicity :- More feature stories of women's soccer in mainstream and new media.
Partner with corporate to train the women in soccer in other important life skills & technical skills.
More intercultural and sporting exchange programs from the region and abroad. More like MYSA does with Norway cup.
Improve more on documentations of the women's soccer journey.
Launch women's national team at different age groups U17, U20 and seniors. The most important keep them active through a program rather than wait for tournament dates. This approach requires good support but through ideal partnerships I think it can be possible to do a program.
Have a model where all Kenya Premier League (KPL) should have junior academies and women's wing. It is doable, but this approach needs funding, support for the clubs to be sustainable etc.
15. More visible soccer agents and scouting systems.
This will enable the women to be more informed on what opportunities that are available and the requirements.
And I believe there are more ideas... Just to share what is in my mind after watching Kayole Starlets Fc Est.2008 Vs Zetech University on Sunday 17th January 2021
#winwinpartnership #TheDoers.
A platform that encourages individual experts, change makers, innovators, social entrepreneurs, donors, creators, artists and founders to showcase what they do and collaborate in meeting a common goal.
Brief Background
There are some people with great ideas but no resources to support the ideas while on the flip side, there are people with resources, but they don't have any idea or they only play within their comfort zones as a result making minimum impact.
This platform is meant to spark conversations in different ways towards collaborative efforts that can launch the next big idea within new or existing setups.
We advocate for the power of meaningful collaboration in reaching a common goal.
We want to foster the implementation spirit and win-win partnership towards tacking existing and emerging problems in the society.
We seek to bring positive change through skills sharing, resource mobilization, knowledge, networking, information sharing, co-hosting of sessions, resource sharing, referrals etc.
Who Should Join this Group?
Anyone who believes in the power of collaborations and has a track record of what they have achieved in their field of practice to bring about positive change in the society. This can be through projects, business model, individual initiatives that target the community etc.
Doers, Implementers, Goal Getters, Positive Change Agents, Initiators, Founders, CEO's, Entrepreneurs and Experts in diverse fields.
Simple Guide for Collaborate Africa
Nonpolitical platform.
We encourage cross pollination of ideas.
Please always ensure you do a background check before you commit fully or engage with anyone.
Ours is just to create a platform to showcase what you do and seek for possible collaborators.
Win-win approach.
Unlocking our potential through collaboration.
Meaningful partnership and competition.
Share an idea that others can consider to improve what they do.
The Founder at Collaborate Africa & The Birth Of Collaborate Africa.
The Power of Collaboration #TheDoersCommunity #Initiators
Founded by Wilson Masaka who's the founder of a social enterprise called Wilsen Initiative (Wi) www.wilseninitiative.wordpress.com and freelance venture called +throughMylens Consult /Create / Connect. www.wilsenx.blogspot.com
"Birds of the same feather flock together."
" I'm searching for the other feathers" - Wilson Masaka
Are you the one?
"Why take more than 10 years to implement your idea which might also be obsolete with time, when you can achieve the same in less than 5 years through meaningful partnerships based on common goals and values " Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur
#WinWinPartnership
I'm a connector and a catalyst for Collaborations, Knowledge sharing, Resources mobilization and Meaningful partnerships.
Quote:-
"If you are afraid that someone will steal your ideas then partnership or collaboration isn't your portion" Wilson Masaka, throughMylens & Wilsen Initiative (Wi).
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb. #Teamwork
In every person there is a great potential to network with the next person to create greater value for all. I have realized that we have brilliant and unique ideas, but the main challenge comes at the level of implementation which we can unlock through collaboration.
Reaching out to the next network, or contact is a skill in itself, and for me it falls under 'Social Currency'. You want to learn more about Soft Currency and how to acquire it?
Let us organize a session with your team #MasterClass
Do you have a dream project and no resources?
The answer is, you can do it!
It is doable with a committed, passionate and visionary individuals who are willing to share their skills, values, experiences, resources etc.
My vision is to expand my professional networks and create an avenue or platforms for collaboration, sharing and implementations in Africa, especially by starting with the base of the pyramid which is also called grassroots.
The aim of children and teens master session is to use art to teach life-skills and create a platform that the children and teens will express themselves freely (safe space) on matters that affects their well-being in terms of pursuing their talents, education, handling different life conflicts etc. This platform creates an avenue for the participants to interact with mentors and coaches who are well versed with matters to do with children’s / youth / teen’s overall development. Our mentors have the right qualifications and many years of experience in the subject matter.
– Safe space, Open dialogue, mental health, psychosocial support & visual arts dubbed, in the mind of a young person.
Theme based on: See / Feel / Interact / Share
Our Main Objectives
To encourage the participants to envisage a world of many possibilities in the right direction through what they do.
To organize master sessions for coaching, open dialogue and creative arts as seen in the eyes and mind of a young person.
Vision :- A safe society for all inspired by what we do.
Mission:- We contribute positively to children and teens chosen journeys through mentorship, visual arts, games and life-skills training.
Problem description
There has been an influx of young people roaming the streets anyhow. Young people around 13 – 19 years are at higher risk of indulging in the behavior’s such as alcoholism, drugs and substance abuse, that pose a great threat for their well being and the general society in terms of crime rate and school dropouts among others issues.
We see a society where at the earliest stage young people lack mentorship program that would engage them on issues to do with building sustainable values, talent management, activity planning, handling peer pressure, hygiene etc.,
We have heard stories of an increased crime rate as perpetuated by younger people who are mostly not fully engaged in meaningful activities when out of school.
The skill-up master session will try to fill the gap by working with organized groups to make it easy to track the participants to the levels of engaging their guardians and parents.
The skills they will acquire will build onto what they are already doing in different spaces.
“Young people have great potentials, they only need mentors and coaches to keep their train on the right rails through mentorship, training and coaching. We can’t expect a big number of young people to excel in randomness especially out of school.” – Wilson Masaka Wilsen Initiative (Wi) founder & throughMylens
Who can join?
Both boys and girls between 13 – 19 years.
A young person who is already engaged in other recognized spaces or well organized groups for example community organization, community libraries, soccer teams, church groups etc.
Children 10 – 12 years, must be accompanied with a parent or guardian.
Why Visual Arts?
Arts helps children and youth develop important skills, for example critical thinking, problem solving, self expression, self awareness, and creativity which can be a good outlet to help them relieve stress.
All this acquired skills and knowledge can be applied in / out of schools and can help the participants make informed decisions.
How to provide life-skill through art and dialogue?
The CHALLENGE
The participants are given a topic of concern for example Covid-19 which they will be required to express its impact as seen by them in an artistic form.
The participants will design their own unique compositions in relation to the subject matter using available simple tools and materials
The master trainer will lead an exercise that defines a problem and together the participants will develop a solution.
On the other hand, there will be discussions on emerging trends that the children / youth should be aware of as destructive elements that can block them from achieving their desired future for example explicit music content, drug abuse, alcoholism etc.
Our Mentors & Coaches
To achieve this we always work with the best and passionate artist, for example Patrick Mukabi a renowned international artist based in Kenya with many years of experience working with children, youth and emerging artists of any age.
We thank everyone who made the session at Oasis Mathare a success on 16th January 2021. Below are picture of today.
FROM THE BITS AND PIECES :: TRUE STORY :: INSPIRATION
It has been a journey and I haven't reached my destination. Currently I'm offering paid mentorship, training and consultancy service in graphic design, branding, photography, social media, creative entrepreneurship, story telling, presentation skills, creative ICT, financial literacy, business model canvas and life skills training.
Target Group: - I target youth and youth spaces.
+throughMylens Skill-UP platform
I encourage everyone to embrace the power of their stories, thought process, experience and anything that you do. You too can tell your authentic story and express it to build on your journey and that of others.
If you believe in the same line of thought I hereby invite you to join the community of +throughMylens by purchasing the t-shirt which is available in different colours.
+throughMylens t-shirt @ only Kes 550.
A percentage of the proceeds received from selling the T-shirts will be used to host Skill-UP Teens Edition for free in different locations.
I hope I will sell a good number of the t-shirts that will allow me to train free master session for teens in different spaces in Eastlands informal settlements. š
Good Read About Activating Self https://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2021/01/personal-framework-towards-activating.html?
There is no one in the world that doesn't have an idea. Our biggest difference is in the thought process and how we activate ourselves. Time will always remain to be time but your thoughts are bound to change with time. I have been wondering, how many thoughts can a person generate in a day until I 'Googled' the same question and I found that the average person at least has 6,000 thoughts generated in a single day. Note, there are other scientific research on the same topic just Google!
So it means if I go with at least 6,000 thoughts a day it means in a year a person can generate 2,190,000 (6,000 * 365 days) thoughts which includes the negatives and positives.
I believe before an idea is born, the first stage is the thought process which if captured well can turn into an idea. This is my framework in everything that I do or have done successfully š Thoughts > Ideas > Research > Design, Prototype > Evaluate
So don't let 2021 be clouded with negative thoughts or let all this thought process pass as you watch, activate yourself and capture at least one positive thought process which you can process to the next level. Below is a detail account of what I mean:-
THOUGHTS :- Some would call it brainstorming, but either you organize yourself or not it will still take place. Think of this stage as; Not sure, things happen fast, uncertainty, visibility of opportunity, comfort zone, observation, past experiences emerge, etc. \
IDEAS: - Some possibility of what you can do or can't do, The 5W's and 1H, comparison, analysis, hypothesis etc.
RESEARCH:- Go online, on the ground, findings, visit new or old places, talks to possible partners etc.
DESIGN: - Mostly here I will think of the Business Model Canvas to capture everything.
PROTOTYPE: - Running the first pilot, pick lessons, etc. Here is more action while I test.
EVALUATE: - Get an analysis of what worked well, what didn't work, areas to fix in the next phase, etc. At this stage I might jump into either of the above.
"Our emotions are the oasis of our actions." - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur.
"What people tell you about yourself is important, but what you tell yourself determines your next call to action." Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate / Social Entrepreneur.
To protect my emotions and thought process I have decided the following:-
1. Watch movies or TV programs that will encourage me towards achieving my goals in life.
2. Read books or content that builds value into what I want to achieve or be in life.
3. Hangout with friends who think growth and positivity while embracing a shared value.
4. Look at life as a journey with its destination only known by the almighty God. Seek more intervention through prayers that will eventually build my inner strength and courage to tackle any uncertainty.
5. Organize my thought process by staying alert in identifying the negatives and positives.
Great Quotes about thoughts .
“If you realized just how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” Anonymous
“Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness.” Anonymous
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” Willie Nelson
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale
“Every thought we think is creating our future.” Louise Hay
“Begin to believe in the power of your thoughts.” Anonymous
On 16th January 2021 +throughMylen, Patrick Mukabi, Wilsen Initiative (WI) and Oasis Mathare will host a skill up session that targets young people between the age of 13 years -15 years.
The session will give the participants a chance to interact with the mentors in different subjects of their expertise.
Mr. Patrick Mukabi aka 'Panye' will be the lead mentor / facilitator, especially on the visual art, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving exercises.
Oasis Mathare, Wilsen Initiative and +throughMylens have selected 16 young people from different spaces for example soccer players, aspiring artists, aspiring leaders from the age of 13 years to 15 years.
This is the first pilot and should we acquire the adequate resources we will organize many of this type of out of school master session that will target different sphere of life.
We would like to reach at least 500 children by the end of the year, but all depends will availability of funds.
Please, link us to the next level partner who can help with sponsorships of the season to allow the children to be trained at no cost and support us with other logistical / facilitation issues.
You can support our journey by donating time, space, referrals for fundraising, donate books for children, etc.
Get in touch with me at wilson.masaka@gmail.com
"Young people have great potentials, they only need mentors and coaches to keep their train on the right rails through mentorship, training and coaching. We can't expect a big number of young people to excel in randomness especially out of school." - Wilson Masaka Wilsen Initiative (Wi) founder &
+throughMylens. www.wilsenx.blogspot.com
Note:- Get in touch with me at wilson.masaka@gmail.com
Note: - For this session it will be free for all participants should we get funding that can support our line of work further in reaching the annual goal, but we look at running both paid sessions in different spaces.
Past event https://wilseninitiative.wordpress.com/2016/12/17/plus-one-talent-art-expression-my-country-my-future-2/
Are you a youth? # #GoldenAge #XFactor
The proverbial Youth Factor.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word YOUTH?
Is it about; age, policy, project, class, lifestyle, stage in life, young, aspirations, spirit, values, behaviour, future leaders etc.
There are many definitions of YOUTH but according to one of the sources;
"The United Nations defines youth as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 with all UN statistics based on this range, the UN states education as a source for these statistics. The UN also recognizes that this varies without prejudice to other age groups listed by member states such as 18–30."
Source; en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki › Youth
Youth - Wikipedia
There are many opportunities that target young people from government, corporations and organizations that if you are a youth you need to spot and grab before you retire.
Mind you these opportunities won't come your way, just because you're young or a youth, there is more you need to identify with to be eligible. One thing you should also know, you will not remain a youth forever, you will definitely grow into the next stage where generally no one will care or talk about you.
You will have to be very careful and work smart in your youthful years never to waste time on unwarranted activities, but strive to invest in the future that you want beyond your youth.
The Youth Factor #ParadigmShift
#YouthSpace
Is it better for us to teach them from our mistakes or should we let them make their own mistakes and learn from them?
Please provide your opinions, a brief commentary, and a percentage-based summary.
- Learn from our mistakes______%
- Learn from their own mistakes_______%
We should encourage Kenyan youth not only to rely on being young for opportunities to come their way, but rather they should strive to get meaningful partnerships, quality and relevant education, embrace lifelong learning, be self driven, have admirable values, believe in their, stay focused and much more We Can Do It.
Do you want to learn more?
Book me for a Skill-UP session on crafting a future you want while in your youth.
Before you think money as a stumbling block towards starting a business think twice, because it might be one of the items that you can access at different portals from bank loans, friends, chamas, partnership and personal saving.
Below are 10 things that can make or break your business that you must consider with or without money.
Money, after all, isn't everything
The need or gap you have identified
Do you have the time to run the business. It is risky to start a business and leave someone to run it for you 100% because you are busy somewhere else.
Are you passionate about the business (find your why).
Define your pricing model and your sourcing points.
Think of the place your business will be located.
The demographic of the targeted customers.
Evaluate any partnership you need to form.
Consider if you need special skill, the legal and any other registrations.
The product and promotion.
The scalability. Can the business be expanded in other places?
Here is a business challenge, what business can you start with Kes 20,000 in Nairobi (approximately euro 200). #KnowledgeSharing
One of the surest way that you can't get poor is through reading good books.
I have been following what is happening in the United States from the television and I'm left with many questions than answers with all the perceptions that I have versus what we are fed about USA from different sources from internet, media, movies etc.
Anyway, back home are we improving for the better?
#KenyaPolitics
I rarely talk about politics, but if you think deeply good politics means good life as the 2nd President of our great nation, His Excellency Daniel Toroitich
Arap Moi once said. " Siasa Mbaya, Maisha Mbaya"
#Thoughtful
Do we really need new political parties? And how many are there already?
#FoodForThought I wish the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) could trim all these hundreds of political parties to a more manageable number that could give room for solid structures and manifesto.
Secondly, in case a ruling party and all the elected leaders fail to implement the manifesto that was sold to the citizens, it should also be an offence chargeable at court of law. #WishfulThinkingAccountability
#MyTake
We need a new revolution of our mindset, behavior, character and values that adhere to the rule of law at all levels from political parties, institutions, Counties, corporations, citizens and all sectors of the nation.
I wish if everyone would change themselves for better and embrace politics that builds and bind us together in everlasting prosperity all the others system would fall in good place automatically.
Last question, must politics be construed to mean 'politrick' as witnessed in how some leaders behave.
#Citizens
In situations of war only a few stand to benefit, while as in a peaceful situation everyone benefits regardless of their status in the society for example rich or poor. The cost of war is expensive, but peace is priceless with great lifelong values.
Choose peace today, tomorrow and future!
#SkillUp Are you thinking of the following; #YouthSpace
1. Starting a small business
2. Forming a youth group
3. Strengthening the capacity of your team for better performance.
4. Struggling with what to learn and how to plan your schedule.
I'm here for you!
I offer paid master classes that are tailored to your needs as a group or organization.
Some of my area of expertise;
Business model canvas
Financial literacy
Graphics design
Social media content creation and marketing.
Blogging
Photography and web design.
Soft skills / life skill training.
Storytelling
9. Youth Mentorship
And many more...
Target groups:- Youth led institutions, youth groups and pro-youth organizations.
Location:- All training take place at the hosting organization preferred venue.
Last year I was able to interact with approximately a total of 300+ youths in different occasions and organizations.
I take this opportunity to thank the following organizations and individuals for according me the opportunity to share knowledge with the youth in their spaces. Nairobits Trust, Integrated Education for Community Empowerment, Hope Raisers Initiative, Oasis Mathare, Michezo halisi sports academy, Plan International Kenya, Joel Lule Achola and Nyagwala Sabby Thanks a lot and may 2021 bring all that you have desired.
Let us do more together in 2021 by building a sustainable knowledge economy for the youth that will promote decent work, alleviate poverty and lifelong learning.
I'm available in January - March 2021.Get in touch wilson.masaka@gmail.com
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the annual tournament. The year 2020 was a tough year that left the children stay away from school for the longest time in history due to Covid-19 pandemic (March to December 2020).
This situation also amplified other risks in children’s space from early married, drug abuse, mental health, roaming the streets anyhow, domestic violence, child labor, indulging in crime related activities just to mention but a few.
We thought it was wise to organize a sensitization activity through soccer late in December2020 that would restore hope and offer guidance on how to live in this challenge times, through the platform we believed it was more safer than leaving the children vulnerable to other form of abuses.
Most of our activities are usually not planned because we don’t have the resources which includes funds to plan ahead of time and make the desired impact.
I thank everyone who came on board on short notice to support the tournament in term of prizes for the teams, volunteering time, organizing the teams etc.
Special mention Moses Wambia, Kamuzi Banda, Sky Davin, Pieter Jan de Bruijn and Roseline Nanah
