The Birth of Wilsen Initiative (Wi)

#TheUntoldFoundersStory #Founders360 

The Light Bulb Moment

Wilsen initiative (Wi) idea started somewhere in 1997 - 2000 during my prime years of playing football, different exposure I have received through education and exchange programs. In my 20+ years journey as the founder and social entrepreneur I can comfortably say the founder's role is much more tougher and challenging compared to that of a manager who has been employed in an already running organization with all the systems in place. I'm talking from both side of the experiences working in managerial position and pursuing my dream as the founder. 

Here Are Few Insights About Wilsen Initiative (Wi) Also Known As The 'Wi-Experience'

As the founder and leader, I'm ready to explore different possibilities towards achieving an accelerated impact through partnerships, innovation and creativity.

The iceberg illusion

"If by any chance there's luck in whatever I do, then I would say it could count for 1% and 99% is all you may not see are for example; the thinking process, many failure, many attempts, many rejections, working hard and smart and so on." - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate, Social Entrepreneur & Founder / team leader at Wilsen initiative (Wi).

The Founder's Journey 360 degrees!

It Is Either You Start Up or Shut Down!

Early Stages 

The founder’s roles are even tougher when you have to play all the possible roles in your enterprise especially when you don't have the resources to employ the team that could help you with the set up and drive the mission towards the vision point.

The Call Vs. The Job 

As a founder, the call is much bigger and I can go for the next extra miles without expecting a pay but I believe one day I will be able to get the full support to enable me recruit a team that will work with me around the clock towards realizing the vision. At the moment we have to soldier on with the little resources we can access and strive to achieve the best impact.  The question is, how many years should one spend at the level of being called early stage start-up? 

My idea has been around for more than 20+ years and despite the many challenges one being fundraising I'm not thinking of shutting down anytime because everything is done out of genuine passion towards living the full circle as envisioned in the dream.

The Journey

So before you quit, ask yourself why you started?  

Just a summary of the Wilsen initiative (Wi)

I have been able to initiated different activities to support both the children and youth especially in football and education. I'm an advocate of SDG1: No poverty, SDG4: Quality education and lifelong learning and SDG8: Decent work and economic growth.

Below is a summary of my achievement under Wilsen Initiative (Wi);

• 2010 -2017-  During this period I was employed and I could save some money to support my idea and off course my family and friends offered great support. The year 2017 I lost my job but the passion even grew bigger to do more.
  
  
• In 2012 - I got an opportunity to attend the Dekeyser fellowship in Hamburg, Germany this was a great opportunity that enabled me to sharpen the idea further around the change I would wish to see taking place in my community. The fellowship offered great skills in fundraising, media, project management just to mention but a few.
  
  
•   2013 - I got a full scholarship to attend the Amani Institute fellowship in Kenya. This was a God sent opportunity at the right time towards sharpening my idea further. A lot of research work, insights from my fellows, case studies etc. Anyway, to date I can say I have done a lot but there's more that is still on the plate yet to be done especially in acquiring funds that would enable me to go the full cycle.

Appreciation : Friend-raising = Fundraising 

I want to thank all my friends and family members who have supported all my calls by offering great advise, the funds, the time, material support etc. I look forward to add many new friends into to my network for possible ways of working together. My profile on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilson-masaka-4b39439

I want to also appreciate all the volunteers that have worked with me and those that continue to believe in the cause despite the challenges especially in raising the resources that could help us in the implementation process.

In case you didn't know,  at Wilsen Initiative (Wi) we are open to meaningful collaborations, linkages, co-fundraising etc.  

You are most welcome to support one or all the Wilsen initiative (Wi) pillars. All our programs are subject to availability of funds and required support.