Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Is Back in The Youth Football Space.

 #FootballYouthDevelopment #SportForDevelopment

What is Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom?

"Chapa Dimba na Safaricom is a national football tournament for male and female youth aged between 16-20 years. The aims of the tournament are to transform the lives of young people by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and an opportunity to earn from their passion." - Safaricom website.

Just a thoughtful question..

 Are tournaments / competition a way to develop a thriving and long-lasting football ecosystem for the youth?

I'm thrilled and delighted that Chapa Dimba  competition is back and will be beneficial to many young people and a wide range of stakeholders. On the flip side, big corporations organizing tournaments is a terrific concept, but I think they should also consider launching ventures that are more sustainable and can assist in re-engineering the entire football ecosystem or culture. 

I believe that the concept of holding tournaments as one of the primary methods of involving youngsters in sports has been overstretched. The tournament concept ought to be a part of the effort to achieve a more sustainable goal for many generations to come.

Tournaments are short-term endeavours that, when you dig deeper, only help a select few, in contrast to creating a talent academy or institution, where they merely become a component of many other activities. There are excellent examples from around the globe that we can use as a precedent for how football may be used to help many young people create sustainable models of livelihood.

In my perspective, Safaricom is a pacesetter, a constructive disruptor, and an advocate of creative techniques in various sectors. They are well known for their numerous noteworthy initiatives.  As we've seen in other industries, I think they can assist us in creating a more stable football ecosystem.  They may assist us by not only providing tournament sponsorship but also by motivating us to achieve a more sustainable foundation for youth in sports.

Last but not least, we need everyone on board to not only accomplish the tournament's objective but also to foster a culture that will ensure we accomplish more and create a more stable football ecosystem. 

Here are a few concepts that I believe may go along with the idea of tournaments;

1. Safaricom Chapa Dimba League - Support the U16-U20 Safaricom Chapa Dimba League, which will have KPL teams as participants. The Kenya Premier League clubs would be able to better integrate young teams into their structures. A strong national team at every level, from youth to senior teams, will be the main objective.

2. The Safaricom Chapa Dimba Talent Academy (  A top talent scouting enterprise; Talent, Educate, and Exposure) the institution  would assist in locating, educating, and exposing talent to new markets, particularly those overseas. I believe they may serve as advocates for young people who, in the majority of situations, are unsure of what to do with their talents at the peak levels.

3. Sponsor national youth teams at international youth competitions like the Gothia Cup and the Norway Cup.

And many more...

In pictures grassroots football, at Drive Inn Primary school featuring Mathare North United FC during the Nairobi County FKF League.

As I conclude, let me just wish everyone luck in the upcoming competition. The Safaricom Chapa Dimba FAQ is accessible via this URL.

https://www.safaricom.co.ke/media-center-landing/frequently-asked-questions/chapa-dimba-na-safaricoms

Jobless But Hopeful

 In my capacity as a free-lance consultant, I provide mentoring and training in various fields. I strive to create an everlasting learning experience for participants by utilizing my strong interpersonal, creative, and technical talents. I want to show them that learning can take place outside the four walls of the classroom and that there are many different skills needed to secure a stable livelihood.

I support each and every one of the 17 SDGs. The SDGs that most closely connect with my professional interests and ambitions are 1, 4, 5, and 8.

Jobless But Hopeful.

 #SkillUP #YouthSpace

By itself, looking for a job is a work that requires a determined soul, plan, attention, and willingness. It also requires being ready for any eventuality and protecting oneself from mental exhaustion, tension, hopelessness, and depression.  

Being jobless can be one of the most stressful situations since you have to deal with a lot of pressure, promises, send your resume to all potential companies, call all potential contacts for referrals, etc. If you lack expertise in the job search skills, you may go for a long time without receiving the desired positive response, and the feeling may tear you down.

Even with the proper documentation and qualifications, finding work can be painfully difficult in these difficult times we are experiencing due to the economic crisis and other circumstances. 

I know it can be difficult to manage those fixed bills while you don't have a job, but here are some life hacks you can find useful if you find yourself in the jobless corner.

Before you get that job, I'd want to give you some advice to young people;

1.Always maintain a progressive standard regimen. I recommend getting up early, getting a good night's sleep, but not oversleeping or making sleeping your primary routine especially when you don't have anything to do.

2. Never use alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for stress.

3. Spend your free time and talents doing what you enjoy and also offer support by volunteering.

4. Start a business or activity that will provide you the opportunity to learn as you go. Start small, maintain consistency, learn and grow big.

5.Carefully select and develop your network. Segment your network into several groups, such as social, professional, and schoolmates.

6. Read a lot, listen to music, and watch videos that inspire self-reliance and further exploration to feed your mind with good energy and vibe to take the necessary steps.

7. Live within your means, learn new skill every day.

8. Live within your means and pick up a new skill each day.

What else? Please add in the comments section.

Building A More Sustainable Football Club In Kenya

On Sunday, April 23, 2023, I had the opportunity to go to City Stadium to attend a Wazee Premier League (WPL) game between Pari F.C. and Friends zone. The game ended 3-2 in Friends zone's favor. It was also a terrific occasion for me to accept a friend's invitation to capture photos +throughMylens for their soccer team, Pari F.C. I'll be the first to acknowledge that this game was more exciting than some of the local games I've seen.

During the match I saw a lot of outstanding players who, in my opinion, are really talented and ought to continue playing football in advanced economies. I believe there should be more investigation and analysis done into why Kenyan players abandon playing during their prime years or even at an early age. 

In pictures Pari F.C versus Friends Zone

In Kenyan football, it's a sad fact that players are 'hanging boots' at the earliest possible age or at what would be regarded as their prime playing years. This, I've learned, is a result of a number of setbacks and gaps that the industry must fill if we want to catch up with the rest of those who are serious about raising the bar of football in their nations.

If properly handled, the Kenyan football system or culture, in my opinion, may benefit everyone and contribute to our nation's GDP and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people. Unfortunately, it appears that it has only benefitted a small number, according to my own data, leaving many players either despairing, disillusioned, or just playing for fun rather than ever making it to the professional level. I appreciate the FKF's efforts to provide budding coaches and referees from all ranks with top-notch instruction and certification.

What other areas should FKF concentrate their efforts on enhancing the game in, except refs and coaching coaches, is my query.

I believe that in order for us to have a thriving football economy, we must involve everyone and provide the necessary training to advance the sport. The following are some of the areas I believe the football (sports) industry could need more specialists in every club;

1. Conditioning coaches
2. Sport nutritionist
3. Physiotherapist
4. Legal team 
5. Data analysts
6. Director of Coaching
7. Scout
8. Recruiter
9. Stewards
10. Marketing, PR and social media managers (Marketing & Communication department).
11. Fundraising team (Financial Administrators) and Brand ambassadors.
12. Agent.
13. Team Doctor (Medical Department).

This is merely a brief list of some of the positions that I believe should be added to the game at each club. I am aware that several of these functions are severely underutilized or even nonexistent in the majority of clubs, particularly owing to financial limitations. 

If it falls under their purview, the FKF should also organize symposium to assist clubs in developing sustainable club models with the appropriate structures. 

In summation, I can conclude that "if we keep having 'limping' football clubs with unstable finances, ineffective management, and weak governance, we won't be able to compete with other industrialized nations in creating a dynamic football culture." - Wilson Masaka 

Do MORE / Be More / Be Different

Skill Up Master Class - PZ Cusson Football Club

 On Saturday, April 22 at PZ Cussons in Babadogo Office, Nairobi, I had the honour of being invited to deliver a session on how to build a strong team culture. PZ Cusson Football Club has joined the Sub-County Football Kenya Federation League and has had a strong start. 

The organization manages to create a fantastic balance between working shifts and playing football, and the fact that the team is made up of 99% of the employees is incredible. 

 Summary of the session.

 1. Personal Brand

 2. The football team brand.

 3. Best practices in running a football club based on an ideology. 

4. Attitude, Skill and Knowledge of the game just to mention but a few..

Here is a short video #MadeByPhone :) https://youtu.be/jiSd2utfMRk Less than 5min. 

Where should I go from here? Reach out to me; I'm availabl Clubse. Do More / Be More / Be Different. www.wilsenx.blogspot.com

I aM a Trainer and Facilitator

Are you seeking for a facilitator or trainer to teach your team variety of skills and knowledge? I'm here #ReadToWork #FreelanceConsultancy #LifelongLearning #SkillUpMasterClass #MeaningfulYouthEngagement #youthspace 

 www.wilsenx.blogspot.com

I AM - Bits and Pieces

 Bits & Pieces

+throughMylens #selfmade 

I AM___

I'm work in progress.

I'm in transition.

I'm my number one supporter.

I'm unique.

I'm blessed.

I'm not perfect

And many more >>

I Believe I Can Fly... 

There are many things that I still don't know about myself and I'm working towards discovery #SelfMade

Because you always have two choices...

" Life is what you make it. You have two choices: you can feel like a failure by focusing on what you lack, or you can be grateful for what you do have and take action, even if it's just a small step in the right direction" - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

Note: Picture from the archives, Hamburg Germany, 2012 D&F Fellowship.

Do More / Be More / Be Different

www.wilsenx.blogspot.com

Bits & Pieces - 40 Inspiring Quotes

Bits & Pieces

Self-Made Bits and Pieces Blog

Bits and Pieces is a collection of my personal journey, influenced by my experiences in life. I either blog every week or every month to keep a personal record and inspire others.

In order to hone my writing abilities, I launched the blog (www.wilsenx.blogspot.com) in 2009. The same year, I also began my journey into photography.

I get inspiration from a variety of sources in life and consider myself to be a change agent, particularly in the field of youth and  community development . I frequently feel as though I was put on this earth to be a pillar of hope for my loved ones and others. 

Here are 40 quotes on a variety of topics, including business, leadership, creativity, and personal experiences.

The Bird's Nest...

1. "The biggest threat to any country isn't only war, epidemic, political unrest, food insecurity or other such events; rather, it's also how silently its values system is eroding, especially when it's motivated by greed, corruption, and nepotism that are passed down to the next generation." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

2. "There is no magic bullet that will make you successful in the new year if you keep doing the things that caused you to fail the previous year." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate Social Entrepreneur.

3. "No contribution is too small, and together, we can achieve the desired results." -Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

4. "Success often follows a certain pattern, with inaction being one of the exceptions." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate & Social Entrepreneur

5. "An entrepreneur has the guts to start new trends and sail into uncharted waters in quest of cutting-edge fixes. A typical businessperson, on the other hand, operates according to trends and have making money as their primary goal." -  Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

6. "Even if you have perfect vision, your negative attitude may prevent you from seeing any positive aspects of the circumstance." -Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

7. ''Personal Change Must Begin With Oneself." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

8. " Every hurdle that present itself comes with an invisible handle to cling on to make it to the other side." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

9."A great leader wears many hats not masks" - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

10. "Nobody can take away from you things like your experience, skill, dream, and passion, which are valuable assets for your future." - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate

11."When people talk about you in your absence, it is what stands out the loudest in the room." -  Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

12. "Having a real enemy is better because you can eventually learn how to deal with them, as opposed to a fake friend who is secretly jealous of your success and working with others to make sure you fail." -  Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

13. "If your idea doesn't inspire you to write about it and take action, put it aside and choose the next one. - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

14. "Only yesterday can I cease trying; for today and tomorrow, however, I'll keep going and have faith that things will improve." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate & Social Entrepreneur.

15. "Those with clear future vision not only open their eyes to see clearly, but more importantly, they open their minds to investigate, refuel, and ignite various possibilities." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

16. "Just keep in mind that the future is broad open for anyone, and you can start positioning yourself today if you feel like everything has already been taken. " - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

17." Don't underestimate the power of a ball and what it can do to bring people together " - Wilson Masaka,  Social Entrepreneur  & Youth Advocate.

18. "Those who never try are failures, but if you try and fail, it means that at some point, you were successful because you overcame your fear of beginning." - Wilson Masaka,  Social Entrepreneur  & Youth Advocate

19. "It takes a lot of skill to turn the praises into worthwhile opportunities; if praises were some kind of currency, some of us would already be millionaires." - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

20. "The sad aspect of life isn't just death as we know it; it's also when we live and let ourselves feel internally decrepit." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

21. "To thrive in business, one must be willing to put up with discomfort, such as getting up early, searching for a suitable market that may be far away, sleeping late, dealing with customers, experiencing no business traction, etc." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

22. "Our mentality is the pinnacle of everything; you can have money and still fail to launch a business." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

23. "Make it happen rather than tiptoe into life while you wait for lady luck." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social

24. "One small step in the correct direction is better than a thousand large steps in the wrong direction." Wilson Masaka,  Social Entrepreneur & Youth Advocate

25. "Small steps in the right direction is better that 1000 big steps in the wrong direction"- Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

26. "If we adopt the mindset of healthy competition and meaningful partnerships toward a shared objective, as young people, we stand a chance of reducing our problems by half." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur.

27. "Those who never try are failures, but if you try and fail, it means that at some point, you were successful because you overcame your fear of beginning." - Wilson Masaka,  Social Entrepreneur  & Youth Advocate

28. "The primary field that will open a lot of doors to opportunity is information and knowledge." Wilson Masaka, Social Entrepreneur & Youth Advocate

29. "If you want to capture more greater concepts go where there are people; even if you don't talk, you can still learn as long as you are purposefully focused and paying close attention." - Wilson Masaka, Social Entrepreneur & Youth Advocate.

30. "Time never speeds up or slows down; it is consistent from season to season. It's time to assess what you do to determine where you spend the most time wasting." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

31. "Adversity in real life is more valuable because it gives you the chance to learn than a fake lifestyle, which is typically more costly and only intended to impress others while you are depressed inside." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

32. "One way of getting poorer is competing with other people's lifestyle and yet you don't know and don't match what they do." -  Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

33. "One way of inviting peace and wealth in your life is by living within your means despite having an ambition for a better lifestyle than what you have." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

34. "You can say with great confidence how educated you are but no one can proclaim to be wiser than others." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

35. "Wisdom is God given and it is acknowledged by others, on the other hand it works in silence, and only becomes louder through your action, intention, character etc." -Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

36. "If poverty was a disease then the cure wouldn't be sleeping all the day, but rather the cure would be found in a progressive effort in whatever you decide to do that makes you to learn and earn." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

37. "You may have the knowledge, skills and passion in a particular field, but to transfer all that to the next person by training them also requires other skills." - Wilson Masaka, Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

38. "You can't change the sun rising from the East and setting in the West, but you have the power towards how you feel about the moment." - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

39. "The only person you change in this world is yourself, the rest you can only influence their change patterns. " - Wilson Masaka Youth Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

40. "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." -Warren Buffett

Do More / Be More / Be Different
www.wilsenx.blogspot.com

Biography - Wilson Masaka

Social Entrepreneur, Youth Advocate Facilitator, Photographer, Web Developer, Graphic Designer and Trainer.

Wilson has more than 18 years of experience mentoring and teaching young people how to create sustainable business models leveraging their passion, skills, and abilities. Additionally, he has developed a professional career in management, coordination, and training delivery at many youth institutions. 

He brings creativity, teamwork, project management, critical thinking and passion to technical applications towards the growth of the team and institution. 

In 2011, he established the Wilsen Initiative (Wi) platform with the goal of motivating, bringing together, and educating young people from marginalized communities in pertinent employable skills.  He had the honour of being chosen in 2012 for the esteemed Dekeyser and Friends (D&F) fellowship in Hamburg, Germany, where he studied social change, story telling, project management, and community development, to mention a few. 

Wilson is a visionary leader who has a practical, inquisitive attitude, creative skills, ambitious, great analytical skill, storytelling skills and a passion for youth development. He has a variety of expertise in promoting youth and enhancing organizational culture and processes. He firmly believes that meaningful youth participation, quality education, lifelong learning, and decent work are the cornerstone of the development of safer communities. 

Wilson enjoys spending time with his family, playing football with young people, exploring his artistic side through photography, and giving back to the community.

His current occupations include social entrepreneur, independent facilitator, trainer, graphic and web designer.

Work Experience

Plan International Kenya, Hope Raisers, Maji Mazuri, MYSA, CMETrust, Paamoja Initiative, Generation Shapers, CARE Kenya, Kilimanjaro Film Institute, and NairoBits are just a few of the organizations where he has provided facilitation and training services under youth programs.

These are his personal, community, and professional digital footprints.

 1. LinkedIn Profile:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilson-masaka-4b39439

2. Personal Blog: www.wilsenx.blogspot.com

3. Community project :- www.wilseninitiative.wordpress.com

4. Graphic Design Portfolio:- www.behance.net/Wilsenx

Current Work Experience

January ‘19 – to date Freelance youth consultant Nairobi, Kenya.

• Offers master session in business modelling, graphic design, photography and content creation. 
• Offers training of trainers’ service to community-based organisations 
•  Offers graphic design, photography and printing services

The Girls Edition Skill Up Master Class.

On June 1st, 2023, we will send invites to the Skill Up master class to four girls' football teams that we have already identified within Mathare North community.

We have created a two-part series activity, the first of which is the girls talk edition and football match competition. We hope to provide the winning team with the essentials it requires to function at the grassroots level.

The resources we can mobilize in advance will determine how well we are able to host this event.

Call To Action

We need your help. You can contribute sanitary towels, footballs, uniforms, help us buy football jerseys with the Wilsen initiative brand, or your time as a facilitator or videographer.

Related link >> https://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2023/04/call-for-support-i-am-shero-second.html?m=1

If you are able to help us, please contact Wilson Masaka at wilson.masaka@gmail.com

Do More / Be More / Be Different.

Call for Support; I am a sHERO: Second Edition -Skill Up Master Session & the First Girls Football U13 – U15 Tournament.

Project Overview

I'm a sHERO, is a platform that advocates for better terms of engagement for girls / women in sports. The platform seeks to inspire young girls in sports starting with football which is one of the popular games played at the underserved grassroots communities. We want restore the hope and dignity of girls / women playing football through training and mentorship. 

We hope our intervention will create a lasting ripple effect of self-awareness that would lead into more responsible lifestyle. 

Who is a sHERO?

In our own definition a sHERO is a woman of excellence who aspires to do more, be more and be different in creating their own meaning of success whilst helping others find meaningful pathways towards whatever they desire to become in future. Her passion and dedication is to achieve more beyond self while also helping others women /girls in their transitions through sharing life experiences, skills and knowledge. 

The sHERO advocates for more and better engagement for the girl child without any biasness towards the opposite gender. 

 The Problem We Seek to Address 

 Young girls between the ages of U12 - U18 who play football in underserved neighborhoods lack the appropriate attitude, skills, and knowledge to protect themselves from abuse. Furthermore, they are unable to take advantage of the chances that sport and education together can offer. 

Project Objectives 

1.  Explain the importance of pursuing education and sports. 
2.  Understand threats that surrounds their well-being. 
3. Understand the football ecosystem in Kenya. 
4. Help the participants through a self-discovery process (Self Made) and how to build positive relationships. 

Expected Outcome 

•  Knowledgeable girls on issues on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). 
• Improved self-awareness and esteem. 
• Informed choices (Football & Education) 

The proof of concept – Case Study 

The proof of concept for the initiative is built on the experiences of my sisters Kate and Esther, who I've helped develop personally, professionally, and as football players. I've been their defender and pillar of fortitude ever since our parents died when they were still young. 

Their personal growth, outlook on life, and conception of success have all undergone major changes as a result of my mentoring. I think we can safeguard a lot of girls from underprivileged areas while also assisting them in defining their pathways to success. 

 Our Mission 

 To impart different life values, philosophies, and conduct various training to the next generation through more organized, timely, and intentional activities.  My sisters are co-founders of the I am a sHERO, She Can project, and I would adore to assist them in reaching as many girls as possible through the Wilsen initiative (Wi) platform. 

 Below are links about their profile;

•  Kate story was feature in one of the leading television station in Kenya, Citizen TV Women and Sport https://youtu.be/rrBetbmdAmc 
• Kate’s story - https://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2011/09/unknown-heroes.html 
• Esther’s story - https://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2022/09/brief-personal-biograph-esther-mazira.html 

 Other related links;

•  https://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2022/09/she-can-im-shero-project-under-wilsen.html
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2011/09/unknown-heroes.html?m=1
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2021/08/mathare-north-soccer-featuring-womens.html?m=1
• http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-voice-of-voiceless-in-kenyan.html?m=1