Six Kenyans are set to receive over one hundred million Kenya shillings ($1.25 million) from Facebook’s global initiative, which invests in people building communities.
Facebook recently announced 100 groups globally which have been chosen for its 2018 Facebook Community Leadership Program, among them six Kenyans who earned their grants after successfully building virtual communities through Facebook groups.
Among these groups is Kenyan founded ‘Africa Farmers Club’ which was started by Noah Nasiali, a Nairobi-based horticulture enthusiast. Noah built a community of 100,000 farmers in Africa via his Facebook group.
Facebook selected five people globally to be awarded the role of community leaders in residence, and who will each receive up to $1 million (Sh100 million) in funding to build communities. Noah’s ‘Africa Farmers Club’ is the only African group that made it to that prestigious category.
”With Facebook as a friend and partner, I can confidently say that my prayers and dream of making farmers succeed has started coming true. I thank my God for the energy and all He has done. I will continue telling the world The Real Story of the African Farmer”, said Noah Nasiali in a statement.
Kenya’s ‘52 Week Money Challenge Kenya’ group that was founded by a Nation Media journalist, Felista Wangari to inspire members to save money, and have a platform to share ideas and successful money-saving tips will be awarded Sh5 million.
Other Kenyans that will receive Ksh. 5million grants include Pamellah Oduor, founder of ‘Let’s Cook Kenyan Meals’, Truphosah Monah, founder of ‘Women and Realities of Disability’, Caroline Kihusa founder of ‘Still A Mum Trust’, and Asha Mwery, an Admin of ‘WomenWorlkKE’, a group which brings together driven like-minded Kenyan women with various business and career ambitions.
“We are thrilled to announce the Facebook Community Leadership Program participants. These are people who are at the forefront of community building around the world and we are honored to support them with tools, training, funding, and other resources to help them deepen their impact online as well as offline,” said Deepti Doshi, head of community partnerships at Facebook.
The money is intended to support projects that strengthen these groups’ goals.