Youth and communities at the heart of systems change: meet Firelight Foundation’s CBO grantee-partners supporting youth resilience in Kenya

By Sam Mugacha (Imaginable Futures) and Carolyne Ng'eny (Firelight Foundation) 

The social impact sector increasingly recognizes the importance of partnering with communities and youth to drive systems change. Leaning into the leadership and expertise of communities that are making the change is not only ethical, but powerful. It supports the agency of the most critical actors – the community itself. And it works for short and long-term systemic, sustainable change.

Community-driven systems change is an approach to development and social transformation that emphasizes local communities' insight, leadership, and ownership to create lasting change. Last year, Imaginable Futures partnered with Firelight to launch an initiative that supports community-based organizations (CBOs) and community-driven systems change to foster holistic development, a sense of belonging and youth resiliency in three counties in Kenya; Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni. 

Community first

Our commitment to community-driven systems change means the community - including communities of young people - are the critical actors in any system. As such, they should be the most vital voice in deciding who they want to work with, what work they wish to do and what success might look like.

By community, for community

While there are many ways in which communities can change their systems, our organizations believe that CBOs - organizations that are born and raised in their communities - are one of the greatest assets in helping community members (including young people) realize their agency to create or influence safe, solid and nurturing environments and systems for children and youth. 

Finding grantee-partners that the community trusts

True community-driven systems change means that Firelight does not simply choose CBOs. The community - including young people — should be front and center in nominating the CBO partners with whom they wish to work. 

Following the principles of Firelight’s grantmaking process, they met with various potential CBO partners to learn about their work, relationships with stakeholders, including national and county government officials, International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). 

Firelight also reached out to community representatives such as community leaders and young people to find out how they felt about the CBOs, their work in the community, the extent of their roots and engagement with that community to build an understanding of the CBO itself.

Always Transparent 

Throughout the process, Firelight strove to ensure full transparency with the CBOs and communities, providing details outlining our desire to partner with them, the available funding, duration of the initiative, and expectations for the engagement. In short, full disclosure was provided, as was the opportunity to discuss questions, expectations, or reservations before asking them if they consented to the partnership.

Even after they agreed to partner, we invited CBOs and community representatives to a week-long “onboarding” session during which all elements of a possible partnership were discussed, and an opt-out was provided.

Introducing the CBO partners

Seven organizations stood out because of their rich knowledge of youth, their genuine embeddedness within their communities and their commitment to supporting young people. We’re genuinely proud and excited to be working with the following organizations, many of which are youth-led.

Check out photos of these amazing CBOs here.

Malkia Initiative Foundation, Kajiado County

Founded in 2015 

Led by women and youth, the Malkia Initiative Foundation taps into young people's potential and agency. It aims to further quality education and gender equity for women and girls in pastoralist communities. 

“I founded Malkia as a young girl in my early twenties. This is the hardest and most courageous thing I’ve done as a young Maasai girl in a community that didn’t value education. We’ve had to circumvent ageism and lack of funding from most donors. It has been an uphill task, but I’m glad we persisted.” – Jedidah Lemaron, founder, Malkia Initiative Foundation.

Nareto Latia Indigenous Peoples’ Program (NLIPP), Kajiado County 

Founded in 2010

Nareto Latia Indigenous People’s Program  —meaning “neighbours helping each other”’— advocates for the fundamental rights of women, youth and children from indigenous communities, empowers them to address poverty and strengthens their communities. 

“The partnership with Firelight encourages us to put our vision and ideas on paper without being prescriptive. We get to decide how to move forward. As a team, we were nervous initially but now feel excited and confident to begin executing our plans.”– Isaac Tobiko, program director, NLIPP.

Oldoinyoo Orok Youth Self-Help Group, Kajiado County

Founded in 2020

Oldonyo Orok Youth Self-Help Group (OOYSHG) works with individuals and organizations to support youth in the community to realize their full potential and reduce poverty by increasing their earning power. They also work on gender justice for girls. 

“Our journey with Firelight has demonstrated to us that donors can and should safeguard the dignity and knowledge of community members. Some donors wield so much power that meeting their requirements and acquiring funding becomes difficult.” – Parit Eli, secretary, OOYSHG  

Jiwakilishe CBO, Machakos County 

Founded in 2014

Jiwakilishe CBO has three youth-led self-help youth groups focusing on early pregnancy, drug and substance abuse, livelihoods and climate change to empower young people to live dignified lives. 

“Firelight has encouraged us to constantly engage our community members before we share our final proposals. We are learning that communities can greatly enrich funders with vital knowledge and offer lasting solutions.” – Meshack Mallonza, project lead, Jiwakilishe CBO.

Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) Machakos Chapter CBO

Founded in 2017

Youth for Sustainable Development Machakos Chapter CBO's mission is to help young people gain leadership skills, acquire sustainable livelihoods and practice social accountability. 

“We look forward to a time when most donors see youth as experts of their issues. We have great ideas for ending poverty and promoting employment. Working with Firelight shows confidence in our work and has encouraged us to forge forward.” Mary Mutula, executive director, YSD.

Jumuisha Initiative CBO, Makueni County

Founded in 2016

Jumuisha Initiative CBO partners with institutions and government agencies to empower and mentor youth. They spearhead community initiatives such as training student leaders in various institutions on dynamic leadership, motivational talks for youth to build self-esteem, creating awareness on drug and substance abuse and advocating for responsible social behavior.

“Getting funding is not easy. The support from Firelight has lifted the team's spirits and we are excited. It has given us the confidence to approach other like-minded donors who care about young people.”– Karen Munyae, executive chairperson, Jumuisha Initiative.

Kitise Rural Development (KRD) CBO, Makueni County

Founded in 2005

Kitise Rural Development empowers youth to participate in community initiatives addressing water scarcity and emerging health, food, security, climate change, lobbying and advocacy.

“Firelight came to the community and approached CBOs like us already doing the work. This makes all the difference and takes away the focus from proposals that often never go through.” – Patrick Kioko, program officer, KRD.

Imaginable Futures and Firelight have partnered to reimagine partnerships with CBOs and funders to support community and youth-driven resilience and well-being. You can read more about their partnership here.