City Shamba–urban gardening: protecting the environment, producing food and jobs

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In October 2021 GPA provided a $5000 grant to City Shamba to create unique, vertical, urban gardens. 15 youth participated in learning and creating urban gardens that are now used for farming and sustainable livelihoods. Twenty community groups in outlying settlements were trained in managing the vertical gardens and have technical support from Shamba. The organization developed a black soldier fly farm whose larvae produce organic fertilizer that is supplied to the farm. Finally, the organization created a urban garden community center to continue to promote the work and offer technical assistance.

As their leadership states, “Indeed, to deal with the greatest challenges facing humanity, we need disruptive and human centered transformative ideas. In us lie the solutions to these challenges, we only need to embrace the solutions and act towards their realization. Let us be on the right side of history. Together towards the crafting of a better world.”

Youth creating vertical gardens.

Shine: 25 creatives learn business and marketing skills, creating jobs

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In October 2021 GPA provided Shine a program-related grant in the amount of $5000 and a COVID special grant in the amount of $2358.00. Shine provided scholarships to 25 women and non-binary entrepreneurs to learn vital skills to create and promote their business. Modules included reaching customers, building community, pricing for profit and general wellness concepts. The COVID related grant provided additional funding to allow the organization to operate during the quarantine period. These funds increased the online presence of SHINE and allowed for additional modules to meet the growing needs of entrepreneurs. After training, 10 scholarship participants entered into mentorships/internships with local professionals to further develop skills and experience.