Six Kenyans are among the 116 people worldwide who have been selected to join the Facebook Community Leadership Program. Unveiled in February this year, the program is a global initiative that invests in people building communities.
The Kenyans include Felista Wangari, through her 52-Week Savings Challenge Facebook group, Pamellah Oduor, with her Let’s Cook Kenyan Meals group, Asha Mweru, #WomenWorkKE, Caroline Kihusa, Still A Mum and Truphosah Monah, Women And Realities of Disability Society. They join 100 other fellows and youth participants who will receive up to $50,000 each to be used for their community initiative.
Another Kenyan, Noah Nasiali was selected leader in residence for Africa for bringing together more than 100,000 farmers across Africa through a Facebook group Africa Farmers Club in less than a year. Noah, and five other participants who have been selected globally as community Leaders in Residence will each will be awarded up to $1,000,000 to fund their community initiative. The final amount received will be determined based on the final budget proposal created and submitted by each resident as part of their program training.
“Many community leaders worldwide and in Africa turn to Facebook to create connections through Facebook groups, WhatsApp or Messenger,” said Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director Facebook Africa. “This programme is all about empowering them with the tools, support and funding they need to advance their causes and build their communities.”
Since announcing the Facebook Community Leadership Program in February, Facebook received more than 6,000 applications from all over the world. A selection committee, which included employees as well as community experts from outside of Facebook, reviewed each application to identify leaders with a strong, clear and committed vision for their community.
“Our group of African fellows and our resident represent diverse perspectives from different parts of the continent, but they share a common goal of helping their communities thrive. We know they will do great things over the next year and we’re excited to get them started,” said Ime Archibong, Vice President, Product Partnerships at Facebook.
Other African winners of the Facebook Community Leadership Program. include Anike Lawal (Mamalette) from Nigeria, Mamadou Sy (Docteur Nakamou) from Senegal, Gabriel Hoosain Khan (LGBTI community, Human Rights) from South Africa, Lusanda Magwape (Dream Factory Foundation) from South Africa, Nadine Maselle. Salt (River High Tutoring) from South Africa and Savio Lule Mark, The Youth Hub Uganda.
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