Things learned in a matatu...

Random picture of a matatu in Kenya.

Yesterday, I caught a matatu into town for my meeting with Ernest. Anytime I have to catch a matatu there is always a lesson or two to be learned. For those who may not know, a matatu is a form of transportation which includes huge 25 passenger buses as well as these old modeled 10 and 14 passenger (what we Americans call) vans... or minibuses. And trust me some are very old and are years behind on emissions. We won't discuss that or their awful driving... But we will get into lessons learned on a matatu.

A few lessons I have learned along the way include:

Matatu decked out with some Obama flare.

1. The sign may say it is a 14 passenger van, but there will be at least 18 passengers and a baby. Now that is uncomfortable.
2. The music may be great, loud, and fun to listen to.. but do not miss your stop, else you can walk quite a distance to your destination.. in the dark.. in uncomfortable shoes... not a good look. 
3. It may take hours to get to your destination, though it is 5 km away. 
4. You may have to get comfortable with people's body parts. My shoulder has been used many times as a seat itself. Yes... and eww.
5. You may have to hold a stranger's baby. I love babies, I do, but that can be quite hard. I mean babies cry, poop, fidget... poop. It can be difficult. But that is the Kenyan way.

Yesterday's lesson was just that. Though I did not have to carry any babies, I have before.  And as I watched a woman place her baby in another woman's lap, I was reminded of just how generous of an act that can be. The woman could not hold her own baby because the matatu conductor insisted that she not use up too many seats... and she was travelling with a huge box, which she also had to carry. Either way, I guess I can say it was a lesson for me all the same. A simple act of kindness and generosity. There are so many things that one can learn in a matatu, good and bad. And sometimes the experience may overwhelm, especially for beginners. Though I still find myself overwhelmed at times.

So I think I will continue to tally up the list of all the lessons learned in a matatu. Who knows one day, maybe I can write a book.

Cheers, and Happy Good Friday ya'll!!!

Pictured below is an old picture of me and some friends in front of a matatu named Chris Brown.
Oh yes, they have names!

Youth Development

Today, I had a meeting with Ernest Nyagi, journalist  consultant and youth development leader from Nairobi. We met downtown  where I had an interesting matatu ride... but that's a whole 'nother blog post altogether. We had a very nice meeting I must say discussing our organizations and just getting to know the other to find the best way in which we could work together toward the same cause: the youth!

It was great to hear about what he does and his passion and drive for the youth as well as share my ideas and goals for youth development in Nairobi. It was very helpful discussing the goals and objectives of the organization and because of that I will be doing a review and adjustment to my results matrix according to what we discussed. I can definitely add more objectives and activities that align with them. It is important to note that the Kenyan context must be considered when coming up with activities... and Ernest is here to help just with that. Some ideas we have added thus far include a discussion with Kenyan youth in the school, and a visit to slums in Nairobi. The latter activity, I had always been a bit weary of, but because of my objectives being and increased worldview for the students, it is important that the students be exposed to how people live in different parts of the world.
We  will meet again in two weeks to review the changes to the results matrix. 

Our plan is to work together for the benefit of the youth. He will assist with helping TWO Hands to grow and I have also committed to volunteering with his group as well. Finally, and one important note is that Ernest has offered that I participate in a few of his trainings so that I may get practical and structural knowledge of working with the youth.  And we will be able to work with one of his youth leaders to serve as a youth leader for the TWO Hands summer program as well. I believe that is also a great partnership item as well. This collaboration promises to be wonderful and exciting. I guess for anything to be official we may need to draw up some paperwork. But we will see how things go in the near future. Our next meeting is in two weeks. 

Some little inspiration...

Blogging has its purpose...(s)

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to take the time out to reiterate or basically state the purpose of this blog. While I am documenting my progress toward starting a non-profit organization, TWO Hands International, Inc., the blog also consists of a variety of extras including my everyday life, and some other things.. The blog's target audience is... virtually everyone. So I want to share a glimpse of myself with the world... since it is ours, you know. Nevertheless, the blog's purpose is five fold:

1. Fun documentation of my non profit start up, TWO Hands International, Inc.
2. Shares some day to day life experiences for those who may want to see want life is like in a country other than the U.S. (In the past I have received many questions from former classmates and friends asking about life abroad. The blog offers a peak into that world. Many times you will find it all the same.) I also have guest contributors to share their experiences as well... both work related and simply interesting or fun.
3. Offers some advice about professional development... since I am still developing a professional identity myself, why not share it with you guys as well.
4. Practice with communications and general social networking
5. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!  

With that being said,

Let's just continue reading. It's a blogventure!!

Tonja

ARK Africa Meeting- Marketing and Branding

Tuesday, March 26, 2013, the day I had been waiting for finally arrived... Branding!!! 

The meeting with ARK Africa went on as planned and very well I might add.  I met with Makumi Wanjohi, ARK's awesome brand strategist, to discuss the components that would be included in our marketing strategy and overall brand. This guy is pretty busy so it was definitely a challenge to get into his schedule, but I truly appreciate the time he took with me to go over all the things I would need for the brand. The meeting set up the foundation for what we will be able to do in the future. And I fore see several more meetings in the future to get everything sorted and underway. But TWO Hands is on it's way, ya'll. As soon as the marketing strategy and brand identity is complete we will be ready to lobby for our board and begin marketing the organization to get some serious donor funds... Everything is going well and according to schedule, so hooray for that!

If you guys have any ideas or suggestions for the brand, please feel free to comment. Perhaps we can do a vote on colors... that one's got me pretty stumped, lol!

Anyhow. The marketing and branding of TWO Hands is underway. Get excited!!

Team BONK finishes the ABSA Cape Epic

Congratulations to Team BONK for finishing the Cape Epic. How exciting!!!

The Cape Epic is full service mountain bike race, the largest in the world. Racers must race in a team of two over the course of 8 days through the challenging and "unspoiled" nature of the Western Cape of South Africa. Cyclist climb approximately 15,000m high through more than 800km. These guys finished in 44 hours!

Imagine just how challenging it must be... cycling through the untamed African terrain... for 44 hours! It is not only a test of strength but a test of willpower. That is truly epic. These guys inspire me to do great things.

Congratulations Tris and Fady. I may just pick up a bike and attempt to conquer the Kenyan terrain. We shall see. Keep up the greatness!

http://www.cape-epic.com/live/


Bonk is kind supporter of TWO Hands International, Inc. and the work we do. 
We are happy to show our support in every way. Congratulations!

How Your Nonprofit Should Be Using Content to Emphasize Donor Impact

Here's an article I found about enhancing donor impact. It is very important to seek out and maintain good donor relations, but I believe people find it difficult to become creative when it comes to this. I know from personal experience. I can't wait to get to this point in the organization's development just so that I can use some of these tips.

Take a look:

1. Tell personal stories through video
2. Share stories on your blog
3. Tie donor actions to numbers
4. Send nurturing emails
5. Revamp your Annual Report

Link Below

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/34264/How-Your-Nonprofit-Should-Be-Using-Content-to-Emphasize-Donor-Impact.aspx