Balancing Dreams and Realities: A Founder's Journey with ELIMU CARE

In the world of entrepreneurship, there are few journeys as inspiring as that of a young founder who is passionately dedicated to a noble cause. At just 20 years old, I found myself at the helm of ELIMU CARE, a community based organization (non-profit) committed to advancing educational development while addressing critical gender-related issues, with a particular focus on the rights of girls and women. While our mission is clear, the path to fulfilling it has been paved with challenges, from assembling a committed team to managing the delicate balance between personal income and our organizational growth.?

The Team Challenge

One of the foremost challenges I have encountered in my role as the founder of ELIMU CARE is building a dedicated team. This, however, is compounded by the fact that our organization is not yet funded, meaning that all the work we do is purely voluntary. This is a predicament familiar to many early-stage startups and grassroots organizations. Yet, I have learned that where there's a will, there's a way.

Leverage Your Network: The power of networking cannot be underestimated. Reach out to your personal and professional connections who share your passion for the cause. You'd be amazed at how many like-minded individuals are willing to dedicate their time and skills to a meaningful mission. A challenge is that many people expect to be paid, but this shared passion can be a powerful motivator.

Online Outreach: Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can serve as powerful tools for raising awareness about your organization. Sharing your mission, values, and ongoing projects can attract individuals who are eager to contribute. This has been our greatest strength as ELIMU CARE, garnering immense support.

Collaborations: Seek collaboration with other organizations. that share similar goals. By working together, you can pool resources and tap into a pool of experienced volunteers. Many of our projects have been successful through partnerships, enabling us to pool resources and successfully implement initiatives. A prime example is our literacy and numeracy initiative, which was implemented as a consortium and locally resource mobilized.

Community Engagement: Organize community events or awareness campaigns. Involving local residents in your mission fosters a sense of ownership and may lead to increased volunteer support.

Balancing Passion with Income

Another formidable challenge I have faced is finding the right balance between earning a personal income and dedicating time to ELIMU CARE. For many founders, this struggle is an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey, especially when initial funding is scarce. Here are some alternatives that have worked for me.

Freelancing or Consulting: Utilize your expertise by freelancing or consulting within your field. This offers flexibility and a means of income while contributing to your organization's mission. I'm a skilled writer, a value-based education facilitator, a rapporteur, and a speaker on matters of intersectionality of education with other spaces like climate change, SRHR, meaningful youth engagement, gender equality, and combating gender-based violence with experience working with organizations like Aga Khan Foundation, Population Council Kenya just to mention a few. I would greatly appreciate a referral.

Grant Pursuit: Persistently focus on grant applications. Securing funding can make a significant difference in hiring staff and expanding your programs. Keep an eye out for grant opportunities aligned with your mission. Although ELIMU CARE has not yet secured funding, we are fully invested in this endeavor and meet the requirements of potential funders. Recommending us to funders and sharing grant applications can make a significant difference.

Crowdfunding and Fundraising: Engage in crowdfunding campaigns and social media fundraising initiatives to garner support from individuals who believe in your cause. This has worked for us, and we have a community group where individuals contribute monthly to support the mission of ELIMU CARE. Send us a WhatsApp message at +254 769 679 120, and we will add you to our community group.

Mentorship and Guidance: Seek guidance from experienced entrepreneurs or nonprofit leaders who can provide valuable insights on managing personal income alongside organizational growth. I have reached out to Amisa Rashid the founder of NIVIISHE FOUNDATION, and occasionally reach out to Wevyn Muganda when facing challenges . I am truly grateful for their willingness and inputs that have brought me this far as a leader.

The journey of a founder is seldom a straight path. It's marked by challenges, moments of doubt, and hard-fought victories. Yet, the unwavering dedication to a cause that drives individuals like us is what sets us apart. In my journey with ELIMU CARE, I have found solace in reaching out to fellow founders and allies who understand the complexities of this path.

Our work may be voluntary, and the income may not always be consistent, but the impact we make is immeasurable. As you navigate the ups and downs of balancing personal income with your organization's growth, remember that your passion and determination are making a profound difference in the world. Our journey, though challenging, is filled with hope and progress. Keep pushing forward, keep reaching out, and continue making the world a better place, one step at a time. Your journey is an inspiration to many, and your impact on the lives of girls and women in your community is immeasurable. Stay the course, and know that change is possible when driven by the heart and the unwavering spirit of a dedicated founder.

What has worked for you as a founder ? what tips or advice can you give founders like me ? let me know on the comment section and let's learn from each other.

Support Our Work

You can support our work by DONATING using our Paybill 522522, Account No 7577232. Your contribution will directly help us in our mission to champion educational development and promote gender equality.

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for any inquiries or to learn more about how you can get involved with ELIMU CARE.