This year we received hundreds of amazing applications from civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and other groups from all over Africa. ONE acknowledges and applauds the progress made by these organisations towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and looks forward to the solutions for the challenges still ahead!
The $100,000 ONE Africa Award highlights the dynamism and achievements of African groups and organisations that are building a better future for their communities, countries and continent.
The three finalists are …
Kenya Connect
Using a technology library and training center as a hub, Kenya Connect (KC) has implemented a number of holistic and sustainable programs in its immediate catchment area for communities. It uses its technology center to draw in students and train teachers. And it is also a launching pad for other programs such as its rent-to-own solar light program and sanitary pads for girls – which leave a lasting educational impact on quite an impressive number of children. The fact that it is focusing on higher technology and how rural Kenyans are at a disadvantage for training in the best jobs demonstrates that Kenya Connect is trying to find a solution to this vexing problem. It has been approached by other rural community technology hubs/centers that want to emulate its approach.
Connected Development (CODE)
CODE implements Follow the Money (FTM) branding and CC-SA (creative commons share alike) techniques in its campaigns in Nigeria. While most of this is of global nature, CODE has definitely applied it to specific Nigerian causes and effectively wield its approach for small gains and wins in the fight against corruption. CODE have developed a robust online presence and tracks its campaigns and projects, badgering the government to produce funds where it has promised. Two communities have benefited from CODE’s interventions. CODE has about 10 campaigns and monitoring activities that it runs concurrently and trains community reporters to facilitate its tracking.
ELLILTA – Women at Risk (EWAR)
EWAR is running a strong organization with programs that are making positive impact on women’s lives. EWAR’s innovation combines treatment for women engaged in sex work and outreach to community and institutional leaders (churches, mosques, high schools, etc) in order to create space for mutual understanding and begin the de-stigmatization of sex workers. EWAR also works to train teachers to provide sex education or pertinent topics to reduce the flow of girls and women into sex work at that age. And by working with faith leaders, EWAR is trying to reduce the condemnation and shame that often stems from priests and imams. EWAR has demonstrated its ability to build effective partnerships with faith groups (Orthodox and Evangelical – Muslim to come), schools, and government bodies.
Look out for the announcement of the #ONEAfricaAward winner in the second week of April!