By Silas Otieno

On Friday, November 22, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa hosted a workshop on “Implementing Sustainable Projects,” organized by the Transitions Office. The session was facilitated by the Angaza Center and aimed at equipping the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the skills, strategies, and tools necessary to develop impactful community initiatives with lasting impact.

The event brought together 175 Mastercard Foundation Scholars with a passion for driving sustainable development in their communities. The workshop focused on the importance of strategic planning, risk mitigation, and sustainability in project implementation. It was an engaging session led by the team from Angaza, which included Michael Odongo, President and CEO; Joseph (Peter) Mwaura, Chief Operating Officer; and Matilda Timpiyian, Strategic Partnerships Officer, who shared their insights and expertise to inspire and guide the participants.

The interactive session covered crucial topics designed to empower participants with essential skills for effective community initiatives. Key highlights included:

• Planning for Success - The Mastercard Foundation Scholars learned how thorough research and strategic planning form a solid foundation for impactful projects, encouraging them to think critically about setting clear goals and actionable steps.
• Mitigating Risks - Facilitators introduced practical tools to help the Mastercard Foundation Scholars identify potential challenges and develop creative, proactive solutions, nurturing resilience in their initiatives.
• Sustaining Impact - A key focus was on strategies to ensure projects continue to make a difference long after they are launched, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and innovative thinking.
• Learning from Experience - Real-life examples of successful community projects brought the lessons to life, inspiring participants with stories of transformation and substantial outcomes.

Michael Adongo, Founder and CEO of Angaza Center, encouraged participants to approach project implementation with a mindset of long-term impact. “Sustainability is about more than just achieving results. It’s about building systems that can thrive even in your absence.” he said.

“We hope that the insights you have gained will help you as you go on to implement your upcoming Community Action Projects. This is an opportunity to make sustainable, meaningful changes to your communities, and an opportunity to become changemakers,” he added.