YALI Network connects the next generation of entrepreneurs, educators, activists, and innovators with resources from the US Government and to one another.
YALI Voices Podcast: Eva Chukwunelo and Richard Siaw - Advocating for Marginalized Communities
In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re talking with Eva Chukwunelo from Nigeria and Richard Siaw from Ghana, both of whom are YALI Network members and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellows. Eva and Richard are creating opportunities for connection among those from marginalized communities, with the goals of improving mental health and increasing self-esteem by allowing people to become their authentic selves.
Eva is a disability rights advocate who is passionate about leading social change for those with limb amputation. She is an amputee peer counselor and volunteer with the YALI chapter office in Abuja. With the Amputee Coalition of Nigeria, she provides resources that help those with limb loss to find jobs and also digital skills that help reintegrate people into the community so they will not feel isolated. With YALI Abuja, Eva acts as a communications manager, designing graphics and creating content for community outreach.
Richard is the founder of Voice Of Inspiring Inclusive Change Equitably or VOIICE, an organization that addresses mental health, abuse, religion and sexuality. VOIICE has given people in need the confidence to face their fears and their abusers and, in many cases, to take the bold step of finding help. The community that Richard has helped build through his organization has helped people cope and find their own voice.
The YALI Network in Nigeria is organized into local state chapters local chapters in each state that meet monthly in person to share knowledge and collaborate on community development projects. If you live in Nigeria, to learn more on how to get involved with the YALI Network chapter in your state please contact AbujaYALI@state.gov.
7 Nov 2024TRANSCRIPT
YALI Voices Podcast: Ondela Mlandu and Emmanuel Ssekitto Kalule - Social Entrepreneurship
https://yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-ondela-mlandu-and-emanuel-ssekitto-kalule-social-entrepreneurs-fostering-relationships-and-building-community/
In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re talking with Ondela Mlandu from South Africa and Emmanuel Ssekitto Kalule from Uganda. In addition to being YALI Network members and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellows, both Ssekitto and Ondela are social entrepreneurs who have founded organizations that serve their personal drive to improve lives by bringing people into a supportive community.
Ssekitto is the founder of Faces Up Uganda, an organization that uses art and self- expression as a method for positive change. He sees social entrepreneurship as a powerful way to address the psychosocial conditions that adversely impact everyday life, then change the personal narrative toward something more positive. Today we chat about person-to-person connection, inspiring others for a better future, and how changemaking benefits communities by benefiting individuals.
Ondela is a media and communications specialist who is passionate about leading social change for women and girls at the grassroots level. She is the principal behind Authoric Communications, which serves as a space for young women of color in South Africa to seek mentorship and support for amplifying each other’s voices. The organization started with practical focuses such as health and well-being, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Since then, participants have formed business partnerships and used Ondela’s organization as a launchpad to great futures.
To follow what Ondela and Ssekitto are doing, check out their social media links here:
Ondela
linkedin.com/in/ondela-mlandu
Ssekitto
https://www.instagram.com/facesupuganda
11 Oct 2024TRANSCRIPT
YALI Voices Podcast: Festus Moses from Nigeria Found His Purpose in Business and Skills Education
In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re sitting down to talk with Festus Moses from Nigeria. In addition to being a YALI Network member and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, Festus is an entrepreneur who — while building his footwear and leather goods business — saw the need for increased skills training and education. Festus has taught over 100 young people the art of leather craftsmanship. This training, along with business development classes, has empowered these students to start their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Festus is a self-described “growth addict” who believes that each of us has the power to learn how to identify goals and accomplish the small steps needed to attain them for both personal and professional growth. He sees entrepreneurship as a way for all people to make positive economic changes for themselves and their community. Today we chat about mentorship, skills training, and Festus’ belief that business is about the people who make it a success.
To follow what Festus is doing, check out his social media links here:
https://www.instagram.com/moss_collections/
https://ng.linkedin.com/in/festus-moses-13217b125
Inside a recent episode
YALI Voices Podcast: Ondela Mlandu and Emmanuel Ssekitto Kalule - Social Entrepreneurship
Published 7 Nov 2024 · Transcript excerpt
[…] We can say so many about them, but we choose to celebrate what they have as a potential. They come from financial challenge backgrounds. They come from so many disadvantaged backgrounds, but they have so much within them that we are amplifying. I know if you check out on our YouTube or even our Instagram, you'll see only smiling faces. You'll see children speaking in the interviews. It's not we can't speak, but we want to invite them to tell their own stories. We see a nine-year-old hosting interviews at our center. She's the lead doing interviews because they have their stories and we want to give them the opportunity to tell them. […]
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