LG Electronics (LG) has handed over completed projects to the two community groups – in Kajiado and Nairobi – that won the 2024 LG Ambassador Challenge, an annual contest that seeks to recognize the impact of social enterprises in their communities. Each of the projects was awarded KSh1 million to finance key investments for increasing their impact.
In Kajiado County various equipment, including solar systems and computers, were installed at the Intinyika Primary School, in Oloililai Sub-county. The school, which has 180 students across the pre-primary to junior secondary school levels, lacks critical infrastructure, with a dire need for electricity, water, and classroom equipment, including books.
Acting Headteacher James Keshoe Letayian, said: “This new equipment will transform the lives of our students, as it enables us to introduce them to digital technologies while facilitating a comfortable learning environment.”
The other winning project, in Nairobi’s Huruma slums, equipped a physiotherapy center that benefits up to 30 disabled children. The project is run by Furaha Community Foundation, an NGO that has since 2005 been working to support needy children within the community, but have been limited in their support to those of different abilities, owing to a lack of appropriate equipment and other installations. By winning the challenge, the project was supported to acquire tools like gym equipment, which are required to run the program effectively. Funds have also been set aside to support the provision of meals to the children, and wages for professional physiotherapists and caregivers.
“The support we have received from LG will enable us to offer high-quality education and therapeutic support to differently-abled children. The new equipment we have received has now made our facility capable of handling detailed physiotherapy needs,” said David Oginga, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Furaha Community Foundation.
In his remarks during the handover ceremony, LG Electronics East Africa Marketing Manager Changhyun Kim said, “The two projects showcased a clear strategy for community transformation, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to addressing local needs and driving positive change. Their well-defined goals reflected a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact. As LG, we are glad to support them in achieving their objectives and are excited to witness the positive outcomes of their efforts”.
Now in its fourth year, the Ambassador Challenge is run by LG and the Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), a renowned non-governmental organization. It aims to recognize and support groups that actively address the pressing challenges within their communities.
This year 53 groups submitted their applications, which were whittled down to 10 from whom the final two were selected to win the cash award. Among other review criteria, applicants were required to submit comprehensive project plans and comparative estimates for each item purchased, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A rigorous monitoring and evaluation process was implemented to the two winning projects, with KFHI providing customized project progress and monitoring based on the location of the project screening, community selection, and unique characteristics of their teams. This individualized approach aims to maximize the impact of each project and facilitate meaningful change within communities.
Chun Jong Hu, the Director of the KHFI noted: “The two winning groups were outstanding, and definitely deserved the award. However, the biggest task now lies ahead of them as they must meticulously implement everything they had set out to do. Even as we handover the projects, we will still be available to provide oversight, but we are certain they will be impactful”.
The LG Ambassador Challenge is part of LG Electronics East Africa’s community social responsibility engagements, which provide an opportunity for investment in local solutions that create lasting change and build resilient communities.
The company has to date given out KSh11 million in prize money to former winners, who have gone ahead to leave a notable impact in their communities.
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