MESHACK OTIENO

KENYA, 28

Project: Awake Youth Initiative
Pronouns: He/Him

Awake Youth Initiative recognizes that information is power, and with less inclusion on matters of governance and policy-making, young innovative social entrepreneurs’ futures remain unfocused. Awake Youth Initiative promotes equity through its annual summit and leading youth program bridging the gap between young social entrepreneurs and key actors, giving them the platform to voice their issues, advocate for their space in policy-making and demonstrate their grassroots achievements to government stakeholders and international key actors.

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How does Awake offer up new opportunities and perspectives? 

Young social entrepreneurs at the grassroot level, especially from marginalized spaces, play an integral role in the holistic achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and championing for local change.Their voices, ideas and opinions must be heard and their innovations supported. Our work magnifies the importance of grassroot youth innovators and through giving them a voice, we can realize the rapid transformation of marginalized communities. 

“Inclusion and full representation are important assets to driving equity; no one should be left behind.”
Evan Wei-Haas