Smart-Stars

The problem I'm committed to solving, has to do with unemployment that causes poverty in developing countries like mine in Africa.

My solution is, a community based organization called, Smart Stars. We give free access to technology and training of it's use for coding and creative purposes.

This training helps us scout the true talent of these impoverished areas, and put them into other sections of the org, namely; music production, fashion and food.

My target group is the bulk of the affected by the unemployment issue, that being young women and girls from ages 10 to 25 then 25-35 from ghettos, lower middle income areas and rural areas. 

If scaled globally, it would create a strong network of women and create higher streams of revenue in the different sections of the org, that can than be invested in the personal endeavours and ambitions of these women.

The scale of the problem, is pretty huge. 

The most verified facts I found on unemployment in Africa, was on a UN report that you can Google, in 2017 stating that youth from ages 17-24 consisted of 60% of the unemployed. 

The issue of unemployment, isn't solely an African problem

On a global scale, according to a report by the, International Labour Organization, in 2018. Unemployment in developing countries increased by half a million per year in both, 2018 and 2019. 

The obvious factors of unemployment in this part of the world are, nepotism and corruption by government officials and their families.

 I don't trust the validity of reports on the impact of these issues on the mass populations, hence why I won't involve statistics. This is just based on my experience from living on the ground.

I'd want to put the young women and girls through a coding program by equiped practitioners in those skills or creative use of technology, whatever avenue they choose.

Training should last for a period of 4 months. With a one month break in between.

The technology I'd want to use are; smart phones, tablets, sowing machines , screen-printing machines & 3D printing machines. Irrigation technology, mini greenhouse (with pots and everything). 

We offer them a space to work in, and being able to use the free tech, from a portable digital base for remote areas and a building structure in more urban areas if possible, land is scarce.

After some training, it'd be clear to identify who has talent enough to support the org, and go into subsections of it that create revenue on an international scale. 

Then use at least 40% of the annual profit to invest in these people's personal ideas, SMEs, etc.

We also give away tech to those who are clearly deserving of it and responsible. Eventually, give more free tech widely, with a focus on ; churches, schools and universities.

I have to be honest, I've just come up with a concept because of going through hardships myself of coming from a family that isn't a part of the one percent, that tried to enter, but failed.

By having a really bad altercation with my jealous parent who couldn't believe the kind of opportunities I'd draw to myself, even if they were accomplished themselves. That lead me into living in abject poverty. Running from abuse and potential murder.

I came to understand how things really operate here in Kenyan slums, and in slums in Uganda. I came to see how isolated the villages are, from systemal support. And how systems that are meant to support the people are not working.

I somehow, had the opportunity of observing this and giving back to communities through a leadership program by Jane Goodall and even having a job interview afterwards, which I should have never declined.

 I was just troubled at the time.

As compared to how my fellow classmates of privilege had such an amazing life, filled with possibility and the knowledge they'd lead their countries or live abroad. 

The SME system of the poor, gives such limited options of hope and possibility of a better tomorrow. People are literally living hand to mouth. Instead of government's, coming up with credit based systems, or other solutions to divest resources. People are literally struggling.

But I found, there is hope with technology. So many internet artists are thriving, thanks to the free viewership of YouTube, having hundreds of thousands and millions of views, consistently, that means money.

And so much more can be done , they just need support of a big body, that can't be taxed heavily by corrupt regimes here, to help them in their personal endeavours. 

Especially, so many women and girls who often stay at home or wait on men to support them, in a society that is unforgiving to women and favors men.

A lot of the helpless are women and girls. If they are just given a platform to thrive, giving birth won't be the only access to security they'd have. 

I'd genuinely add more sections to the organization, but I'm told that wouldn't make for a proper business proposal. But like Amazon, we'll specialize in everything.

The more it expands, the more it can benefit the youth I'm targeting, young women and girls.

This solution aligns perfectly with the challenge.

In order for people to be a part of the digital economy, there are actually has to be access to literacy and tools in it for people to thrive in it

Instead of making the individuals in the program support their own mineal small businesses only after. 

They can be further supported by the org, and make products that can compete in the international market and invest in themselves and change the face of their communities in a structured way.

A part of the free training, will have financial literacy. 

I selected concept, because it's just an idea I have. But I think, it can be a possibility if supported, because I don't have the money or influence right now to make it a reality.

This solution is innovative, in terms of finally giving the tools and knowledge to empower people on a broader scale the tech industry can only reach, if they are given access to tech with no expectations. 

Since, they'd rather prioritize many other things ahead of worrying about being a part of the digital economy.

More people can benefit, if they are simply given access to resources and not just training.

Giving the trainees, something constructive to do afterwards that can impact their lives is important. The only tech company I've heard of hiring after learning is, Moringa.

I'd be one of the first social enterprises, to do something of true impact in this society. From an African, for a change.

Currently serving no one, just serving myself. But upon appointment of doing this org with MIT solve, I'd like to impact the lives of 1000 women and girls, in 1 year.

In five years, over 1,000,000 maximum, minimum, 300,000.

I have not begun my organization, so I can't measure how my impact goals have affected anything.

Currently just myself.

I'm scouting more experienced and qualified members. Like the current manager of, Kwani publications.

I believe, if given finances I can find the right team to achieve my goals. 

All I can offer is  day to day management of the idea, being on the ground for moral support, monitoring how activities are going. Scouting talent, addressing groups of people interested.

I can produce beats on a smartphone. I've been more of a traditional artist, fine art , writing, etc since I had lack of access to technology for a long time.

My team, would be able to achieve the other areas of this solution and I need to find them.

Making as many options of individual to be included in the hiring criteria and intentionally select a diverse team based on race, gender and sexuality.

When it comes to equity & inclusion, I'd want the people I'm training to feel as though they are a part of decision making, and have frequent meetings with them, on what we're doing with the organization, so we're held to accountability, on our profits, how much are going back to them, besides pay.

Havve honest conversations and action behind whether or not, the training material is actually benefitting them.

Elect trainees as board members that circulate bi-annually, to speak up for the rest of the trainees.

I'm applying to Solve, because honestly this has to work, because nothing is working.

I'm a young African woman being constantly overlooked by those close to me, and somehow being embraced by those furthest from me and that is a very strange attitude, in my opinion.

All I know from my past experience before my university education went down the drain, is that I am always around creative and innovative minds that need a boost in knowledge and resources and a place to call their own.

Solve, can be so instrumental in it's mentorship for my leadership abilities, and to the people involved in the program. It's networks for the longevity of my organization. And obviously the money it would bring to make the solutions I'm posing, a reality.

In regards to Human capital, I would like a board of advisors from the MIT solve community, 2 men 1 woman or 1 agender in the mix of the three.

To create diversity, preferably caucasian, mixed raced, Asian & Latina from the Americas & Europe from backgrounds where they have either, one school of thought or, have mixed alot of their personal understandings.

The requirements, must've been a part of a huge commercially successful brand internationally, experience in education and education in tech. 

A specialist in creative expression, an entertainment industry executive and a financial expert (especially in, wealth growth).

I'd want to  scout a CFO, whose a woman in her late 30's who is Asian or Caucasian, from Sweden & Norway or any other Scandanavian country, whose an American. If possible, someone in their mid twenties or early twenties, to create a buzz internationally, on lists, and magazines).

In terms of a business model, I need support in business development. When it comes to Finance, improving accounting. 

In monitoring and evaluation, I need support in measuring impact, plus making sure I'm accountable with every cent that's spent.

Then, technology. Solve can support in, negotiating deals with tech companies on products we'd like to use, whether it's reusable e-waste or new products.

Lastly, legal and regulatory matters. One always needs a lawyer, I need a woman, Middle Eastern or Somali, just one.

Support in networks for PR, for internet brands, established magazines and newspapers, etc. couldn't hurt, would be helpful.

So far, what comes to mind, Moringa School, to pay it's staff to teach code. I'd have to carefully check on who at MIT I'd want to collaborate with, or the Solve team.

As for other organizations I'm interested in, I can't really assess the impact of big names I'm into like, the Clara Lionel foundation of Rihanna, which I'd partner with to get the training offered to the girls ages, 10 to 19, in different parts of the world, in the form of education, as well as the Obama foundation.

I'd want to partner with HP's foundation on gaining access to technology, either re-usable e-waste to cut carbon emissions or cheaper tech for the organization.

I'd want to partner with Apple on tech products for the women and girls to use.

I'd want to partner with the Safaricom foundation for the internet bundles or wifi, from them or Zuku.

I'd also want to partner with, JGRS (Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots) their youth division would be delighted in being a part of this monumental change for women in the continent.

Lastly, I'd want to partner with Tiny house, to construct sustainable establishments, that won't be so tiny, but definitely more efficient and eco-friendly.

 So of these are not organizations, but would care about a community based organization, such as this. 

I'm not sure how impactful other orgs are, besides the brand that makes them appear to be.

I would like to be considered for this Prize, since I'm offering options for young women and girls to train in skills that can help them with their personal livelihoods and transform their communities and come out of poverty.

Yes I would like to be considered for this Prize, since I'm giving technology to all kinds of people, from all walks of life, who are underprivileged in society.

Working in our community based organization, can also help them intergrate into society better, by contributing something people love and follow.

Yes, I would like to be considered for this Prize, since I'm giving technology for free and boosting this ssociety's use of it, that lacks these resources from time.to time, with knowledge of how to use it.

Yes, I believe I qualify for this prize because even if the areas of innovation in my org seem simplistic. The returns would be higher than most innovative solutions out there. Which has to be saying something.

Also because, what I'd offer would foster future innovation to come.

Yes because of my use of drones for music videos and marketing, and uplifting the women out of poverty.

That should merit some type of award. It's positive use of the tech.