Community Voice Tech

Community Voice Tech addresses the critical challenge of promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance and disaster preparedness, particularly in Moshi, Tanzania, and globally. In Tanzania, electoral integrity remains a concern despite progress, with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) reporting instances of irregularities in past elections. Globally, the Asia-Pacific region experiences a disproportionate burden of natural disasters, affecting millions annually, as highlighted by the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DMHA). In Moshi specifically, marginalized groups, including women and ethnic minorities, face significant barriers to engaging in governance processes and disaster readiness efforts.

According to IFES, Tanzania has made strides in electoral reforms, but challenges persist, with reports of voter intimidation, coercion, and violence during election periods. In the 2020 elections, irregularities were reported, impacting the credibility and fairness of the process. This undermines public trust in institutions and democratic processes, affecting not only electoral outcomes but also broader governance structures. Similarly, the CFE-DMHA underscores the vulnerability of the Asia-Pacific region to natural disasters, where millions are affected annually by floods, storms, and other catastrophes. In Tanzania, inadequate disaster preparedness exacerbates the impact of such events, particularly on vulnerable communities lacking access to resources and support.

Community Voice Tech leverages technology to empower citizens and enhance transparency and accountability in governance and disaster management. Our platforms, including Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, enable real-time reporting and monitoring of electoral events and disaster situations. In the 2020 elections, Uchaguzi collected 93,236 reports, with 12,387 published post-verification by 91 digital response volunteers. This robust data collection and verification process ensure the accuracy and credibility of information shared, contributing to greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Similarly, Crisis Preparedness aggregates and maps disaster management training events, aiding stakeholders in identifying critical gaps and enhancing coordination and response efforts.

By addressing these challenges, Community Voice Tech aims to empower citizens, strengthen institutions, and foster inclusive and resilient communities. Our solution has the potential to impact millions of people locally in Moshi and globally by promoting citizen participation, enhancing governance processes, and improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Through technology-driven solutions, we seek to build a more equitable and sustainable world where every voice is heard, and every community can thrive.

Community Voice Tech is a technology-driven platform that empowers citizens to engage in transparent governance and disaster preparedness efforts. Our solution consists of two main components: Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness.

Uchaguzi is a citizen reporting platform designed to monitor electoral events and promote transparency and accountability during elections. Citizens can use various channels, such as SMS, WhatsApp, and social media, to report on election-related incidents, such as voter intimidation, ballot irregularities, or instances of violence. These reports are then collected and verified by a team of digital response volunteers, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the information shared. Uchaguzi utilizes technology such as crowdsourcing, data analytics, and digital verification tools to facilitate real-time reporting and monitoring of electoral events, empowering citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and hold governments accountable.

Crisis Preparedness is a platform that aggregates and maps disaster management training events to enhance coordination and response efforts during humanitarian crises. Organizations and stakeholders involved in disaster management can submit details of training events through a user-friendly online form. These events are then displayed on an interactive map, allowing users to visualize the distribution and coverage of training activities in their region. By providing a centralized platform for stakeholders to share information and collaborate, Crisis Preparedness improves the effectiveness and efficiency of disaster preparedness and response initiatives. The platform leverages technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and web-based mapping tools to create visualizations and facilitate data-driven decision-making in disaster management.

 Community Voice Tech harnesses the power of technology to promote citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability in governance and disaster preparedness. By providing accessible and user-friendly platforms for citizens and stakeholders to report on electoral events and share information on disaster management activities, our solution empowers communities to actively participate in shaping their futures and building resilience in the face of challenges.

Community Voice Tech serves a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, government agencies, and humanitarian responders, with a focus on empowering marginalized and underserved communities in Moshi, Tanzania, and globally.

Citizens: Our solution directly benefits citizens by providing them with a platform to report on electoral events and disaster situations in real-time. By amplifying their voices and enabling them to participate actively in governance and disaster preparedness efforts, we empower citizens to hold governments accountable, advocate for their rights, and contribute to building more resilient communities. This is particularly impactful for marginalized groups, such as women and ethnic minorities, who often face barriers to participation in decision-making processes and lack access to information and resources.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Community Voice Tech supports CSOs by providing them with tools and resources to monitor electoral processes, advocate for electoral integrity, and enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts. By leveraging citizen-generated data and technology-driven solutions, CSOs can amplify their advocacy efforts, strengthen community engagement, and drive positive social change. Our platforms enable CSOs to collaborate with citizens, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address systemic challenges and promote transparent and accountable governance.

Government Agencies: Our solution also benefits government agencies by enhancing their capacity to respond to citizen needs and coordinate disaster management efforts more effectively. By providing real-time data and insights on electoral events and disaster situations, our platforms enable government agencies to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and respond promptly to emerging challenges. This fosters greater trust and collaboration between governments and citizens, ultimately leading to more inclusive and responsive governance.

Humanitarian Responders: For humanitarian responders, such as NGOs and relief organizations, Community Voice Tech facilitates better coordination and collaboration in disaster preparedness and response efforts. By aggregating and mapping disaster management training events, our platform enables responders to identify gaps in training coverage, prioritize interventions, and deploy resources more effectively. This strengthens the overall resilience of communities and reduces the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations.

 Community Voice Tech serves as a catalyst for positive change by empowering citizens, strengthening civil society, enhancing government accountability, and improving disaster resilience. By addressing the needs of marginalized and underserved communities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, our solution contributes to building more inclusive, transparent, and resilient societies locally in Moshi, Tanzania, and globally.

Our team at Community Voice Tech, led by Nasma Hamoud, is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution to the target population in Moshi, Tanzania, and beyond. Nasma and our team members have deep roots in the community and firsthand experience with the challenges faced by marginalized and underserved populations. Nasma, in particular, has a strong connection to the local community, having grown up in Moshi and witnessed the impact of governance issues and natural disasters on people's lives.

As a team, we are representative of the communities we serve, with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that reflect the diversity of Moshi. We understand the cultural nuances, social dynamics, and systemic inequalities that shape the lives of community members, and we are committed to addressing these challenges through our solution. Our team includes individuals from different ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that our solution is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all community members.

The design and implementation of our solution are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. We have conducted extensive community consultations and engagement activities to ensure that our platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of local residents. We have held focus group discussions, town hall meetings, and feedback sessions to gather insights from community members on their priorities, concerns, and expectations regarding transparent governance and disaster preparedness.

We have established partnerships with local civil society organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to co-design and co-implement our solution. These partnerships enable us to leverage existing networks, resources, and expertise within the community and ensure that our solution aligns with local priorities and initiatives. By collaborating closely with stakeholders and actively involving community members in the design and implementation process, we ensure that our solution is contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and sustainable in the long term.

Our team's proximity to the community, representative composition, and participatory approach to design and implementation make us well-positioned to deliver impactful solutions that address the needs of marginalized and underserved populations in Moshi, Tanzania, and beyond.

At the pilot stage, Community Voice Tech has developed and tested prototypes of our platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, to address the specific needs of our target communities in Moshi, Tanzania. We have conducted initial pilot deployments of both platforms, engaging with local stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and government agencies, to gather feedback and refine our solutions.

For Uchaguzi, we have successfully collected and verified citizen reports on electoral events during local elections in Moshi. Through SMS, WhatsApp, and social media channels, citizens were able to report incidents such as voter intimidation, ballot irregularities, and instances of violence. Our team of digital response volunteers rigorously verified these reports, ensuring their accuracy and credibility. During the pilot phase, we collected data from over 500 citizens and verified reports from various polling stations in Moshi.

Similarly, for Crisis Preparedness, we have aggregated and mapped disaster management training events in collaboration with local stakeholders. By collecting data on training activities, participants, and locations, we have created an interactive map that visualizes the distribution and coverage of disaster preparedness initiatives in the region. This pilot deployment has enabled us to identify gaps in training coverage and prioritize interventions to enhance community resilience.

During the pilot stage, Community Voice Tech has served hundreds of citizens and stakeholders in Moshi, Tanzania, providing them with access to innovative platforms for transparent governance and disaster preparedness. Through our pilot deployments, we have validated the effectiveness and feasibility of our solutions, paving the way for further scale-up and expansion to benefit even more communities in the future.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address pressing global challenges. Solve's platform provides an invaluable opportunity for us to connect with a diverse network of partners, experts, and resources that can help us advance our solution and maximize our impact.

As a social enterprise focused on promoting transparent governance and disaster preparedness, we face several barriers that we hope Solve can help us overcome. Firstly, we encounter financial constraints in scaling up our solution and reaching more communities in need. Solve's network of partners and investors can provide us with access to funding opportunities and strategic support to expand our operations and sustain our impact in the long term.

We require technical expertise and resources to enhance the functionality and usability of our platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness. Solve's network of technology partners and mentors can offer valuable insights, guidance, and technical assistance to improve our platforms' performance, security, and scalability.

We face legal and regulatory challenges related to data privacy, security, and compliance. Solve can connect us with legal experts and advisors who can help navigate these complex issues and ensure that our solutions adhere to relevant laws and regulations, both locally and internationally.

Culturally, we recognize the importance of engaging with communities and stakeholders in a respectful and inclusive manner. Solve's emphasis on community engagement and partnership-building aligns with our values and approach. By connecting us with cultural experts and local partners, Solve can help us deepen our understanding of the cultural context in which we operate and tailor our solutions to better meet the needs of the communities we serve.

We seek to overcome market barriers and establish sustainable business models that enable us to scale and grow our impact. Solve's network of industry partners and mentors can provide us with valuable market insights, strategic guidance, and access to potential customers and collaborators.

We are applying to Solve because we believe that together, we can overcome the barriers and challenges we face and create meaningful, lasting change in communities around the world. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Solve and its partners to accelerate the growth and impact of our solution and drive positive social change.

Community Voice Tech is innovative in several ways that distinguish it from traditional approaches to governance transparency and disaster preparedness.

Firstly, our solution leverages the power of technology to democratize access to information and amplify citizen voices. By providing user-friendly platforms such as Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, we empower citizens to actively participate in governance processes and disaster management efforts. This direct engagement not only promotes transparency and accountability but also fosters a sense of ownership and agency among community members, leading to more inclusive and responsive governance structures.

Secondly, Community Voice Tech utilizes a participatory and collaborative approach to solution design and implementation. We engage with local stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, government agencies, and humanitarian responders, throughout the process to ensure that our solutions are contextually relevant and responsive to community needs. By co-designing and co-implementing our platforms with input from diverse stakeholders, we catalyze broader positive impacts by fostering partnerships, building trust, and creating shared ownership of the solution.

Our solution addresses the interconnected nature of governance and disaster resilience. Rather than treating these issues in isolation, Community Voice Tech recognizes the linkages between transparent governance, effective disaster management, and community resilience. By integrating citizen reporting mechanisms for both electoral events and disaster situations, our solution promotes holistic and integrated approaches to risk reduction and community empowerment. This comprehensive approach has the potential to change the market landscape by shifting the focus from siloed interventions to more integrated and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of vulnerability and inequity.

Moreover, Community Voice Tech adopts a data-driven and evidence-based approach to decision-making and resource allocation. By collecting and analyzing real-time data on electoral events and disaster management activities, our platforms enable stakeholders to identify trends, prioritize interventions, and allocate resources more effectively. This enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of governance processes and disaster response efforts, leading to tangible improvements in community well-being and resilience.

 Community Voice Tech represents a paradigm shift in how we approach governance transparency and disaster preparedness. By harnessing technology, fostering collaboration, and adopting a holistic approach, our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts, drive systemic change, and transform the market landscape towards more inclusive, transparent, and resilient societies.

Community Voice Tech expects to have a significant impact on the problem of governance transparency and disaster preparedness by following a logical framework that links our activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes for our target population.

Firstly, our activities involve developing and deploying user-friendly platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, to facilitate citizen reporting on electoral events and disaster situations. These platforms enable citizens to easily report incidents and share information using various channels such as SMS, WhatsApp, and social media.

The immediate outputs of our activities include the collection and verification of citizen reports, the aggregation and mapping of data on electoral events and disaster management activities, and the dissemination of actionable information to stakeholders.

In the short term, these outputs lead to increased transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance processes and disaster management efforts. By providing citizens with a platform to report incidents and share information, we empower them to hold governments accountable, advocate for their rights, and contribute to community resilience.

In the medium term, our solution strengthens the capacity of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, and humanitarian responders, to respond effectively to citizen needs and coordinate disaster management efforts. By providing real-time data and insights, our platforms enable stakeholders to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and respond promptly to emerging challenges.

In the long term, Community Voice Tech aims to foster more inclusive, transparent, and resilient societies. By promoting dialogue, collaboration, and civic participation, our solution builds trust between citizens and governments, strengthens democratic institutions, and enhances community resilience to disasters. This ultimately leads to improved governance outcomes, reduced vulnerability to disasters, and better overall well-being for our target population.

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of our theory of change includes feedback from community members, data on the number and quality of citizen reports collected, and evaluations of the impact of our solution on governance processes and disaster resilience. Additionally, third-party research and case studies from similar initiatives provide further evidence of the positive outcomes associated with citizen engagement in governance and disaster management.

Our impact goals for Community Voice Tech are centered around promoting transparent governance, enhancing disaster preparedness, and fostering community resilience. We aim to achieve the following specific external impacts:

1. Increased citizen engagement in governance processes:

   • Indicator: Number of citizen reports submitted through Uchaguzi platform.
   • Indicator: Percentage of citizens reporting feeling empowered to participate in governance.

2. Improved transparency and accountability in electoral processes:

   • Indicator: Number of verified incidents reported during electoral events.
   • Indicator: Percentage of reported incidents leading to positive outcomes, such as resolution or intervention by relevant authorities.

3. Enhanced coordination and effectiveness of disaster management efforts:

   • Indicator: Number of disaster management training events mapped on Crisis Preparedness platform.
   • Indicator: Percentage of stakeholders reporting improved coordination and communication during disaster response.

4. Strengthened community resilience to disasters:

   • Indicator: Reduction in the number of casualties or injuries during disasters.
   • Indicator: Percentage of communities reporting increased awareness and preparedness for disasters.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we collect and analyze data on various key performance indicators (KPIs) related to citizen engagement, governance transparency, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. We track the number and quality of citizen reports submitted through our platforms, as well as the outcomes and responses generated from these reports. Additionally, we monitor the number of incidents reported during electoral events and disasters, along with the effectiveness of response efforts and interventions.

We assess stakeholder perceptions and feedback on the usability, functionality, and impact of our platforms through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. By regularly collecting and analyzing data on these indicators, we are able to evaluate our progress towards our impact goals and identify areas for improvement and refinement in our solution.

Community Voice Tech utilizes a combination of modern digital technologies to power our solution, including web-based platforms, mobile applications, and data analytics tools. Our core technology stack consists of the following components:

1. Web-based platforms: Our primary platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, are web-based applications accessible via standard web browsers. These platforms serve as centralized hubs for citizen reporting on electoral events and disaster situations, respectively. Users can access the platforms from any internet-enabled device, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, making them highly accessible and inclusive.

2. Mobile applications: In addition to web-based access, we offer mobile applications for both Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, available for download on Android and iOS devices. These mobile apps provide users with a convenient and intuitive interface for submitting reports, receiving updates, and accessing relevant information on the go. Mobile apps leverage device features such as GPS location tagging and push notifications to enhance user experience and functionality.

3. SMS technology: Recognizing the importance of reaching users with limited internet connectivity, we integrate SMS technology into our solution. Users can submit reports and receive updates via SMS, providing an accessible communication channel for citizens in remote or underserved areas. SMS functionality is implemented using APIs and third-party services to ensure seamless integration with our platforms.

4. Data analytics tools: To analyze and derive insights from the data collected through our platforms, we utilize data analytics tools and techniques. These include data visualization tools, machine learning algorithms, and statistical analysis software. By processing and interpreting large volumes of citizen reports and other data sources, we generate actionable insights for stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and resource allocation.

5. Cloud infrastructure: Our solution is hosted on cloud infrastructure providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Cloud hosting offers scalability, reliability, and security for our platforms, allowing us to accommodate fluctuations in user traffic, ensure high availability, and protect sensitive data.

Generally, our core technology stack enables us to harness the power of digital innovation to promote transparent governance, enhance disaster preparedness, and empower communities. By leveraging modern technologies such as web-based platforms, mobile applications, and data analytics, we are able to create user-friendly, scalable, and impactful solutions that benefit people and the planet.

The Community Voice Tech team consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to driving positive change through innovative technology solutions. Currently, we have 5 full-time staff members: Nasma Hamoud (Team Lead), who oversees strategy and operations; Ahmed Ali (Lead Developer), responsible for platform development; Fatima Hassan (Community Engagement Manager), who coordinates stakeholder engagement; Salma Ibrahim (Data Analyst), who manages data analytics and insights; and Jamal Mohamed (Support Specialist), who provides technical support and user assistance.

Community Voice Tech has been actively working on our solution for the past three years. During this time, we have continuously iterated on our platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, to enhance functionality, usability, and impact. We have conducted extensive user testing, stakeholder consultations, and pilot implementations to refine our solution and ensure its effectiveness in addressing governance transparency and disaster preparedness challenges. With each passing year, we have deepened our understanding of the problem space and strengthened our commitment to leveraging technology for positive social change.

Community Voice Tech is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our team and operations. We recognize the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of all team members. Our approach to promoting DEI is multifaceted and encompasses several key initiatives:

1. Leadership diversity: Our leadership team is intentionally diverse, with representation from different genders, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. We believe that diverse leadership enhances decision-making, fosters innovation, and promotes empathy and understanding within the organization.

2. Recruitment and hiring: We actively seek to recruit and hire individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to ensure that our team reflects the communities we serve. We implement inclusive hiring practices, such as blind resume screening, diverse interview panels, and targeted outreach to diverse talent pools.

3. Training and development: We invest in ongoing training and professional development opportunities for all team members to promote diversity awareness, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership skills. This includes workshops, seminars, and webinars on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive communication, and allyship.

4. Inclusive policies and practices: We have implemented inclusive policies and practices that minimize barriers to opportunity for staff and create a welcoming and supportive environment for all team members. This includes flexible work arrangements, equitable compensation and benefits, and accessible and inclusive workplace accommodations.

5. Employee resource groups: We encourage the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a platform for affinity groups and marginalized communities within the organization to connect, support each other, and advocate for their needs and interests.

6. Continuous feedback and improvement: We regularly solicit feedback from team members through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to assess our progress on DEI goals, identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic decision-making. We are committed to incorporating this feedback into our policies, practices, and culture.

Our goal is to create a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We believe that by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can foster a culture of belonging, innovation, and excellence that drives our mission forward and maximizes our impact on the communities we serve.

Community Voice Tech operates on a hybrid business model that balances our social impact goals with sustainability and financial viability. Our primary focus is on providing value to the populations we serve through our innovative technology solutions for governance transparency, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. We offer the following products and services to our key customers and beneficiaries:

1. Platform access: We provide access to our web-based platforms, Uchaguzi and Crisis Preparedness, free of charge to citizens, civil society organizations, government agencies, and humanitarian responders. Users can submit reports, access real-time data and insights, and engage in collaborative efforts to promote transparent governance and enhance disaster management.

2. Premium features: In addition to basic platform access, we offer premium features and services for stakeholders who require advanced functionalities or customization options. This may include enhanced data analytics, custom reporting templates, dedicated technical support, and API integrations. Premium features are available on a subscription basis or through customized service agreements.

3. Data services: We monetize our data assets by offering data services to external organizations, researchers, and policymakers. This includes providing access to anonymized and aggregated data sets for research purposes, conducting data analysis and visualization projects, and delivering customized data insights and reports.

4. Consulting and training: We offer consulting and training services to support capacity building and institutional strengthening for stakeholders working in governance, disaster management, and community development sectors. This may include training workshops, technical assistance, and advisory services on platform implementation, data management, and best practices in citizen engagement.

5. Partnerships and collaborations: We seek strategic partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and private sector entities to scale our impact, leverage resources, and access new markets. This may involve co-designing and co-implementing projects, sharing expertise and resources, and jointly advocating for policy reforms and systemic change.

Overall, our business model is designed to generate revenue streams that support the ongoing development, maintenance, and expansion of our technology platforms while ensuring equitable access to our solutions for all users. By aligning our social impact goals with sustainable revenue generation strategies, we aim to create long-term value for both our customers and the communities we serve.

Community Voice Tech's plan for financial sustainability revolves around diversifying revenue streams, leveraging partnerships, and maximizing the value of our technology solutions. Our approach to becoming financially sustainable includes the following strategies:

1. Revenue diversification: We aim to diversify our revenue streams by offering a combination of free and premium products and services. While basic platform access is provided free of charge to users, we generate revenue through premium features, data services, consulting, and training offerings. This multi-tiered approach allows us to capture value from different customer segments and monetize our technology solutions effectively.

2. Strategic partnerships: We actively seek strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and private sector entities to access new markets, scale our impact, and leverage resources. By collaborating with partners on co-designing and co-implementing projects, we can share costs, expand our reach, and access funding opportunities that may not be available to us individually.

3. Grant funding: We pursue grant funding from philanthropic foundations, government agencies, and international donors to support specific projects, research initiatives, and capacity-building activities. Grant funding provides critical support for our operational expenses, technology development, and expansion efforts, allowing us to continue delivering high-impact solutions to our target communities.

4. Social impact investment: We explore opportunities for social impact investment to raise capital for scaling our operations, enhancing our technology platforms, and accelerating our growth trajectory. Social impact investors, including impact-focused venture capital firms and impact accelerators, provide patient capital and strategic support to social enterprises like ours that are driving positive social and environmental change.

Evidence of our success in implementing this plan includes:

• Securing grant funding: We have successfully secured grant funding from reputable organizations such as the Open Society Foundations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Ford Foundation. These grants have supported our platform development, pilot implementations, and research initiatives, demonstrating external validation of our solution's value and impact.

• Generating revenue: We have generated revenue through premium features, consulting services, and data partnerships with organizations seeking access to our platform's insights and capabilities. Our ability to attract paying customers and clients highlights the demand for our products and services and our effectiveness in delivering value to our stakeholders.

• Establishing partnerships: We have established strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to implement joint projects, share resources, and expand our reach. These partnerships have enabled us to access new markets, scale our impact, and leverage additional funding and support for our initiatives.