Youth-led · Kakamega, Kenya
Mobilize and equip our youth.
We unite and equip young people from Kenya's 42 tribes with the skills and tools to peacefully solve community problems.
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Indiana, USA · Community Based Organization in Kakamega County, Kenya
We support youth to
- Think creatively
- Create jobs
- Impact their communities
- Direct their future
Our focus areas
Where young people lead change
Six areas where our youth are empowered and engaged.
Leadership and Governance
We spark youth interest in civic and political life. Young people get a safe platform to discover themselves, their community and lead change.
Peace Building and Conflict Transformation
We train youth in conflict analysis and conflict resolution strategies to promote tolerance and nonviolence.
Education Support and Mentorship
Study and exam skills mentorship and college tours help primary and high school students stay in school, continue to college and build a bright future.
ICT and Social Entrepreneurship
We inspire youth to start, manage and grow small businesses, and teach the ICT skills needed in a tech driven economy.
Reproductive Health and Anti-Drug Campaigns
We prepare youth to lead healthy lives by making well informed choices about their health and avoiding drugs and substance abuse.
Environmental Stewardship
We prepare youth to become conscious environmental stewards who boldly stand up for a safe and clean environment.
How we work
For youth, with youth
- ListenCommunity problem mapping with youth, teachers, chiefs, faith leaders and families.
- Design togetherPrograms built on community assets and Do No Harm principles, with youth at every stage.
- DeliverMentorship, workshops, camps, film screenings, sports, theatre and seed funding.
- Measure and shareMonitoring and evaluation built in, and reports that show our results. We are an open book.
Our impact
Results you can see
Latest news
Stories from the field
November 26, 2022
Did You Miss 42 Change Makers KCSAP Field Day?
One way of building a community for a resilient future is by exposing young people to experiential learning opportunities where they can…
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September 15, 2022
Grassroot Voices Beyond the Ballot Box: 42 Change Makers Marks 2022 International Democracy Day
In a society where a majority of people are silent listeners or spectators, 42 Change Makers believes that media has a critical…
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September 12, 2022
42 CM Reach over 10million Kenyans with Peaceful 2022 Election Message On Citizen TV
On Aug 9th, 2022, Kenyans went to the polls but, beneath their voting cards there was fear that their democratic right may…
Read the storyWho we are
People who make it happen
Partners, donors, board members, staff and young people: these are the people who make us the best at what we do.
Our partners
Working together for youth
FAQ
Good questions
Who are 42 Change Makers?
42 Change Makers (42CM) is a youth-led organization founded in 2008. We are a registered Community Based Organization in Kakamega County, Kenya, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Indiana, USA. We equip youth from diverse cultures with tools, skills, connections, opportunities, mentorship and support for their social change ideas.
Who can join the program?
Young people aged 15 to 24 who are committed to personal growth and to contributing positively to their communities, and who face socio-economic and education challenges that place them at risk. We make sure all 42 tribes of Kenya are represented.
What shapes our work?
A strategic road map built from surveys, focus groups and interviews with teachers, chiefs, traditional, church and mosque leaders, business people, health workers and youth and women group leaders, plus data from past projects.
Can I partner with 42 Change Makers?
Yes. We love working with volunteers, donors and organizations that support youth empowerment. See the ways to get involved or write to info@42changemakers.org.
Can 42 Change Makers fund my project?
We are not a funding organization, so we can't fund outside projects or individuals. We work with sponsors to mobilize resources that incubate youth-led social enterprises in our programs.
Keep in touch
Get our updates
Stories, events and ways to help, a few times a year.
Work with us
We love working with volunteers, donors and organizations that support young people. Let's work together.