About 42 Change Makers
Youth are today’s and tomorrow’s asset.
42 Change Makers is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Indiana, USA, working in the USA and Kenya to meet the unique needs of at-risk youth from the 42 tribes of Kenya.
Our mission
To empower at-risk youth from the 42 tribes of Kenya through education, civic leadership and entrepreneurship, making a lasting impact on young people from diverse backgrounds and fostering positive change in Kenya and the USA.
Our vision
A future where every young person, whatever their background, has the skills and opportunities to thrive in school, contribute to civic leadership and succeed in entrepreneurship, and a global network of empowered people who drive positive social impact.
Our story
Born in rural Kakamega
42 Change Makers was founded by Shaban Varajab to tackle high youth unemployment and school dropout rates, especially in the underprivileged rural areas of Kakamega. The idea grew out of community problem mapping meetings and interviews with youth.
We work with at-risk youth, in and out of school, from low-income families across the 42 tribes of Kenya. We partner with schools, village elders and chiefs, nonprofits, churches, university volunteers and local businesses to run community service events, film screenings and debates, plays, workshops, workplace visits and talk shows that prepare young people for careers, business and social responsibility.
Many of the young people we serve may not go on to university and will enter the job market early, so practical skills sit at the heart of what we do.
Objectives
What we set out to do
Enhance academic performance for at-risk youth through tailored education programs.
Foster civic engagement and leadership skills among young people.
Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and skills, and provide resources for youth to start sustainable ventures.
Our values
What guides us
Empower
We think like owners. Everyone on our team is empowered to make decisions that improve their lives and their community, and is accountable for them.
Execute
Our work is challenging but rewarding. We don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today. We run fast, lean and smart.
Excellence
We exceed goals, assess our projects and maintain excellence.
Service
We collaborate through participatory engagement to meet the needs of those we serve.
Inspire
We inspire through innovation and are not afraid to challenge the status quo in search of better, smarter, faster solutions.
Community Building
Togetherness and teamwork are the foundation of our relationships. Together we make a positive impact.
Respect
We help each other shine, work toward the same goals and celebrate our success as one team.
Integrity
We build trust with partners through ethical and honest interaction.
What makes us unique
Built for youth, with youth
- Beneficiaries and stakeholders are engaged at every stage of our project cycle.
- We apply a Community Asset Based Approach and observe Do No Harm principles.
- We work for youth and with youth, in a democratic environment where everyone can take part.
- A strong grassroots network built on trust, respect and constant follow-up with beneficiaries.
- Practical, hands-on training, with monitoring and evaluation built into every program.
- Excellent relations with government ministries of Education and Youth, youth CBOs and NGOs, and universities.
- A pool of volunteers across our network zones and a resource mobilization unit linking us with partners in Kenya and abroad.
Our project cycle
Why Kakamega
Why youth in rural Kakamega matter to us
Youth in Kakamega County carry the heaviest social, economic and political burden, yet play a minimal role in decision making. They are a vast resource, too often managed instead of engaged.
Source: 2009 Kenya Census and Kakamega national survey data, as cited by 42 Change Makers.
Our partners
Shared concern, shared work
Local and international development agencies and donors, government offices, traditional leaders, education and research institutions, youth, women and faith groups, police, media, tech centers and the health sector.
FAQ
Frequently asked 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.
Partner with us
Volunteers, donors and organizations: there is a place for you in this work.