Friends of Bata started the $1000 micro-initiatives to give local leaders, grass roots organizations or dedicated individuals the opportunity to fund their projects.
Every week Friends of Bata selects a winner from the applications received that week. Our fourth winner is Baraka in Zambia.
The main focus of Baraka in Zambia is to improve educational opportunities for Zambian children, by providing improved infrastructure and teaching resources in schools and by sponsoring children and young adults to school or college. Baraka also assists over 20 rural schools, their teachers and thousands of children, as well as supporting the wider community. At their schools they build classrooms, science rooms and toilet blocks. They provide training and resources for teachers, install blackboards, donate text books, computers and sports equipment. Baraka even supply simple things like chalk, pens and paper where many schools don’t even have these basic but essential supplies.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced the closure of schools and universities, Baraka is operating an emergeny response to ensure that children maintain a level of consistency with their learning development.
The response consists of producing booklets for 4 different grade groups: G3-4, 5-7, 8-9 & 10-12.
The booklets will be divided into sections, which depend on the curriculum for that particular grade group. For example, maths booklets will be divided into algebra, arithmetic and trigonometry etc. The sections will then be split into subtopics which will be spread over two pages 2/3 text and the other 1/3 quiz to ensure students have understood the material - this also includes an auto-evaluation.
For grades 8-9 (lower secondary) Baraka will provide practise examinations, which at this stage will be used to monitor and evaluate the process. When delivering the booklets Baraka will also engage with the parents/guardians (particularly for grades 3-7), and explain how they can support the child’s learning development.
After 4 weeks, Baraka plan on revisiting all students, collecting their examination papers and asking for feedback from both students and parents; this will allow us to identify how they can develop or adapt their work packs.
Education is essential and a core value of Friends of Bata, so we are keen to support this emergency response.
To find out more about Baraka or to contribute to their efforts to provide education, please visit their website or facebook page.
Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship can be daunting, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.
However, the journey of Adrian Escabias, as detailed in our latest Friends of Bata case study, offers invaluable insights and practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's why young entrepreneurs should delve into Adrian's story of ups and downs, and the strategies employed to successfully launch Aticco Ventures:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Adrian's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship showcases the importance of resilience. He faced significant setbacks, including the collapse of his startup Subbo and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Escamu. His ability to bounce back and continue innovating is a powerful lesson for any entrepreneur.
Learning from failure: The case study highlights how Adrian turned failures into learning opportunities. For example, the legal issues and partner conflicts he faced in Subbo underscore the necessity of solid legal agreements and the importance of having experienced advisors.
Importance of Intellectual Property: Protecting intellectual property is crucial, as illustrated by the challenges Adrian faced with his CTO at Subbo. Ensuring proper legal safeguards can prevent devastating losses and help maintain the integrity of your business.
Securing Funding: Adrian's experiences reveal the complexities of startup funding. From relying on personal finances and bank loans to establishing community-based pledge funds, his journey underscores the need for creative and strategic approaches to secure capital.
Building a Supportive Community: Aticco Ventures is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Adrian has created an environment where startups can thrive through mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources.
Networking and Relationship Building: The value of strong professional networks is a recurring theme in Adrian's story. Regular networking events and workshops at Aticco Ventures help entrepreneurs build essential connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Adrian Escabias's journey provides a realistic and inspiring look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It offers practical lessons on resilience, the importance of solid legal foundations, creative funding solutions, and the power of community. By learning from Adrian's experiences, entrepreneurs can better navigate their own paths and avoid common pitfalls.
Click here to download the case study and find our all details about his challenges and journey!
