LG Electronics (LG) on Monday handed over completed projects to the two community groups in Kajiado and Nairobi that won the 2024 LG Ambassador Challenge, an annual contest that seeks to recognise the impact of social enterprises in their communities. Each of the projects was awarded KSh1 million to finance key investments for increasing their impact.
In Kajiado County, various equipment, including solar systems and computers, were installed at the Intinyika Primary School, in Oloililai Subcounty. The school with 180 students across the pre-primary to Junior School levels, lack critical infrastructure, with a dire need for electricity, water and classroom equipment, including books.
“This new equipment will transform the lives of our students, as it enables us to introduce them to digital technologies, while facilitating a comfortable learning environment,” said the school Acting Headteacher James Keshoe Letayian.
The other winning project, in Nairobi’s Huruma slums, equipped a physiotherapy center that benefits up to 30 disabled children. The project is run by Furaha Community Foundation, an NGO that has since 2005 been working to support needy children, but have been limited in their support to those of different abilities, owing to a lack of appropriate equipment and other installations.
By winning the challenge, the project was supported to acquire tools like gym equipment, which are required to run the program effectively. Funds will also support the provision of meals to the children, and wages for professional physiotherapists and caregivers.
“The LG support will enable us to offer high-quality education and therapeutic support to differently-abled children. The new equipment we have received has now made our facility capable of handling detailed physiotherapy needs,” said David Oginga, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Furaha Community Foundation.
“The two projects showcased a clear strategy for community transformation, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to addressing local needs and driving positive change. Their well-defined goals reflected a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact. As LG, we are glad to support them in achieving their objectives. We are excited to witness the positive outcomes of their efforts,” said LG Electronics East Africa Marketing Manager, Changhyun Kim.
[From left; Furaha Community Foundation School Nurse Lydia Muchoki demonstrates the use of a physiotherapy standing frame with a pupil Godwin Odeng. Observing are Furaha Community Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director David Oginga, LG Electronics EA PR and CSR Lead Glenda Achieng and KFHI Director Chun Jong Hu. The physiotherapy equipment will benefit up to 30 disabled children. Photo/Ahmed Omar/August, 26, 24].
Now in its fourth year, the Ambassador Challenge is run by LG and the Korea based non-governmental organisation, Food for the Hungry International (KFHI). The challenge aims to recognise and support groups that actively address the pressing challenges within their communities.
Vetting
This year 53 groups submitted their applications, which were whittled down to 10 from whom the final two were selected to win the cash award. Among other review criteria, applicants were required to submit comprehensive project plans and comparative estimates for each item purchased, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A rigorous monitoring and evaluation process was implemented to the two winning projects, with KFHI providing customised project progress and monitoring based on the location of the project screening, community selection, and unique characteristics of their teams. This individualised approach aims to maximise the impact of each project and facilitate meaningful change within communities.
“The two winning groups were outstanding, and definitely deserved the award. However, the biggest task now lies ahead of them as they must meticulously implement everything they had set out to do. Even as we handover the projects, we will still be available to provide oversight, but we are certain they will be impactful,” noted KHFI Director Chun Jong Hu.
The LG Ambassador Challenge is part of LG Electronics East Africa’s community social responsibility engagements, which provide an opportunity for investment in local solutions that create lasting change and build resilient communities.
The company has to date given out KSh11 million in prize money to former winners, who have gone ahead to leave a notable impact in their communities.
