What a day! The campus is finally quiet because almost everyone has fallen fast asleep. Only a few hours ago, participants were running from stall to stall, chasing donors, pitching their projects, and proudly presenting their newly developed concepts. It was wonderful to see the confidence they had gained. But before they could speak so
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When we began developing our curriculum, a journey in five acts, we first tried to understand the situations in which we learned best. Just a few days ago, during a session in the auditorium: “Who loves a good, long phone call with a friend?” A chorus of approval filled the room. “And who enjoys calling
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Who would have thought that kanthari change-makers could turn problems into products within only one week? It all started during the COVID years when we designed the INANI program. Inani is a Zulu word meaning “value.” It is also an acronym standing for Independent, Natural, Alternative, Nutritious, and Inventive. The idea emerged from a global
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Mary Mutua, founder of Twajali and a kanthari alumna (2023), grew up partly in the slums of Nairobi and chose not just to escape limited opportunities, but to challenge the systems behind them. After a career in hotel management, she founded a hospitality training initiative for youth from informal settlements and later reimagined it during
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This week, I received a long email from my mother, who travelled through three countries, just to catch a glimpse of a famous painting by Titian. My mother is 87 years old and, of course, the painting was not the only goal of this adventure. It was also proof, for herself and for everyone around
Sometimes we are simply on the wrong floor Read More »
The auditorium is completely silent. Only the soft hum of the spotlights and the never-ending complaints of the crows outside break the stillness. Then the music begins. At first, barely audible. Slowly, the powerful crescendo of an organ fills the hall: Also sprach Zarathustra. Since 2009, every kanthari participant had to endure this musical piece
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One of the most fascinating transformations we witness every year is watching participants slowly take off their “student hat” and replace it with the much heavier helmet of a future founder. Students around the world are given strict policies. They become remarkably skilled at bending rules, tweaking regulations, and turning loophole-hunting into an Olympic sport.
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Slowly, the campus is filling with life again. Sitting on the roof terrace, from where I can hear everyone, but no one can see me, I listen to laughter, excited greetings, and the familiar sounds of new beginnings. I keep waiting for the dogs to growl at the “new intruders”, but surprisingly, all three are
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“You might not know much about Congo,” Elie said, “but I assure you: every one of you carries a piece of Congo in your pocket.” Dear friends and supporters, Elie Mastaki, a young Congolese change-maker, spoke with quiet strength about his country’s breathtaking beauty; fire-spitting volcanoes, the world’s second-largest rainforest, mighty rivers, and vast lakes.
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kanthari blog – Justus Muhwezi – Uganda “Good morning, Muhwezi. I heard Sabondo, your brother, is no more. He died last night.” This is the message I received while I was in India attending the Kanthari leadership course, far away from my family. I was born and raised in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda, in the
Leadership Rooted in rural Ugandan Community Read More »