LG Electronics (LG) East Africa and the Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), a renowned non-governmental organization, have today announced the start of the 2024 LG Ambassador Challenge in Kenya. Now in its fourth year running, the challenge aims to recognize and support groups that actively engage in addressing pressing challenges within their communities.
The LG Ambassador Challenge is intended to foster sustainable community development by empowering local initiatives and enhancing the capacity of community members. This year, three outstanding projects will be awarded KSh1 million each to invest in their communities. Applications can be made via https://smilewithlg.com until 31st May. A rigorous monitoring and evaluation process will be implemented for the winning projects, with KFHI providing customized project progress and monitoring based on the location of the project screening, community selection, and unique characteristics of the selected teams. This individualized approach aims to maximize the impact of each project and facilitate meaningful change within communities.
Among other review criteria, teams will be required to submit comprehensive project plans and comparative estimates for each item purchased, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, KFHI’s Kenya branch will conduct regular visits, voice and video calls, and SMS communication with the winning teams, 2-3 times per week.
“At LG, we believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change. By partnering with KFHI on the LG Ambassador Challenge, we aim to empower grassroots initiatives and contribute to sustainable development amongst our communities,” said LG’s Managing Director for East Africa, Dongwon Lee.
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Chun Jong Hu, the Director of the KHFI added: “We are excited to continue our partnership with LG Electronics East Africa on the LG Ambassador Challenge. Together, we continue to see great impact in supporting local communities and recognizing the remarkable efforts of individuals and groups striving to make a difference.”
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 already given out KSh9 million in prize winnings to former winners, who have gone ahead to create lasting change in their communities.
Last year, the Challenge was won by Vonde Welfare, Kenya Women and Children Centre, and Little Voice Deep Within, beating 52 applicants from across Kenya. Vonde Welfare sought to offer accessible water solutions to residents of the Vonde area in the Mbooni Sub-County of Makueni County.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Women and Children Centre, based in Nairobi, proposed to use their winnings to fight gender-based violence. This is as Little Voice Deep Within – also from Nairobi – sought to empower vulnerable children through a community library equipped with digital technologies. The three groups are now implementing their ideas with the programme manager and key partner, KFHI, conducting regular follow-ups for due diligence.
Previously, in mid-2022, LG oversaw as the winners of the Challenge handed over their successful projects to their communities. Ghetto Evolve Mathare acquired 26 computers to equip a computer lab that doubles up as a resource centre for kids, young men and women in the Mathare slums.
This was as Mporokua primary school received a fully constructed classroom to benefit pupils who previously studied under trees, in congested rooms or had to seek alternative accommodation at a nearby church altogether. Until the award, the school, with a population of over 300 pupils only had four permanent classes and three semi-permanent ones shared by all the classes. The third winning group, The Eagles from Limuru acquired seven motorbikes, opening up new job opportunities for their members. Investing in motorbikes was part of their long-term plan to enter the transport business and generate income for members.
“With these motorbikes, our youth can earn a living, and we can raise funds for another community-benefiting project,” said Steven Muthusi, the Eagles Club secretary-general, at the time.
In the inaugural year of the Challenge, the winning projects included a braille-purchasing initiative by Kilimani Primary School in Nairobi to cater to the needs of learners with hearing and speaking impairments. The second winner, Buela Girls Empowerment in Kajiado County, was supported to expand opportunities for young girls by keeping them in school through access to essential items like sanitary pads. This was as the Limuru Soccer Academy in Kiambu County was funded to finance sporting initiatives that would keep young men and women from vices like crime and drug abuse.
Aside from the LG Ambassador Challenge, LG Electronics East Africa runs various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the region, including some that are dedicated to environmental protection and others that seek to kit community institutions, such as hospitals and schools, with critical electronics and boreholes. Among its latest beneficiaries is the Eritrean Community Kids School in Juba, South Sudan, which last February received air conditioners valued at USD7,800, equipment that is bound to transform the comfort of teachers and students in the school.