Next Step Foundation

We are excited to unveil our latest Impact Report for 2023, showcasing the remarkable strides we've taken alongside our dedicated participants and supporters – individuals like you who champion our cause! Together, we're making a tangible difference in the lives of many. At Next Step Foundation, our mission is clear: We harness the power of technology to train and upskill individuals from underserved communities, with a special focus on Persons with Disabilities, Women and Youth. Our goal? To equip and empower them to fully engage in the new digital economy through job placements and career opportunities. Dive into our report to discover the highlights of the past year and get a sneak peek into our ambitious plans for the year ahead! https://lnkd.in/gkQmmhvg #ImpactReport2023 #NextStepFoundation

Meet Sylvia Ambiy: Dismantling Barriers to Education with Chancen Sylvia Ambiy from Kikuyu, Nairobi, is an inspiring example of resilience and transformation. Despite being differently-abled, Sylvia embraced the opportunity to join a data-focused program through the Chancen ISA model. The program has opened doors to learning, growth, and exploration for Sylvia, previously out of reach due to financial and logistical challenges. With Chancen’s support, she overcame barriers like costly transport, reducing a two-hour commute to a 40-minute taxi ride, ensuring she could focus on excelling. At Chancen, 71% of beneficiaries come from low-income households, 65% are women and we embed diversity and inclusivity in everything we do, ensuring we lower barriers to access to education and employment. With 92% graduation rates on average, we’re proud to help individuals like Sylvia unlock their potential. Today, Sylvia believes in herself, feels renewed purpose, and is excited for the future. Here's to Sylvia and all our beneficiaries breaking barriers and redefining possibilities! #ChancenStories #EmpowermentThroughEducation #WomenInSTEM #InclusiveGrowth #EducationForAll

As AI and machine learning evolve, the quality of data used to train models has never been more critical. Data annotation forms the backbone of AI systems, allowing them to recognize patterns and make accurate predictions. Outsourcing this vital task offers organizations access to specialized expertise, scalable resources, and cost-effective solutions. This not only accelerates development timelines but also ensures precision and consistency, helping businesses remain competitive in the fast-paced AI landscape. Through our commitment to empowering Persons with Disabilities and women with in-demand skills, we aim to enable them to access meaningful work and create a lasting impact in their communities. What’s your take on outsourcing data annotation for AI success? Share your thoughts below! Ai4SDG #AIForGood #TechForAfrica #Ai4SDGs 

We are excited to welcome Obor Millicent (Minto) as the new Head of Programs at the Next Step Foundation! Minto is a highly accomplished expert in Program Design, Project Management, and Digital Transformation, with a proven track record of delivering meaningful impact. As Senior Technical Advisor for Digitalisation at GIZ, she was pivotal in establishing Kenya's first Green Digital Innovation Hub. Her career highlights include spearheading transformative projects such as the Google-funded Digital Skills and NORAD-funded Digital LaunchPad programs, which have benefited MSMEs across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana. She has successfully led multi-country teams and managed diverse stakeholders. With a deep commitment to #Skilling for #Work, Learning to Earning, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Minto is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly #Persons with #Disabilities, to thrive in the digital economy. Her vision and expertise align perfectly with our mission to create #inclusive opportunities for all. We are confident that Minto’s leadership will elevate our impact. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to her! 👏 ID: Photo of Minto

On this #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities, we celebrate the transformative power of accessible technology. From screen readers to AI communication aids, these innovations do more than simplify tasks—they create pathways to education, meaningful work, and inclusion for those long excluded. Digital inclusion isn’t just about access; it’s about reimagining equality. Technology empowers us to open doors to opportunity and progress for all. At the Next Step Foundation, we believe in a world where technology removes barriers rather than creating them. By leveraging innovation, upskilling programs, and a focus on inclusivity, we work to ensure Persons with Disabilities, women, and youth from underserved communities have the tools to thrive in the digital economy. Our efforts continue to redefine what inclusion looks like, expanding opportunities that were once out of reach. Let’s create meaningful alliances that ensure every voice is heard, every talent is recognized, and a truly inclusive future becomes a reality. #DisabilityInclusion #EmpoweringThroughTech #NextStepFoundation

This Giving Tuesday, stand with Next Step Foundation's Upili Program to create opportunities and empower a vibrant future for Youth with Disabilities in Kenya. Upili is more than a program—it's a psychosocial lifeline for Students with Disabilities addressing: • Limited access to mental health support • Gaps in sexual and reproductive health education • Persistent stigma hindering both personal and professional growth Your support of Upili helps: 💖 Provide group counseling with professionals who share lived experiences  🧠 Build foundational self-confidence and emotional resilience 📚 Improve academic performance 💼 Prepare students for workplace successes Through Upili, we are not just supporting students in navigating life’s challenges—we are equipping them to excel and lead with confidence. Watch UPILI's animated origin story and discover the Next Step Foundation journey that sparked its mission. Take Action Today: - Watch our brief animated video below - Stay connected with Upili on social media (LinkedIn, X, Instagram) - Help us reach more Youth with Disabilities Carla Birnberg Mariam Ndegwa #GivingTuesday #UpiliProgram

Day two of the 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞 is underway at the Next Step Foundation offices, and the dialogue continues to be rich and forward-thinking. We're looking into integrating innovative foresight techniques with strategic philanthropy, presenting new perspectives on shaping impactful futures. The energy and insights shared continue to inspire and challenge us as we move forward.🌟 Laudes Foundation Realdania Hispanics in Philanthropy MacArthur Foundation Porticus DANSIC - Danish Social Innovation Club Ford Foundation Rockefeller Brothers Fund Philanthropy New York Forum for the Future Caroline Suozzi Evans Okinyi Peres Were-Ogaga Mendi N. Jessica Horn Robert Bosch Stiftung William and Flora Hewlett Foundation The Lupine Collaborative School of International Futures (SOIF) RAKSHA Intelligence Futures Palmhouse Foundation Olga Tarasov Purity Mumo, MPRSK Peter Simiyu John Waimiri The Family Group Foundation #ForesightAndInnovation #Philanthropy #InnovationDialogue #StrategicImpact

We are excited to host this incredible event at our Ai4SDG Center in Nairobi! This gathering brings together global philanthropy organizations to explore how we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future. The Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Foresight and Futures Initiative equips leaders with tools to innovate in philanthropy while amplifying historically marginalized voices. We are honored to support this global effort and provide a space for meaningful discussions and strategies that drive positive change. Looking forward to the next few days of learning and strategy on the future of philanthropy.

Africa is rapidly embracing AI, recognizing its immense transformative potential. This technology is already driving impactful change in critical areas across the continent. Limited infrastructure and the need for comprehensive AI regulations are some of the challenges that still remain. Africa must address these hurdles. Balanced policies are crucial to advancing innovation, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding users from misuse. We believe that leveraging the power of this technology can transform lives, particularly when underserved communities, such as Persons with Disabilities and women, are placed at the forefront of this digital revolution. As Africa accelerates its adoption of AI, how can we balance innovation with regulation to ensure this technology drives progress for all? Ai4SDG #AIForGood #TechForAfrica #Ai4SDGs

Our Head of People and Diversity Allan Maonga Were (MIHRM) recently facilitated a coaching lab on "The Win-Win of Disability Inclusion: Getting to Equal" at the 8th Annual Talent Summit, organized by The College of Human Resource Management. The summit brought together Human Resource practitioners from across the industry to share insights and best practices.   The session focused on equipping HR professionals with practical tools to advance inclusive workplace environments where every talent can thrive.   Key discussions highlighted the importance of disability inclusion as a core HR strategy, offering actionable insights for managing talent effectively.   One key takeaway was that advancing accessibility within organizations requires a strategic and multi-layered approach. This means addressing the priorities of both upper and middle management while proactively forming cross-functional teams to tackle specific accessibility challenges. CHRM College #NextStepFoundation #DiversityAndInclusion ID: Image of a speaker at the front of the room engaging with an attentive audiece