Winners of Sixth Annual Give Work Challenge Winners announced by Leila Janah Foundation

The four winners of the Sixth Annual Give Work Challenge (GWC) for established businesses are, The Reusable Sanitary Pad Project (Uganda), Mawejje Creations (Uganda), Kono Farm (Kenya), and Mvuvi (Kenya), announced by the Leila Janah Foundation (LJF). LJF is a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs in East Africa.

A grant of USD 6,000 and a year of mentorship will be provided to each of the four businesses so they can keep growing and have an impact on their communities. The GWC is the Foundation's main element in carrying out its mission to reduce poverty and open up new business opportunities for entrepreneurs in East Africa.

To provide fair employment opportunities and contribute to global economic and gender empowerment, the Give Work Challenge is specially designed for East African women and youth.

The Program Director at the Leila Janah Foundation, Liliosa Mbirimi stated that they are honored to carry on the mission of Leila Janah, founder of the company to reduce world poverty by providing work.

Sama, a pioneer in offering data annotation solutions that power the next generation of AI models has LJF as the largest shareholder. Sama received a significant boost from a grant in the initial days and since then helped more than 65,000 people to eradicate their poverty-driven lives. Since 2018, it has given grants of more than USD 200,000 to 37 projects, resulting in the creation of 322 jobs for previously unemployed youth who are now fostering economic growth in Kenya and Uganda.

Mvuvi is a Kenya-based venture that produces high-quality processed fish by lowering waste and pollution in Lake Victoria by turning fish waste into feed for animals.

Kono Farm promotes sustainable snail farming.

Mawejje Creations in Uganda uses waste textiles and plant-based fibers to make fashionable clothing while teaching local youth the skills they need to become job creators rather than job seekers.

The Reusable Sanitary Pad Project, a social enterprise aims to empower young mothers and promote girl’s education by distributing reusable sanitary pads as well as menstrual health education.

GWC is also run by LJF for startup companies that are in the planning stages or have started their business in less than a year. The four businesses received USD 4,000, $1,000 incubator memberships, and a year of training and mentorship.