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User Reviews
I was a Volunteer & Intern in the U.S. who has managed financing, grant-writing, fundraisers, our website, etc.
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I have been an intern for Akili Dada for four years now. I have chosen to make a large commitment to this amazing organization because I believe in its values and want to support them. It is women-focused, it has a long-term vision, it takes a positive approach, and it encourages innovation. I have been fortunate enough to work one-on-one with the founder/executive director throughout my internship, and from building a relationship with her, have full trust in the thoughtfulness, intelligence, and experience that she brings to Akili Dada. She has proven to me, through her articulate explanations of the amount of foresight that went into Akili Dada before it got off the ground, that Akili Dada has great promise. I believe in the brilliance of our scholars.
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... beautiful, intelligent, driven women.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... building up slowly enough to maintain the quality of the organization.
I was a Volunteer & I helped to plan an annual fundraiser. I also helped with the annual newsletter and updating information on the website as well as drafting correspondances with donors.
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As an intern with Akili Dada I have been able to see the inner workings of a non profit organization that I hope others will strive to emulate. I have spent some time studying the ethics of aid as well as the politics of development and I respect the ways in which this organization has taken into account so many issues with donations before actually getting into this type of work. One specific example of this is the fact that this organization raises the full amount of tuition and fees for a student for all four years before giving the scholarship to the student. This ensures that no matter what happens in the long run with economic downturns, these girls will be able to continue their education. I respect the amount of thought goes behind every decision, weighing the outcomes that are forseeable.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Learning about how much this organization has changed the life of people.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Students, professors, and people in the community that are all dedicated to the goals of Akili Dada.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Change the education system in Kenya and begin thinking about other countries in Africa.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Continuous and stable funding.
I was a Volunteer & Intern in institutional development and organizational support
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As an intern with Akili Dada for almost six months now, I have been blown away at how true the organization is to its mission, how strong and dedicated the executive director and the organization's supporters are, and at the impact that is made in Kenya. The growth of Akili Dada's work to come is going to be monumental and I am excited to be a part of it. On a minuscule budget, this organization pulls resources and skills together from diverse leaders in California and elsewhere to be able to give the most to the scholars in Kenya. With sustainable principles, like the mentorship program, I believe this is a model organization to follow. In my experience at a fundraiser, people on the Peninsula who donate regularly to non profits are pleased with the results and work of Akili Dada and will hopefully keep supporting us!
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the stimulating conversations and people I have learned from all due to supporting future brilliant Kenyan leaders.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... Hire more staff in Kenya and San Francisco...though funding is always an issue...
I was a Volunteer & I assist with administration anf organizational development, such as foundation research/grantwriting and event planning.
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When I first learned about Akili Dada's mission, I was a senior in college and desperately looking for some way to combine my field of study (international studies) and my passion for social justice and international development. I learned that Dr. Kamau-Rutenberg, Akili Dada's founder and Executive Director and also my professor at the time, was in need of interns to help with the nonprofit's administration and development. I jumped at the chance to get involved, and since then have become passionate about Akili Dada's mission and have found my volunteer work with the organization to be incredibly fulfilling. It's an honor to be part of building this new but highly necessary and functional organization from the ground up!
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... being a part of shaping such a young and promising organization. It's great to work closely with everyone involved and to learn more about the ways in which Akili Dada successfully gives underprivileged Kenyan girls a chance at pursuing their dreams.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... incredibly dedicated and passionate about Akili Dada's mission; they volunteer their time because they believe strongly in the kind of positive change the organization is effecting in Kenya.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... change the lives of countless young Kenyan women by giving them a chance to pursue their education and be mentored to become a strong, successful, and dedicated leader for their country.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... Delegate greater responsibilities to dedicated individual volunteers, so that the entire burden of running the organization doesn't fall mainly on the Executive Director.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... finding funding to sustain the organization in the long-term.
I was a Donor & donated and read reports of the organization's work
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Akili Dada is a remarkable organization, using effective methods to support excellent female students in Kenya, create networks among professional women and mentoring relationships between professionals and students, and bring more voices to the leadership of Kenya. The students' stories are touching, the financial policies sound, and the vision wonderful.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... seeing the way it changes girls' lives and reading their stories. I also enjoy feeling confident that my donation is put to excellent use.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... motivated, professional, dedicated, and very smart.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... funding. I would love to see Akili Dada expand with the help of more donations.