Q. Tell us about yourself
My name is Lavinah Gonah, an Economics and Statistics graduate with a particular interest in Supply Chain /Operations & logistics and minimizing Operational and associated risk. I have been with Sahara for 2years 10 months. I also have an interest in interior design as it allows me to get creative while trying to solve an existing problem and making the spaces beautiful as well as functional. The challenge of utilizing the resources available while working within a given budget motivates me. I also love cooking and trying out new recipes.
Q. What’s your motivation for volunteering?
The precious smiles and grateful hearts.
With the way life is so busy, volunteering gives me something different to be a part of, a new focus and an opportunity to make a difference in the life of others.
Q. Describe your volunteering experience with the Sahara STEAMERS Programme?
Volunteering with the STEAMERS program in Kenya has been a great experience. During the engagements, the students have been able to create different projects with the random materials that they found at the STEM Café Nairobi within as little as 10 minutes. Some students felt the pressure and requested for more time while others almost gave up, but in the end they managed to create the simplest of projects. The truth is, life does not give anyone the luxury of time to make some decisions. We need to acquire different skills in problem solving and to be quick thinkers. This is part of what the program aims to achieve. I believe the program will enable the students to become independent citizens in a world where technology is constantly evolving. The skills that will be acquired during this program will enable the students better understand the world we live in, be able to create solutions and make the world a better place. The STEM program will enable the beneficiaries to access better opportunities to acquire life skills and explore career opportunities.
Q. What contribution or achievement are you most proud?
I am happy that I was able to engage and support the participants to be open minded to the learning and innovation that will come with the programme.
Q. What other organizations or causes do you support or volunteer for?
I am part of Merlik Foundation. This is a Non-profit organization based in Kenya with the key aim to provide financial assistance to pursue secondary school education and mentorship to well performing male students from extremely needy families in Kenya.
Q. Do you know about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? If yes, what do you think of them?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are attainable. We can be able to achieve them by creating awareness to both the young and old people in the community. The information needs to be shared far and wide on the importance of achieving all the 17 goals to make the world a better place. The SDGs are interconnected and achieving some of the goals at once may be hard, but it is not impossible.
Q. What do you think about Sahara Foundations new focus areas (Access to Clean Energy and Promoting Sustainable Environment)?
Sahara Foundation’s new focus areas are contributing greatly to the SDGs. Sahara is committed in making Africa a better place for the future generations to come.
We are bringing clean Energy to life, Sustainably!
Q. What message would you like to share with others about volunteering?
Take your time and reach out to those around you in your own capacity. Be intentional and pay attention to the energy you are offering into that space and moment. Express joy at every moment and always make a point of putting a smile in the faces you meet. In the wise words of Denzel Washington, ‘At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back’.
Q. Kindly share your social media handles (Instagram and LinkedIn)
Lavinah Gonah (LinkedIn)
Q. Would you be happy for us to reach out to you for more volunteering opportunities?
Yes, I would.
