Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Light Art Club empowers African youth by fostering belonging, purpose, and growth. We promote positive change through mental health support, quality education, digital innovation, and environmental action, aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Light Art Club is a transformative community aimed at empowering young people across Africa by fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and growth. We believe in the potential of this generation to overcome societal and economic barriers through creativity, support, and positive inspiration. Our initiatives align with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting good health and well-being, ensuring quality education, fostering industry innovation and infrastructure, and advocating for climate action and life below water. Through our vibrant community platform, we provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for youth to connect, learn, and thrive. Our mission is to inspire young individuals to become their best selves, contribute to their communities, and lead transformative change for a brighter, more inclusive future.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem Light Art Club is addressing is the myriad of barriers preventing African youth from realizing their full potential. These barriers include disempowering internal narratives, restrictive social norms, limited access to quality education and mental health support, digital exclusion, and environmental challenges. By fostering a supportive community and providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities, we aim to empower young individuals to overcome these obstacles, inspire positive change, and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for Africa.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Light Art Club offers several major benefits and advantages for its members: Empowerment and Support: We provide a supportive community that fosters belonging, purpose, and growth. Through mentorship, peer support, and positive reinforcement, we help young people build confidence and resilience to overcome societal and personal barriers. Access to Resources and Opportunities: Our platform connects youth with valuable resources, educational materials, and opportunities for personal and professional development. We offer workshops, seminars, and creative projects that enhance skills, knowledge, and career prospects. Alignment with SDGs: This holistic approach ensures that our members not only grow individually but also contribute to sustainable and inclusive development for all.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Light Art Club’s services are aimed at empowering young people across Africa, primarily targeting youth aged 15-30. Our targeted beneficiaries include students, young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and individuals seeking personal and professional growth. We focus on those facing societal and economic barriers, such as limited access to quality education, mental health support, and digital resources. Our platform also serves young individuals who are passionate about social change, innovation, and environmental sustainability. We aim to inspire and empower these young people to overcome challenges, realize their potential, and contribute positively to their communities and the broader African continent.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-09-07

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

N/A

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.instagram.com/lightartclub/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Light Art Club, significantly contributes to the goal of "No Poverty" through several impactful initiatives. We have the Birthdays with Purpose, where we take the gift of having a birthday to giving back to the community on your special day. People with birthdays on that month come together and give to the needy, food and other items. We target areas affected by for example this year there was a bad flood that left families without homes and food. For the month of May, we gave back to them. In June we will be targeting a school in the outskirts of Nairobi that has little to no access to resources, we chose to address the menstrual scarcity and will be donating pads and food to the rescue centre. By providing young people with opportunities for giving back, we empower them to build sustainable livelihoods.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup, the Light Art Club, significantly contributes to the goal of "Zero Hunger" through our impactful "Birthdays with Purpose" initiative. This program leverages the occasion of birthdays to foster community giving and support for those in need. Each month, individuals celebrating their birthdays come together to provide food and essential items to disadvantaged communities. By organizing these monthly giving events, we not only address immediate food insecurity but also instill a sense of social responsibility and community engagement among young people. This approach empowers them to be proactive in combating hunger and contributes to the development of sustainable support systems. Through the efforts, the Light Art Club plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger and fostering a culture of compassion and generosity.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

House of Matrix: This is not just a party but a well-thought-out social instrument designed to improve mental health through social interaction, fun activities, and games. The engaging nature of the event promotes happiness and reduces stress, contributing to the overall mental wellbeing of participants. The inclusion of high-quality content and unique activities further enhances the experience, making it a valuable initiative for mental health. Dreams are Forever: By focusing on inspiring and empowering high school students to pursue their dreams, this campaign addresses mental health by fostering a sense of purpose, motivation, and self-worth among students. The support and encouragement provided help students recognize their potential, thereby improving their mental wellbeing and resilience.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Dreams are Forever: This campaign directly supports quality education by providing high school students with the tools, motivation, and support needed to pursue their aspirations. It aims to educate students about the importance of following their dreams, offering guidance and mentorship from Team Light Art Club and influencers. This initiative helps students set goals, stay focused, and strive for success, thus enhancing their educational experience and outcomes.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Dreams are Forever: By encouraging both boys and girls to pursue their dreams and providing equal opportunities for mentorship and support, this campaign promotes gender equality. It ensures that all students, regardless of gender, have access to the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

House of Matrix: The campaign creates job opportunities in content creation, event management, and brand partnerships. By fostering an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive, it supports economic growth and provides decent work opportunities within the creative industry.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

House of Matrix: By producing high-quality, unique content and engaging with brands through innovative activities, this campaign supports the growth of creative industries. It promotes innovation and provides a platform for new technological advancements and infrastructure in the digital content space.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Birthdays with Purpose: By providing food and essential items to disadvantaged communities, this campaign helps reduce economic and social inequalities. It ensures that those who are less fortunate receive support, thereby promoting a more equitable society. Christmas in Africa: Each edition of this campaign focuses on recognizing and rewarding individuals from diverse backgrounds who contribute to their communities, promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Safari ya Umoja: This campaign fosters community engagement and unity by bringing people together in informal settlements. By sharing meals and connecting with communities, it promotes social cohesion and supports the development of more sustainable and inclusive communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Christmas in Africa: We have eco-friendly practices in the Christmas in Africa events. This can include, reducing waste, and organizing tree-planting activities. Involve the community in discussions about climate action and how they can contribute to reducing their carbon footprint. We also thank local heroes who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation during the event. Safari ya Umoja: As part of the Safari ya Umoja campaign, organize activities that promote environmental sustainability, such as community clean-ups, tree planting, and workshops on sustainable living. We also collaborate with environmental organizations to provide educational content and hands-on experiences that encourage participants to adopt more sustainable practices.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Birthdays with Purpose: We encourage birthday celebrants to support marine conservation efforts by organizing beach clean-ups or raising funds for ocean conservation projects as part of their birthday celebrations. This year in October we plan to hold a Birthday with Purpose in Zanzibar in Paje for turtle beach clean up and feeding the turtles as well. This is as part of Life below water conservation.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

For Life and land, We have Birthday with purpose and International days where we Organize tree-planting events and community clean-ups as part of birthday celebrations. Encourage participants to adopt a tree or a plot of land for conservation efforts. Fundraising: Encourage celebrants to raise funds for various projects like and not limited to, reforestation projects or wildlife conservation efforts and track their contributions. We did this for our campaign Wild about Life where we visited elephants and learned more about how we can help conserve the environment for them.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

We believe young Africans can transform the continent despite challenges like disempowering narratives, restrictive norms, and economic exclusion. By breaking barriers with hope, we enable youth to take control of their future. We promote peace through inclusivity, justice by challenging norms and advocating for social equity, and strong institutions by developing youth leadership and encouraging civic engagement. Our aim is to inspire, empower, and motivate youth to be their best selves, contributing to peaceful, just, and strong communities.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

House of Matrix: This campaign encourages collaboration between Light Art Club and various brands. By partnering with different stakeholders, it leverages collective resources and efforts to achieve shared objectives, thus promoting partnerships for sustainable development. Christmas in Africa: The campaign’s various editions involve partnerships with local communities and organizations, enhancing the impact of their initiatives. These collaborations help to achieve broader goals and create a more significant positive impact.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Wowzi and CtrlZ Holistic Empowerment Approach: We go beyond skills training by fostering a sense of community, belonging, and personal growth among youth. Our programs integrate mental health support, personal development, and mentorship opportunities. Collaborative Ecosystem: We facilitate partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and educational institutions to create diverse opportunities for youth, enhancing employability and entrepreneurial success

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?