Progress in Kakuma
An honest story about KeelMaster in Kakuma can't just be about what is going well, but what we are learning. There have been challenges, and we believe it's important to be open about them.
Right now, 30 initial participants are less than ten. We have supplied seven computers, but these and internet access is limited to a site outside the camp. Access to the internet is, of course, essential with a virtual program. While costs are much less for much of what we need, we are struggling to obtain the funding for more computers, wifi access, and a site within the camp.
Attendance has been inconsistent and that significantly affects team development. Teaming is a critical component of our program.
Life in a refugee setting comes with challenges that can make learning difficult to prioritize. Food insecurity, financial pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and other day-to-day needs can all compete for attention.
When we started this, the thinking was we didn't need the front-end analysis. We assumed motivation would be high and access would be sufficient. We now know we need that front-end analysis to ensure that the participant is able to attend regularly and that they understand this program is not a quick resolution program, but a long road to change. Difficult as the road may be, the KeelMaster program is the program that offers the most benefit to the world. The Kakuma challenge is our beta release and as we learn and develop, we'll be more able to replicate this program in other locations across the globe.
The Promise of KeelMaster
The dream is to bring change to underachievers. There are many programs promising this, but KeelMaster is unusual in that it strives to build future success from the ground up. It starts with understanding why they are underachieving. It should proceed with a commitment to persistence. It then proceeds to team assignment and team learning through nine core competencies beginning with self identity and ending with goal determination and goal management. Since change is difficult, peer support is essential. Teams persist until all teammates are gainfully employed.
Associate of the Month: Priyamvada (Priya) Maan
Functional Lead: Data Services
In her own words:
"As Data Analytics Functional Lead, I'm building the data that shows the real gains our interns make through KeelWorks. I'm grateful to work with such a committed team."
Why she shines
Priyamvada is helping us understand and measure what truly matters.
After many past functional leads failed to engage data specialists, Priya is forging a path. She is developing the structure that ensures we have the data that allows us to know where we are and how far we need to go. As much as we have struggled to obtain support from major funders, it is this lack of data that has held us back.
Priya brings us hope for better results and her influence is already very clear.
Thank You, Jamie Gibson
For the past two years, Jamie has been an important part of KeelWorks as our Head of Marketing.
She brought dedication, creativity, and heart to her work and played a significant role in shaping how we communicate our mission. Her departure leaves a gap that we're still working to fill.
Jamie, thank you for everything you've contributed to KeelWorks. We're grateful to have had you as part of the team and wish you every success in what comes next.
Founder's Message
Monthly thoughts from our founder, Thomas Garrod
Another month has passed, and another group of interns has moved on to paid employment.
Seeing people grow and eventually land their dream job is what makes this work worthwhile. KeelWorks is our interns, and the relationship is a two-way street: when they give their best, they get more back. There is never an end to learning.
As noted above, the KeelMaster program is a learning process too.
KeelMaster is a journey, and not everyone has the patience for a journey. I firmly believe that for those willing to commit to that journey, the process and the patience to take one step after another will lead to lasting change.
As we prove our program in Kakuma and continue to build the systems to support that program, we'll be able to replicate the Kakuma program anywhere. Thank you for being with us on this journey.
Thomas Garrod, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Your Support Makes a Difference
Every gift helps bring us closer to our goal of helping every unemployed individual to gainful, sustaining employment. If you haven't donated recently, please consider supporting KeelWorks through Every.org, our secure donation platform. Imagine how much we could do if everyone receiving this newsletter contributed ten dollars a month! Let's dream big! Thanks for being part of the KeelWorks community.
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