AYEN’s very first member spotlight shines on Kenyan national Amos Letipila. From the vast plains of Samburu, Kenya, where he herded livestock under the scorching sun, to the endless nights spent longing for a better life, his journey was one of relentless struggle. In the face of drought and famine, he fought to keep his family and animals alive, enduring hardship beyond measure. It was this struggle of survival in harsh and beautiful Samburu that inspired Amos to care for the environment.
Through sheer determination and the support of his community, he gradually transformed adversity into opportunity. Seeking education, defying the odds to pursue knowledge and skills that would empower him to create change. Pursuing a career in medicine, Amos committed himself to improving the well-being of his community.
And against all odds, he emerged a victor – a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Today, he stands not only as a survivor but as a beacon of hope, dedicated to uplifting others and building a future where no one is held captive by the chains of poverty and hardship.
Amos started his organization, Sweetness of Maria, to provide relief to food insecure communities in the Samburu region. As an organization, they focus on sustainable development, conservation efforts, community empowerment, and policy advocacy to tackle systemic environmental and social issues. They focus on areas like renewable energy, water access, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment to foster positive change. Pooling together donations from local farmers and donors from across the world, Amos carries out regular food drives to help provide relief to communities struggling with drought and famine.
However, as a small enterprise in Africa, Amos faces critical barriers in his journey to create resilient and secure communities in Samburu. He summarized his main needs as follows, urging national and international parties to help address the issues:
Funding: Financial resources are crucial for implementing projects, conducting research, and supporting initiatives.
Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations, governments, businesses, and communities can amplify your impact and reach.
Expertise: Access to experts in fields such as environmental science, policy, community development, and sustainable technology can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Data and Research: Robust data and research help inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of intervention
Advocacy Skills: Advocacy efforts can help influence policies, regulations, and public perception to support environmental and social causes.
Community Engagement: Building relationships with local communities is essential for understanding their needs, involving them in decision-making, and ensuring the sustainability of projects.
Technology and Innovation: Leveraging technology and innovative solutions can lead to more efficient and impactful interventions.
Capacity Building: Investing in training and capacity-building programs for staff and partners strengthens organizational capabilities and enhances long-term sustainability.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems allows you to track progress, identify challenges, and adapt strategies accordingly.
Communication and Outreach: Effective communication and outreach efforts help raise awareness, mobilize support, and inspire action among stakeholders and the general public.
Amos’ journey is one of hardship, dedication, and perseverance. As an inspiring example of an African Youth Environmentalist, Amos shared some words for those wanting to do their part in the preservation of their environments and communities:
“If you want to become an environmentalist, start by educating yourself about environmental issues and solutions. Get involved in local conservation efforts, volunteer with organizations, and advocate for sustainable practices in your community. Remember, even small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet for future generations.”
You can find his website at sweetnessofmaria.com. Check it out, share, and donate to help create food resilient communities in the arid drylands of northern Kenya.
Want to get in contact with Amos?
letipilaamos@gmail.com
+254794424765
