Balloon will be expanding into Uganda in the next few months, to deliver our ICS Entrepreneur Programme. Plans are being made to move into Mbale, which is a city in Eastern Uganda. This will be the second country that we move into, Kenya being the first, and we are so excited!
Staff Spotlight: Kiran Sahib
Title:
Program Manager Photos
Kiran joined the team in 2013 after learning about Balloon Venutres while interning at the Young Foundation. Having graduated from SOAS with a BA in African studies and Development studies, Kiran has a keen interest in aiding social and economic development in Africa. Kiran spent a year in Ghana working on two small agri-businesses, which fuelled her desire to support small businesses and start-ups.
What does the future hold for Balloon Kenya - any exciting new programs to share?
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think the key to a successful company is having a strong committed team who are passionate about what they do and have the right knowledge to run successful programs.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
The best story I have heard from a returning student is from a volunteer called Anna. Anna was partnered up with an entrepreneur called Gideon who had opened a fruit stall and was keen to drum up business.
Through the ‘getting to know your entrepreneur’ exercise she found out that Gideon had set up the stall after coming out of rehab, because of issues he had with alcohol and drugs. He set it up not only to support his livelihood but promote a healthy lifestyle amongst the youth in Kericho.
His passion and drive for ensuring the youth in Kericho were healthy seeped into his sales plan and new products, which were integral with helping him to secure a loan to grow his business.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
Two recent graduates started Balloon (Doug and Josh) and a key focus has always been to help young people develop useful transferrable skills that employers look for.
They have built a team of staff who are passionate about nurturing young people’s talents. As a result the entire organization has a innovative, fresh, youthful feel to it and has a core focus to support young people to get the careers they are keen to have.