SKY Center https://skcenter.net/ Sk Center Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:17:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://skcenter.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-cropped-cropped-SkyCenter-32x32.png SKY Center https://skcenter.net/ 32 32 MEST Accelerator Program https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/mest-accelerator-program/ https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/mest-accelerator-program/#respond Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:59:11 +0000 https://d-themes.com/wordpress/udesign/dummy/business-consulting-3/?p=1619 Mentoring Early-Stage Tech Startups| Mentoring Early-Stage Tech Startups.   MEST is an Africa-wide technology entrepreneur training program, internal seed fund, and network of hubs offering incubation for technology startups in Africa. Founded in Ghana in 2008, MEST provides critical skills training, funding, and support in software development, business, and communications to Africa’s tech entrepreneurs. Their hubs […]

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Mentoring Early-Stage Tech Startups| Mentoring Early-Stage Tech Startups.

 

MEST is an Africa-wide technology entrepreneur training program, internal seed fund, and network of hubs offering incubation for technology startups in Africa. Founded in Ghana in 2008, MEST provides critical skills training, funding, and support in software development, business, and communications to Africa’s tech entrepreneurs. Their hubs are in Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; Cape Town, South Africa; and Nairobi, Kenya.

SK Canter Consultancy’s mentorship involvement at MEST started in July 2020 with the provision of communications workshops for a cohort of startups under the Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) program. SK Canter Consultancy was enlisted as mentors for two additional cohort groups of the pilot 10-week MEST Express program 2020, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Targeting early-stage tech startups in sectors including health, property, fintech, ecommerce and education, the aim is to equip them to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, build resiliency, increase business practices and technical know-how to ramp up traction, gain market share, boost sales, and create meaningful jobs.

Valuing SK Canter Consultancy’s instrumental role as mentors, MEST approached SK Canter Consultancy to support five new cohorts in 2021 and 2022.

 

Strategic Execution by SK Canter Consultancy

  • Analyzed the market opportunities and needs of cohort startups with tailored advice, direction and support for each startup
  • Delivered a series of workshops on communications strategies, messaging, risk assessment, partner communications, digital strategies and story pitching
  • Directly mentored 4 startups per cohort group with weekly sessions, growth development plans and KPI tracking, pitching feedback and advice, and online/digital clinics

Consulting Challenges Facing the Somali Organizations & Companies

Somalia presents a unique and dynamic environment for both businesses and the consultants who serve them. While the potential for growth is immense, Somali organizations face specific challenges that require a nuanced consulting approach. Here’s a look at some key hurdles to consider:

 

 

 

 

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]]> https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/mest-accelerator-program/feed/ 0 Consulting Challenges Facing the Somali Organizations & Companies https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/consulting-challenges-facing-the-somali-organizations-companies/ https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/consulting-challenges-facing-the-somali-organizations-companies/#respond Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:58:31 +0000 https://d-themes.com/wordpress/udesign/dummy/business-consulting-3/?p=1617 Somalia presents a unique and dynamic environment for both businesses and the consultants who serve them. While the potential for growth is immense, Somali organizations face specific challenges that require a nuanced consulting approach. Here’s a look at some key hurdles to consider: Limited Resources:Many Somali organizations grapple with financial constraints and a lack of […]

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Somalia presents a unique and dynamic environment for both businesses and the consultants who serve them. While the potential for growth is immense, Somali organizations face specific challenges that require a nuanced consulting approach. Here’s a look at some key hurdles to consider:

  • Limited Resources:Many Somali organizations grapple with financial constraints and a lack of readily available expertise. Consultants need to be adaptable and offer cost-effective solutions that leverage local talent where possible.
  • Security Concerns:Operating in Somalia can involve navigating complex security situations. Consultants must prioritize safety and cultural sensitivity when developing project plans and interacting with stakeholders.
    • Infrastructure Gaps:Reliable infrastructure, such as consistent internet access, can be limited. Consultants need to be resourceful and employ creative communication strategies to ensure smooth project execution.
    • Language and Cultural Nuances:Effective communication is paramount. Consultants with an understanding of Somali language and cultural norms can build stronger relationships with clients and ensure their recommendations resonate.
    • Navigating Complex Governance:The Somali political landscape can be intricate. Consultants need to be aware of regulatory frameworks and potential political sensitivities to avoid pitfalls and ensure projects align with national development goals.

  • Working with a consultant who understands these challenges is crucial for Somali organizations seeking success. Here at SK Canter Consultancy, we have extensive experience working in Somalia and possess the cultural sensitivity and local knowledge necessary to guide your organization towards achieving its goals.

 

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]]> https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/consulting-challenges-facing-the-somali-organizations-companies/feed/ 0 Validation of the Childcare & Youth Development Curriculum in Somalia https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/validation-of-the-childcare-youth-development-curriculum-in-somalia/ https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/validation-of-the-childcare-youth-development-curriculum-in-somalia/#respond Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:57:42 +0000 https://d-themes.com/wordpress/udesign/dummy/business-consulting-3/?p=1615 A Strategic Milestone From May 21st to 26th, 2024, SK Canter for Research, Training, and Consultancy proudly hosted the “Validation of the Childcare & Youth Development Curriculum” event in Somalia. This crucial initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering a brighter future for the nation’s children and youth.   A Comprehensive Approach to Childcare and Youth […]

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A Strategic Milestone

From May 21st to 26th, 2024, SK Canter for Research, Training, and Consultancy proudly hosted the “Validation of the Childcare & Youth Development Curriculum” event in Somalia. This crucial initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering a brighter future for the nation’s children and youth.

 

A Comprehensive Approach to Childcare and Youth Development

The curriculum validation event was meticulously planned to ensure that the educational framework aligns with both local contexts and global standards. SK Canter, with its deep expertise in educational consulting and capacity building, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including educators, government officials, child development experts, and representatives from international organizations. The goal was to collaboratively refine and validate a curriculum that will serve as a cornerstone for nurturing the next generation of Somali leaders.

Key Objectives of the Event

The event aimed to accomplish several critical objectives:

  1. Alignment with International Best Practices:The curriculum was scrutinized against international benchmarks to ensure it equips Somali youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a globalized world.
  2. Cultural Relevance:Special emphasis was placed on integrating Somali cultural values and traditions into the curriculum, making it not only educational but also a tool for preserving the rich heritage of the nation.
  3. Inclusivity and Accessibility:Ensuring that the curriculum is inclusive and accessible to all children, including those from marginalized communities, was a priority. Strategies were discussed to address barriers to education, such as gender disparities and geographical challenges.
  4. Sustainability and Scalability:The event also focused on the long-term sustainability and scalability of the curriculum, ensuring that it can be effectively implemented across various regions in Somalia and adapted as needed over time.

A Collaborative Effort

Over the six days, participants engaged in a series of workshops, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. These activities facilitated in-depth discussions on key aspects of the curriculum, such as early childhood education, adolescent development, life skills, and vocational training. The collaborative nature of the event ensured that a wide range of perspectives were considered, resulting in a well-rounded and comprehensive curriculum.

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Impact

The successful validation of the Childcare & Youth Development Curriculum is just the beginning. SK Canter is committed to supporting the next phases of implementation, working closely with educational institutions, government agencies, and international partners to ensure the curriculum is rolled out effectively across Somalia.

This initiative underscores SK Canter’s dedication to building resilient communities through education and development. By investing in the youth, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and stable future for Somalia. The validation event has set the stage for transformative change, and SK Canter is proud to be at the forefront of this vital effort

Conclusion

The “Validation of the Childcare & Youth Development Curriculum” event has been a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward educational reform. It reflects SK Canter’s unwavering commitment to delivering impactful solutions that resonate with local needs while adhering to global standards. As we move forward, we remain focused on ensuring that the youth of Somalia have the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to their communities and beyond.

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]]> https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/validation-of-the-childcare-youth-development-curriculum-in-somalia/feed/ 0 Zayed Sustainability Prize | Targeting African Innovators https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/zayed-sustainability-prize-targeting-african-innovators/ https://skcenter.net/2023/01/14/zayed-sustainability-prize-targeting-african-innovators/#respond Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:56:50 +0000 https://d-themes.com/wordpress/udesign/dummy/business-consulting-3/?p=1613 Targeting African Innovators For the fifth consecutive year, SK Canter Consultancy was selected as the African communications and outreach partner and was tasked with developing and implementing a communications program for the Zayed Sustainability Prize (ZSP), which is managed by Masdar, to drive entries from innovative businesses in Africa. As the only African partner of the prize, one […]

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Targeting African Innovators

For the fifth consecutive year, SK Canter Consultancy was selected as the African communications and outreach partner and was tasked with developing and implementing a communications program for the Zayed Sustainability Prize (ZSP), which is managed by Masdar, to drive entries from innovative businesses in Africa. As the only African partner of the prize, one major goal for SK Canter Consultancy was to increase the number of submissions in key markets such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, while also raising prize awareness across the continent.

As a direct result of SK Canter Consultancy’s strategic approach and regional execution, Africa maintained its status as a top region, with Kenya ranking in the top five countries globally. In addition to the number of entries, relationships within the regional innovation ecosystem continued to be strengthened for future editions of the award.

Strategic Execution by SK Canter Consultancy

  • Utilized SK Canter Consultancy’s network of key local innovation enablers (hubs, incubators, academia, investors, large corporates, and global high schools) alongside local media to promote and host a series of strategic roadshows and high-level one-on-one meetings in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda
  • Promoted regional roadshows through a concerted media and social media campaign, including placing impact stories with past winners in leading African tier 1 media
  • Conducted direct marketing through HTML emailers, phone calls, and WhatsApp outreach, and one-to-one candidate outreach and submission clinics to assist applicants in completing high-quality submissions in time for the prize deadline.

The Prize has received 2,052 innovation submissions across Africa since its inception, with 15 African finalists and a total of $2.9 million in prize funding awarded to nine African SMEs.

 

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