The Spicy Theory of social change by Spice Without Borders is a mind boggling one
Spice Without Borders’ theory of change is that of accelerating social change by investing in the leadership development of an entrepreneur focused on social impact will result in enterprise growth and, ultimately, exponential social impact. Erick Inghatt Matsanza is the Founder and Social Change Catalyst of Spice Without Borders. Founded in 2015 on the belief that growing socially conscious leaders is the best strategy for solving complex social problems and achieving social change for global good. Social change in the world today needs to be more bottom-up rather than top-down. Nurturing passions is the central underlying factor that must be in place in order for any bottom-up development to take place because only if skills are nurtured can people come up with and take responsibility and ownership of different solutions. People have the right to speak directly rather than be spoken for as this creates an environment where we are able to understand and appreciate each ones abilities. Talents could be packaged in any form; activism, creative, entrepreneurial, initiation or innovation. We believe that creating opportunity platforms for active citizen participation are key to the development of a democratic society. To change the way people think we have to nurture the freedom of expression and disrupt the status quo. Individual passions are a powerful social change tool that can be used to recreate the world. Community passions and culture can become a global movement today because of the cost of technology and the ease of distribution, which presents the possibility that the needs and knowledge of the underprivileged from the margins of society can be heard on a massive scale. An informed citizenry that enjoys freedom of expression with access to platforms that ignite and nurture passions is necessary to the proper functioning of a democracy. Developing community spaces for expression and skill development is a vital way to highlight concerns of the people in developing countries, allowing the underprivileged citizens from the margins of society to be able to make a contribution to the local economy and advocate on their own behalf. About Us Spice Without Borders is a global leadership academy and incubator dedicated to fostering social change innovation. Our mission is to define and drive social change by empowering activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, initiators, and innovators from the margins of society. We equip them with the necessary tools and skills to initiate and grow their ideas into sustainable projects that make a meaningful impact on their communities. Spice Without Borders seeks to urgently disrupt and change perceptions as it develops emerging change leaders who are passionate about transforming mindsets, monetizing their abilities and creatively impact those at the backyard of society by generating engagements that enable partnerships for local action. What do we mean when we talk about Social Change impact? An individual zooming into their personal life to search for an idea and discovering that which they can do to transform their own lives and that of others. An individual bringing their passion to life, and reaching out to make an impact through their idea as a business opportunity. An individual coming up with a unique technological design that tackle a community problem An individual starting a community empowerment space focused on horning basic skills for the underprivileged. It could be a musician or artist connecting with people through their medium and creating an open space for expression that brings out social transformation. Probably this individual is a documentary filmmaker or blogger telling the stories of under-represented communities and bringing out unheard stories. Yes! An individual who has a thought of doing something and has the determination to define their abilities.
Spice Without Borders Founder, Erick Inghatt Matsanza, wins the Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2023 at KEMEN Awards
Spice Without Borders Founder, Erick Inghatt Matsanza, wins the Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2023 at KEMEN Awards. Erick Inghatt Matsanza, the Founder Spice Without Borders won the Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2023 at KEMEN Awards. The prestigious accolade was presented to Erick Matsanza during the inaugural Kemen Awards hosted on the 15th December 2023 at Maanzoni 680 Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya where Matsanza’s dedication to impacting the lives of those at the margins of society in Kenya and beyond was applauded. The Kenyan diaspora has become a powerful force in community impact at a time when globalization has eliminated obstacles and enabled smooth cross-border collaborations. Kenyan Men Empowerment Network (KEMEN) is an association of Kenyan men living in the diaspora. The group aims to create a forum where Kenyan men in diaspora address issues that affect them and find appropriate solutions to solve them. The recognition of Matsanza’s community leadership showcases the exceptional contributions in empowering those at the backyards and making an impactful contribution to the entrepreneurship and social change ecosystem. His unwavering dedication, innovative approaches, and commitment to catalyzing social change has made a profound impact in the nonprofit sector and beyond. About Us Spice Without Borders is a global leadership academy and incubator dedicated to fostering social change innovation. Our mission is to define and drive social change by empowering activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, initiators, and innovators from the margins of society. We equip them with the necessary tools and skills to initiate and grow their ideas into sustainable projects that make a meaningful impact on their communities.
Spice Without Borders Clinches Top Honors as Digitally Fit Community Based Organization of the Year 2023
Spice Without Borders Clinches Top Honors as Digitally Fit Community Based Organization of the Year 2023 Spice Without Borders emerged as the Top Digitally Fit Community Based Organization of 2023, securing the title at the Digitally Fit Company of the Year awards. Spice Without Borders’ Founder/ Social Change Catalyst, Erick Inghatt Matsanza receives the award at the Digitally Fit Award ceremony held on 23rd November 2023 at Safari Park Hotel The accolade recognizes Spice Without Borders’ outstanding achievements and commitment to social change in the ever-evolving community impact scene. Matsanza expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, “This award is a testimony to the Spice Without Borders team’s hard work and commitment. Spice Without Borders has always strived to stay at the forefront of social change revolution, offering programs and activities that transform mindsets at the backyard of society. Winning the Top Digitally Fit Community Based Organization is a proud moment for all of us.” About Spice Without Borders Spice Without Borders is a global leadership academy and incubator dedicated to fostering social change innovation. Our mission is to define and drive social change by empowering activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, initiators, and innovators from the margins of society. We equip them with the necessary tools and skills to initiate and grow their ideas into sustainable projects that make a meaningful impact on their communities.
The Spicy Chili that symbolizes Spice Without Borders brand
Chili is our identity symbol. A chili comes in different colours; red, purple, orange, green and yellow, but with the same taste. It grows in the backyard, almost forgotten and unrecognized yet a valuable ingredient for our meals as a blood purifier. It never loses its spiciness whether boiled or dried and crushed, a symbol of the inner uniqueness in each individual irrespective of their different abilities no matter what they have to go through in life. A chili actually changes the taste of food yet the food can never change it. To us a red chili represents a social change agent ready to creatively apply their individual passions in solving the most pressing problems in their backyards which they are apart of, creating more inclusive communities free from all forms of discrimination hence Spice Without Borders. These diverse change makers; activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, initiators and innovators, use their uncensored “creativism,” a term that to us means activism at the intersection of creative arts and social justice. That makes our spicy brand! About Us Spice Without Borders is a global leadership academy and incubator dedicated to fostering social change innovation. Our mission is to define and drive social change by empowering activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, initiators, and innovators from the margins of society. We equip them with the necessary tools and skills to initiate and grow their ideas into sustainable projects that make a meaningful impact on their communities. Spice Without Borders seeks to urgently disrupt and change perceptions as it develops emerging change leaders who are passionate about transforming mindsets, monetizing their abilities and creatively impact those at the backyard of society by generating engagements that enable partnerships for local action. Our Commitment Spice Without Borders is committed to equipping a new generation of business leaders; activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, initiators and innovators with necessary tools and skills through mentorship, training and networking so that they can start and grow ideas into impactful sustainable projects in their communities. Our Values Creativity and Authenticity: We challenge each individual to think like there is no box, new ways, ideas, insights and partners to stretch the boundaries of possibilities for change only comes by creatively pursuing opportunities without the fear of failure. Equity and Equality: We believe that all human beings are entitled to basic rights and equitable access to opportunities and resources regardless of sex, ethnicity, race, birth, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or other status. Integrity: It is at the core of what we say and do as we build genuine relationships based on respect and sense of equality. We are accountable and answerable for our conduct to each and all others and strive to maintain high ethical and professional standards in our relations. Our Believe at Spice Without Borders The world is celebrating diversity and is in a period of an accelerated shift. Conducting business is becoming more decentralized, automated and driven by values. The skills that are needed in the future are different than those of the past. Leadership matters. Business culture is shaped by people and impact is driven by people. We must be led by value-based leadership that operates from a place of self-awareness, maturity, competence, and connection. To find that leadership, we think about influence. We identify authentic, strong, bold, morally courageous voices from the margins of society and we do everything we can to amplify their work. The value of personal work is amplified through connection; communities of practice are critical. By identifying the right people, mentoring and training them on cutting edge content, and connecting them with like-minded individuals, we are constructing and designing a networked ripple effect. At critical mass, Spice Without Borders participants will bring about more authentic, equitable, transformative solutions. They will change their backyards through their unique ideas. Spice Without Borders as an all-inclusive space Spice Without Borders is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to challenge discrimination through celebrating diversity, promoting equality, and embracing inclusion. We therefore do not discriminate participants based on gender, ethnicity, race, colour, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, socio-economic status, disability or any other status.
What is so spicy about the Spice Accelerator Program?
The Spice Accelerator Program The Spice Accelerator is our mentor-driven accelerator program for those at the margins of society. The selective 6-month program that equips a new generation of sustainable business leaders through mentorship, training and networking is cohort-based, and it leverages the passion and expertise of individuals and organizations across the globe to provide participants with the connections and resources needed to initiate social impact projects in their communities. Eligibility Criteria » You will need to be a woman or man aged 18 years or older. » You will need to have social change or business idea that needs to be nurtured. » You could be running a social change project already or wanting to start one. » We respect individuals’ academic performance however; selection is not based on academic performance or qualification. » Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking basic English. » Basic knowledge in using a computer » Willingness to learn and share your skills with peers and mentors. » Ability to share your skills with your intended project beneficiaries. » Have been faced by adversity and overcome a social ill. » Be part of the social community you seek to transform. » Ready to share your personal story to a public audience and have it published on our platforms. » You must be coming from the East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi). » Be able to personally travel to Eldoret City twice a month within the training period for a physical meetup. » Must be ready to avail yourself when called upon by our Catalysts » Pay a Tuition fee of Kes. 24,000/- for the entire six month mentorship and training period. Participant Benefits Individuals at the backyard of society across communities and globally need to join hands and work together to come up with solutions to new global challenges. At our Spice Accelerator program, you gain from; » Mentorship Empowered to see the visible or invisible barriers in your life. We believe in sustained mentorship and that these long-term relationships provide participants with the lasting support they need to be successful. Our participants are exposed to mentors with a diverse realm of expertise. We leverage this network of mentors, many of whom are alumni of our accelerator programs, and their expertise to provide participants the opportunities to connect with the resources necessary to avoid potentially costly mistakes, develop and hone their business models based on individual passions. » Resources In addition to mentorship, participants have access to direct resources such as basic legal services, proforma development, pitch preparation, and graphic design support at special discounted rates. Additionally, participants will have full access to our coworking space. A dynamic and creative space to grow and develop yourself and your social change or business idea. » Peer – to – Peer Networks Learning from different perspectives by fellow participants. We believe that some of the most valuable long-term connections an entrepreneur can make are with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges at a similar stage. We work to build these peer-to-peer connections throughout the program between current participants as well as our extensive alumni network. As a cohort-driven program we celebrate wins, big or small, together. » Pitch Development and Practice Safe platform to share your personal story and validate your experience. Once you have the right story, a great pitch will help you sell it. We work with professional pitch coaches who will support you to hone your pitch narrative and materials. Participants finish the accelerator with a refined, compelling pitch and pitch deck to bring to any meeting with an investor or customer. » Networking Being part of Social Change Catalysts movement with new and meaningful connections and relationships. Throughout the program, participants are invited to exclusive networking events hosted by Spice Without Borders. These events, which are in both physical and virtual environments, are attended by alumni, board members, investors, and change makers that provide opportunities for participants to connect and form part of the growing creative spicy accelerators movement of individuals committed to creating a better world for all Apply Now!