Program areas at IH
We facilitated opportunities for underrepresented groups, notably women and youth, at the grassroots level, empowering them to take on leadership roles as entrepreneurs in tackling issues such as energy and food scarcity. Utilizing methodologies like design thinking and human-centered design, we focused on critical themes, including food insecurity, climate resilience, and sustainable housing solutions. Our diverse cohort comprised 478 individuals, with a commendable emphasis on gender equality, boasting 64% female representation. Among these participants, 87% embarked on their social enterprise journey at its inception, with the remaining 13% already in the growth phase of their ventures. Presently, 380 ventures born out of our program actively address crucial community needs in agribusiness and climate adaptation, with 78% still in the incubation phase, demonstrating the depth of innovation fostered. Notably, 86.6% of these ventures are dedicated to addressing challenges within agribusiness, while 13.4% focus on climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, our entrepreneurs have shown interest in various sectors, such as value addition, market access, waste management, and renewable energy, aligning with emerging market trends.
Our Becoming Program, designed to uplift sugarcane-growing communities, surpassed expectations by enrolling 140% of the targeted participants. Aimed at improving educational outcomes for girls and providing essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and menstrual hygiene management (MHM), the program engaged community leaders and students, showcasing a commitment to holistic empowerment. Enrollment exceeded initial projections by 113%, highlighting strong community support and demand. Notably, three Becoming clubs have been established within partner schools to foster entrepreneurial spirit and cultivate skills in sectors like agriculture, retail, and financial services. Community engagement through the program has led to the formation of 12 savings groups and substantial collective savings, emphasizing its broader impact on economic resilience and financial inclusion.