My name is Alex Kitili and I am 24 years old. I was born and raised by a single mother since my father had passed on while I was in class two (second grade). In the slums of Mathare, life proved so difficult for me and my mother. Though she struggled as she could, things would not get better.

In the thick of all this, she gathered what she could working at a nearby pub just to have a few coins to pay for my school fees. Sometimes she would do this at the expense of meals for me and my small brothers and sisters.

In 1999 I finished my Primary `O` level studies managing to get 370 points out of the possible 500 a performance that was very impressive especially to my mother who was working tirelessly to see me at least succeed in life. In a twist of events my mother was diagnosed with Tuberculosis immediately after I had been through with my primary studies, this send chilling to my nerves since I could easily tell that my dream had been shuttered, the dream of becoming a Professional Journalist in the world of film making.

Fortunately my uncle intervened in my situation and took me to a charity school (Mully Children’s Home) where I completed my secondary school studies and attained a C+. They sent me to a college (Smart Media Colleges) where I did a diploma in Journalism and attained the possible distinction grade with 86.2points. Besides that they also paid for me to do a diploma in Information Technology where I achieved a distinction grade.

I am privileged to say that The 1010 Project has become a major beacon of hope in my life and am sure that I will make it in life. It gives me a lot of pleasure to impact other children who are going through what I underwent and encourage them to hang on, for the future looks brighter.

My dream is to become a well-equipped champion of hope and an influential element in the fight against poverty in my community and the eradication of the itching problems in Kenya, Africa, and in the whole world at large. Thank you.

Our office looks nothing like this

The 1010 Project has always benefited greatly from the work of dedicated interns and volunteers, generally drawing our professionals from such interesting locations as Metro State, the University of Denver, Colorado Christian University, and others. We are again in need of interns, both for the soon-to-be-upon-us summer and into the fall/winter.

Despite regulations to the contrary, internships sometimes devolve into boring paperwork and filing, so as an organization, we’re very cognizant about the need to provide meaningful, impactful experiences to our interns. In fact, the first question that we ask when a new recruit comes in is “What do you want to get out of this internship?” Each intern is intimately involved in crafting a workplan that provides great value to his/herself as well as The 1010 Project.

And we’re recruiting! Drop us a line using our Volunteer/Intern Form, or simply email info@the1010project.org. We are currently looking for interns in realms the communications, grantwriting, and nonprofit administration. Please pass this announcement along to students who might be interested. Thanks!

Sample duty lists:

Nonprofit Management Intern (needed after August 2011)

• Financial Management
  • Record donations
  • Oversee donor relations, i.e. appreciation emails, letters, etc.
• Administrative duties
  • Record and distribute staff meeting minutes
  • Communicate with constituents/organizations
  • Assist Executive Director and Director of Operations
• Office Management/Organization
  • Inventory and manage collateral materials (schwag)
  • Maintain a filing system (one already exists, but needs upkeep)
• Other duties as assigned

Communications Intern (needed for Summer 2011 as well as Fall/Winter 2011-2012)

• Manage and update social media outlets as needed
• Write press releases and develop media engagement strategies
• Storytelling
  • Capturing and sharing the voices of our partners, through the written word and our extensive photo collection
  • Video editing experience a plus
  • Compile compelling partner stories to share with supporters
• Other duties as assigned

Events Intern (exceptional need for Summer 2011 as well as Fall/Winter 2011-2012)

• Research, plan, publicize, and coordinate events
  • Solicit local business participation in fundraising events
  • Work closely with Executive Director and Director of Operations to plan and execute events
  • Manage volunteers for events
• Other duties as assigned