Who we are
At 42 Change Makers, we believe in the power of youth to transform their communities. We aim to empower youth from all 42 tribes in Kenya, fostering a generation that is academically brilliant, civically engaged, and entrepreneurial. Founded by Shaban Varajab, our programs span mentorship, education, leadership training, and entrepreneurship. By breaking down barriers to opportunity, we help these young individuals reach their fullest potential. With offices in both Indiana, USA, and Kakamega, Kenya, we bridge continents to create lasting impact.
Our Mission:
The mission of 42 Change Makers is to empower underserved youth aged 13-25 from all 42 tribes of Kenya by equipping them with the skills, resources, and mentorship necessary to achieve academic excellence, become responsible civic leaders, and build successful entrepreneurial ventures. We seek to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and socio-economic advancement. Through our wide-reaching programs, 42 Change Makers aims to create lasting, positive change in the lives of young Kenyans, enabling them to transform their communities and contribute to the development of the nation.
Our Vision:
42 Change Makers envisions a future where every young person, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential. We dream of a Kenya where youth lead with purpose, harnessing their academic, civic, and entrepreneurial skills to drive sustainable change. We aspire to build a generation of empowered youth who are not only leaders in their communities but also contributors to the global economy. Through strategic mentorship, education, and hands-on experience, 42 Change Makers envisions a world where youth are equipped to tackle complex societal challenges, promoting equity, innovation, and social cohesion.
Our Values:
42 Change Makers operates on a foundation of core values that guide its work and interactions with the communities it serves. These values include:
Empowerment: Empowering youth to take charge of their future through education and leadership opportunities.
Inclusivity: Ensuring that youth from all 42 Kenyan tribes have equal access to the organization’s programs and resources.
Integrity: Acting transparently, ethically, and responsibly in all interactions and decision-making processes.
Collaboration: Working with local and international partners, mentors, and local communities to achieve collective impact.
Innovation: Continuously seeking creative data-informed solutions to address youth challenges in Kenya, leveraging technology and new methodologies.
Sustainability: Committing to long-term solutions that create enduring change for youth and their communities.
Youth Selection Criteria
42 Change Makers employs a multifaceted youth recruitment strategy to reach young people. The strategy includes outreach through schools, local community organizations, and social media platforms. Special attention is given to ensuring that youth from rural and marginalized communities are included in the programs. The organization partners with local leaders to identify potential candidates who demonstrate leadership potential or a strong desire to improve their communities. Recruitment efforts also emphasize diversity, ensuring that youth from all 42 Kenyan tribes are represented, fostering a sense of national unity and inclusivity. We consider age, socio-economic factors, academic performance, and commitment to personal development. That said, to be eligible for the 42 Change Makers program, candidates must:
Be within the age of 15-24 committed to personal growth, resilience and desire to contribute positively to their communities.
Demonstrate that they face socio-economic and education challenges that place them at-risk.
We will also give seed funding to support youth-led social enterprises/initiatives. We will use a well-defined funding decision criteria to ensure the effectiveness, transparency and sustainability of the seed fund.
Our Human-Centered Design Approach
42 Change Makers utilizes a human-centered design (HCD) approach in the development of its programs. This approach involves understanding the needs, challenges, and aspirations of the youth it serves and creating tailored solutions that are both practical and impactful. HCD focuses on empathy, co-creation, and continuous feedback from the community, ensuring that programs are relevant and effective. By actively engaging the youth in the design and implementation process, 42 Change Makers ensures that its initiatives align with their needs and desires, creating sustainable change. This approach also promotes innovation by encouraging the adaptation of strategies based on real-world experiences and outcomes.
Our Story
The story of 42 Change Makers is one of resilience, purpose, and dedication to empowering youth. Founded by Shaban Varajab, the organization grew out of his own experiences as an orphan raised by his grandmother in rural Kakamega, Kenya. Shaban’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a recognized global leader informs the mission of 42 Change Makers. The story reflects the transformative power of education, mentorship, and community support. The organization’s growth, from its initial grassroots efforts to its present-day impact, showcases the potential of investing in youth as a means to address some of Kenya’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
Founder (Shaban Varajab) Story
Shaban Varajab's story is one of overcoming adversity and pursuing a vision of empowerment for others. Raised in rural Kakamega, Kenya by his grandmother, Shaban experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty and limited access to resources. Despite these obstacles, he excelled academically, eventually earning degrees from Moi University and the University of Notre Dame. With a background in Global Affairs, Math, and Economics, he’s held impactful roles at Rural Women Peace Link, Catholic Relief Services, and enFocus. Recognized in the 2023 Michiana 40 Under 40 and awarded the GEAR UP National Professional of the Year, he now serves as Data and Accounting Manager at South Bend Community School Corporation. His journey, marked by resilience and a deep desire to give back, led him to found 42 Change Makers. Through his own experiences and passion for creating opportunities for others, Shaban has become a beacon of hope and an example of how one individual can make a profound difference in the lives of many.
