Microfinance and Social Enterprise Project Development, Mombasa, Kenya

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! See below for information on application instructions, deadlines, and program start dates.

About FSD in Mombasa, Kenya Building on 15 years of international development, FSD’s Mombasa program partners with organizations to provide business development assistance, and microfinance to marginalized communities and individuals. Two major factors play into Kenya’s economic situation – wealth disparity and a lack of economic growth. Currently, the richest 10 percent of the Kenyan population controls almost half of the nation’s wealth while the poorest 10 percent hold less than 1 percent. Microfinance related services play a vital role in Kenya's economy. An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of the population relies entirely on NGOs and informal associations for financial services. Corruption in the government and financial institutions has put an extra burden on the poor. To help address these issues, FSD works at the grassroots level to empower community members and provide them with the necessary micro credit, training and business development strategies they need to foster microenterprise and socioeconomic advancement.

As an FSD Intern in Mombasa, Kenya, you will

Work side-by-side with a Community-Based Organization specializing in one more of the following development sectors: health, youth and education, women’s empowerment, microfinance, human rights, community development and/or environmental issues. Receive intensive training in skills essential to sustainable development, such as: community asset mapping, needs assessments, collaborative project design, grant writing, and project monitoring and evaluation. Gain grant writing and project management experience through designing and implementing a community-driven development project in partnership with your host organization. Access the FSD Alumni Network upon your return home to connect with like-minded individuals who help one another to reach their academic and professional goals through networking and regional events. FSD Alumni have won internationally renowned scholarships, studied at prestigious graduate schools, worked for prominent international development organizations, and have even started their own grassroots organizations.

Recent Interns in Mombasa, Kenya have…

Assisted in identifying appropriate clients for a micro-credit program and helped advise clients on effective uses of micro-loans and savings methods. Financed economically sustainable micro-enterprises run by community members affected by HIV/AIDS and offered technical assistance, leadership skills, and business training to help mobilize families influenced by the virus. Provided vocational training for vulnerable youth in masonry, carpentry, and tailoring. Technical aspects are combined with training in traditional design and business management/bookkeeping. Trained rural community members in job and micro-enterprise skills for the promotion of small scale manufacturing trade and/or service enterprises.

About FSD
Founded in 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) supports the efforts of more than 300 grassroots, community-based partner organizations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD’s programs provide multi-faceted support that relies on active community participation to mobilize lasting solutions. FSD programs include: Capacity Building: Our professional field staff provides on-site training and networking opportunities to more than 300 community-based organizations worldwide. Training Programs Abroad: FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers who seek hands-on development experience. Grantmaking: Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support sustainable projects led by our partner organizations. Engaged Philanthropy: FSD Giving Circles organize groups of donors who pool their time, talent, and resources to make international grants to our partner organizations.

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