SANARA PROGRAM
The Sanara program, inspired by the Swahili words “sanaa” (arts) and “biashara” (business), is an inclusive initiative designed for young women and men across Kenya. This program aims to enable access to dignified and fulfilling work in the creative and cultural industries.
Launched by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with HEVA, SNDBX-Ubuntu, Baraza Media Lab, and GoDown Arts Centre, the Sanara program offers opportunities for financing, skilling, enterprise support, and the adoption of sustainable practices that advance fair and safer working environments for creatives.Â
Watch the video below for the Sanara Kisumu Open Day
Key Features of the Sanara Program
- Tailored and Inclusive Finance: Provides responsive loan and grant facilities to support production, trade, working capital, project, and business development needs.
- Market-Relevant Skilling Programs: Equips young people with skills relevant to the global market in the creative and cultural industries.
- Sustainable Practices: Advances the adoption of inclusive and sustainable practices to create safer working environments for young women and men.
- Creative and Cultural Learning Hubs: Maps, equips, and maintains accessible creative and cultural learning hubs.
- Curriculum and Content Development: Develops and delivers training modules by subject matter experts, mapped to enterprise needs.
- Policy Interventions: Works with government and relevant stakeholders to implement enabling policy interventions.
- Systemic Improvements: Focuses on systemic improvements, sensitization, and capacity building to enable conducive work environments.
Skilling on Identity and Mindset
As part of the Sanara initiative, INK Coaching delivers career-oriented masterclasses focused on mindset transformation and identity development. These sessions equip marginalized youth with the self-awareness, confidence, and clarity needed to pursue dignified work in the creative economy.
Through coaching, storytelling, and reflective practice, INK helps participants align personal growth with professional ambition—unlocking pathways to purpose-driven careers.
Skilling of Mindset & Identity Empowers Creatives to:
- Build self-awareness and personal clarity
- Develop a growth-oriented mindset
- Align identity with career ambition
- Navigate transitions with resilience
- Understanding the Orange Economy and how to plug in
