Research Internship with Destiny Partners

My journey with Destiny Partners began unexpectedly during an event I was hosting for my Green Golf Fore Life Campaign. Among the attendees, I met an individual who shared my passion for environmental sustainability. He introduced himself as a partner of Destiny Partners, a nonprofit based in Watamu, Kenya. He spoke about their incredible work, hosting educational programs and providing necessities to local communities. Intrigued by their mission, I was excited when he mentioned they were looking to expand their initiatives to incorporate environmental projects. He connected me with the main director, and soon, I had an opportunity to set something up with them.

Destiny Partners recently made a remarkable partnership with an organization that provided them with hundreds of sustainable shoes designed to grow with a person's foot size. This innovative solution immediately caught my attention, as it addressed a pressing need sustainably and practically. I began my research internship alongside established agriculturalists at the beginning of July of 2024. I was thrilled to research the development and longevity of these shoes, understanding how they could make a lasting impact on the lives of many in Kenya. My goal was to ensure these shoes were not just a short-term fix but a long-term solution that could support the health and mobility of the community members.

In addition to my research, I developed a campaign to raise funds to provide these sustainable shoes to the youth in Africa. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it reinforced my belief in the power of community-driven initiatives. With the funds raised, we were able to distribute the shoes to children who needed them the most, offering them a chance to walk comfortably and safely. This experience taught me the profound impact that thoughtful, sustainable solutions could have on improving lives.

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to help raise funds for medicine to prevent the common Chigoe flea that had plagued the communities in Africa. The fleas' invasion was mainly due to the lack of proper footwear among families in Kenya. To have the opportunity to come back and conduct research on a sustainable shoe, and provide them to children in need, is a truly fulfilling experience.

But my work didn't stop there. I was inspired to create a series of environmental programs for the communities in Watamu, focusing on sustainability and community engagement. These programs were designed to promote ecological awareness and empower individuals to take charge of their environment. We organized workshops, clean-up drives, and educational sessions that highlighted the importance of protecting our natural resources. The community's enthusiasm and willingness to participate were truly inspiring, and it gave me hope for a more sustainable future.

Throughout my internship with Destiny Partners, I have been continually amazed by the resilience and dedication of the people I have met. Their commitment to improving their communities and embracing sustainable practices is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives. Working with Destiny Partners has not only allowed me to contribute to meaningful projects but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable development.