You need to login to view profiles OR to update your profile

Create a new account

New announcements
Discussions
Proverbs
Celebrate World Swahili Day by voting in our Proverb Essay Contest and learning Swahili!

➡️ Read the Essays here ⬅️

Click ❤️ to Cast your Vote  


We are so excited about the amazing essays we've gotten from you all in English and Swahili!  To all the participants, we say THANK YOU and congratulations on your great work! 
Read the essays and vote for your favorites now - the 3 essays with the most ❤️s will receive cash prizes!

We've published all the essays submitted so far here : www.maktaba.org/contest/essay
Share this link with your friends. Anyone can create a free account in seconds and cast their vote by clicking ❤️. You can vote for as many essays as you like!

To enable both Swahili and English speakers to participate, I've added a comment to each essay with a rough translation. Click on an essay from this page and scroll down to see the translation. (You must be logged in to see comments)

Today is the deadline to send your submission for our Proverb Essay Contest! If you haven't yet, please e-mail your essay about any proverb to tuzo@maktaba.org today! (English or Kiswahili accepted.) 


Learn Swahili on World Swahili Day! (Free Resources)

In Tanzania, today is also Saba Saba, celebrating 69 years since Julius K. Nyerere founded the Tanganyika African National Union to advocate for independence.

Happy World Swahili Day from Maktaba.org!
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Heri ya sikukuu ya Saba Saba! Sherehekea kwa kupiga kura katika shindano la insha ya methali

➡️ Soma insha zote hapa ⬅️

Bongeza ❤️ ili kupiga kura  


Tumefurahi sana sana kusoma insha zote tulizopokea kutoka kwenu. Kwa wote walioshiriki tunasema Asanteni na hongereni kwa kazi nzuri!
Zisome na upige kura kwa insha zozote unazozipenda. Insha tatu zitakazopata ❤️ nyingi zaidi kabla ya tarehe 15/7/23 zitapokea zawadi za pesa!

Insha zote zilizowasilishwa zinaonekana sasa hapa: www.maktaba.org/shindano/insha
Karibuni mshirki link hii (kiungo) na marafiki zako na wengine. Mtu yeyote anaweza kufungua akaunti haraka bila malipo ili aweze kupiga kura kwa kubongeza ❤️. Unaweza kupigia kura kwa insha zozote unazozipenda!

Leo ndio tarehe ya mwisho ya kuwasilisha insha yako kwa Shindano la Insha ya Methali! Tafadhali wasilisha insha yako juu ya methali yoyote kwa tuzo@maktaba.org leo! (Kiingereza au Kiswahili).

Jifunze Kiswahili leo Siku ya Kiswahili Duniani (Rasilimali bila malipo)


Leo Saba Saba tunasherehekea miaka 69 years tangu Julius K. Nyerere Alipoanzisha TANU ili kupigania uhuru. 

Heri ya Sikukuu ya Saba Saba na Siku ya Kiswahili Duniani kutoka kwa Maktaba.org! 
...
Updated 3mo ago
by

We need your help!

Do you love writing? Enjoying our Proverb of the Day?
Maktaba.org is celebrating International Swahili Day 2023 with an Essay Writing Contest!

Submit your essay about a proverb before 7/7/23

Submit your essay about any proverb here or email it to us at tuzo@maktaba.org
today for a chance to win Cash Prizes!
  1. First place ➜ 50,000/= TSh or $20 USD
  2. Second place ➜ 25,000/= TSh or $10 USD
  3. Third place ➜ 12,500/= TSh or $5 USD

Contest Rules

The winners will be chosen by maktaba.org users! The three essays that get the most likes ❤️ by July 15 will win. Anyone can cast a vote by logging into their Maktaba.org account and liking your post. (If you haven't opened your account, join today, it's free!) 

Step 1: Choose a proverb. The proverb can be in any language, but it should be a real proverb that many people know, not one that you made up. If you can’t think of one, check out our books of proverbs here!

Step 2: Compose a short essay that explains what the proverb means in your view. 

Requirements
  1. Language: The essay must be in English or Kiswahili.
  2. Length: The essay must be typed, between 80 and 1000 words long (longer than a sentence, but not more than 2 pages)
  3. Copyright: Your work will be distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, which says, in short, that anyone can copy, change, translate or print your work without your permission, as long as you are mentioned as the creator.

Suggestions (optional)
Here are some ideas you may want to include in your essay:
  • Origin: Explain the origin of the proverb, if known. Remember to cite your sources.
  • Common Uses: Explain when and how the proverb is usually used, giving examples.
  • Creative Writing: Write a poem or tell a short fictional story that relates to the principle of the proverb
  • Personal Experience: Tell a personal story that illustrates the proverb from your own experience.
  • Application: Suggest how readers can apply the principle of the proverb to improve their daily lives
  • Anecdote: Share a related anecdote from science, history, mythology, or literature. Remember to cite your sources.
  • Similar Proverbs: Find similar proverbs from around the world.
  • Opposite Proverbs: Are there any proverbs that contrast with this one?
  • Discussion: Asking questions that invite readers to reflect on and share their own thoughts and experiences.
  • Illustration: Draw, take or find a picture that illustrates the proverb and include it in your essay.
These are just a few ideas to inspire you. For more, look at some of our previous proverb posts. We look forward to seeing your creativity! 

Step 3: Upload your essay here
Deadline: 7 July 2023

If you have any trouble submitting your essay, you can also email it to us at tuzo@maktaba.org. Don't forget to provide your payment information in order to receive your cash prize if your essay is chosen.

Submit your essay here before 7 July 2023! 


...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Today we are very happy to announce the winners of Maktaba.org's first Proverb Essay Contest! Most importantly, we want to express our sincere thanks to all who participated in this competition. You have taught us a lot, thank you! 

➡️ All essays ⬅️


🏆 Announcement of the Winners

And now, without further ado, let's congratulate the winners of the first Proverb Essay Contest...

🥇 First place winner:
Nankya Sauda 🇺🇬 Uganda
 for her essay on the proverb
➜“Still waters run deep

🥈 Second place winner:
Rose Mwanri 🇹🇿 Tanzania
for her essay on the proverb
➜“Akiba haiozi” (Savings doesn't rot)

🥉 Third place winner:
Magreth Lazaro Mafie 🇹🇿 Tanzania
for her essay on the proverb
➜“Mchumia juani hulia kivulini” (He who toils in sun eats in the shade)

Congratulations to everyone who participated!

   The three winners have already received their prizes, and all writers were given certificates of recognition for their contributions. (If you have not received your certificate yet, please contact us.)
   This competition was held in honor of World Swahili Day (Saba Saba). This is the first contest we've sponsored online. We ask for your advice, please comment below, should it be done again? Due to the great response we've had from participants in various East African countries, we are already starting to plan.
   If you didn't submit your essay the time, don't miss the next contest. Join Maktaba and confirm your email to make sure you'll be notified!
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Leo tuna furaha kubwa kutangaza washindi wa Shindano la kwanza la Insha za Methali la Maktaba.org. Kwanza kabisa tunataka kutoa shukrani zetu za dhati kwa wote walioshikiri katika shindano hili. Mmetufundisha vingi, asanteni!

➡️ Insha zote ⬅️


🏆 Tangazo la Washindi

Sasa bila kupoteza muda, tuwapongeze Washindi wa Shindano la kwanza la Insha ya Methali:

🥇 Mshindi wa nafasi ya kwanza:
Nankya Sauda 🇺🇬 Uganda
kwa insha yake juu ya methali
➜“Still waters run deep

🥈 Mshindi wa nafasi ya pili:
Rose Mwanri 🇹🇿 Tanzania
kwa insha yake juu ya methali
➜“Akiba haiozi

🥉 Mshindi wa nafasi ya tatu:
Magreth Lazaro Mafie 🇹🇿 Tanzania
kwa insha yake juu ya methali
➜“Mchumia juani hulia kivulini

Pongezi kwa wote walioshiriki!

   Washindi hawa watatu wameshapokea zawadi zao, na wandishi wote walipewa vyeti vya kutambua michango yao. (Kama haujapokea cheti chako, tafadhali wasiliana nasi.)
   Shindano hili lilifanyika kwajili ya Siku ya Kiswahili Duniani (Maadhimisho ya Siku ya Saba Saba). Hili ndilo shindano la kwanza tulilofadhili mtandaoni. Tunaomba shauri zenu, toeni maoni hapo chini, lifanyike tena? Kutokana na mwitikio mkubwa wa watu katika nchi mbalimbali za Afrika Mashariki, tayari tunaanza kupanga.
   Kama ulikosa kuwashilisha insha yako, usikose kushiriki shindano lijalo. Jiunge nasi, thibitisha email yako na utajulishwa.
...
Updated 3mo ago
by

Tunaomba msaada wako! 

Je unapenda kuandika? Unapenda Methali ya Siku? Maktaba.org tunasherehekea Siku ya Kiswahili Duniani kwa Shindano la Uandishaji wa Insha!

Wasilisha Insha ya Methali kabla ya 7/7

Wasilisha insha yako juu ya methali yoyote hapa au kwa baruapepe tuzo@maktaba.org leo ujipatie nafasi ya kushinda zawadi ya pesa!
  1. Mshindi wa kwanza 50,000/= TSh
  2. Mshindi wa pili25,000/= TSh
  3. Mshindi wa pili12,500/= TShl

Vigezo & Masharti ya Shindano

Washindi watachaguliwa na watumiaji wa Maktaba.org! Insha tatu zitakayopata "likes" ❤️ nyingi zaidi kabla ya trh 15 July watashinda. Mtu yeyeote anaweza kupiga kura akiingia akaunti ya yake ya Maktaba.org (Kama haujafunguliwa akaunti yako, jiunge leo, bila malipo yoyote!) 

Hatua ya 1: Chagua methali. Methali inaweza kuwa kwa lugha yoyote, lakini sharti iwe methali inayojulikana na watu, yaani usitunge mwenyewe. Unaweza kutafuta katika vitabu vyetu vya methali hapa!

Hatua ya 2: Tunga insha inayoeleza maana ya methali kwa maoni yako.

Masharti (lazima)
  1. Lugha: Insha iwe kwa Kiswahili ama kwa Kiingereza.
  2. Urefu: Idadi ya maneno ya insha iwe kati ya 80 na 1000 (ndefu kuliko aya, ila isizidi kurasa. Piga chapa kwa kompyuta au simu.
  3. Hakimiliki: Insha yako itasambazwa chini ya leseni ya Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0), inayosema, kwa kifupi, inaruhusiwa kunakili, kubadilisha, kutafsiri na kuchapisha kazi yako bila idhini, kama utatajwa kama mtungaji.  

Ushauri (hiari)
Haya ni mawazo kwa muundo wa insha yako:
  • Chimbuko: Eleza chimbuko la methali kama inajulikana. Taja vyanzo vya taarifa.
  • Matumizi na mifano: Methali hutumika vipi na nyakati gani? Taja mifano.
  • Bunilizi: Tunga shairi au simulia hadithi fupi iniayohusiana na maana ya methali.
  • Uzoefu binafsi: Simulia hadithi kutoka kwa maisha yako / uzoefu wako mwenyewe.
  • Utekelezaji: Toa shauri kwa wasomaji jinsi ya kutekeleza methali katika maisha yao ya kila siku.
  • Simulizi ya kweli: Shiriki hadithi kutoka sayansi, historia, ngano/kisa, dini, au fashihi. Taja vyanzo halisi.
  • Methali zinazohusiana: Find similar proverbs from around the world.
  • Methali zinazopingana: Je kuna methali ambazo zinatofautiana na methali hii?
  • Majadiliano: Uliza maswali yanayowaalika wasomaji kutafakari na kushiriki mawazo yao / uzoefu wao.
  • Picha/Mchoro: Chora, piga, au tafuta picha inayoeleza maana ya methali na ambatanisha katika insha yako.
Hayo ni mawazo tu, ili kukuhamasisha. Pia unaweza kusoma mifano kwenye Methali za Siku. Tunatarajia kuona ubunifu wako!

Hatua ya 3 : Pakia (upload) insha yako hapa
Tarehe ya mwisho: 7 Julai 2023 (Saba Saba)
Jaza fomu: https://forms.gle/2VgUtNPMBLETjbCx5
AMA unaweza kuwasilisha insha yako kwa baruapepe. Tuma kwa tuzo@maktaba.org. Usisahau kutuambia taarifa zako za malipo ili tuweze kukutumia zawadi ya pesa ukishinda shindano!

Wasilisha insha hapa kabla ya 7/7/23


...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Vitabu vya Dini
Vitabu juu ya Ukristo
Vitabu juu ya Uislamu

Kwa watu wengi, kitabu wanachokipenda zaidi ni kitabu takatifu, kama Biblia au Korani. Kwa nini tunapenda kusoma vitabu hivi kuliko vitabu vingine? 
  • - Vitabu Takatifu vinahusiana na mambo muhimu ya maisha.
  • - Vitabu Takatifu vinatupa busara na fadhili kama ujasiri, unyenyekevu, na imani.
  • - Vitabu Takatifu vina hadithi za kusisimua kuhusu manabii na mashujaa. 
Mimi nimesoma vitabu vingi takatifu kutoka dini tofauti kama vile Korani, Biblia, na vitabu takatifu vya Wahindi na Wachina. Nimetambua vina kanuni na hadithi zilezile; ni majina tu hubadilika.
Vitabu vya shule vina maswali mengi, na majibu sahihi yapo katika sehemu ya mwisho, au katika Kitabu cha Mwalimu. Ila kwa vitabu takatifu, hakuna majibu ya hakika. Wasomi na walimu wa dini bado hawakubaliani kabisa maana ya kitabu. Wanatumia elimu walionayo kujadili na wanahojiana juu ya aya muhimu. 
Kama unaamini kitabu fulani kilitoka Mungu, usimwamini mtu yeyote kukuambia kinasema nini-- Jisomee mwenyewe!
Kwa watu wengi, wakati huu ni msimu wa kutafakari dini zao, kwa sababu ya Ramadhan na Kwaresma.  Chukue nafasi hii kujielimisha kidini. 


For many people, their favorite book is a Holy Book, like the Bible or Quran. Why do we like to read these books more than others?
  • - Holy books are about the important things in life.
  • - Holy books give us wisdom, courage, humility and faith.
  • - Holy books have exciting stories about prophets and heroes. 
I've read a lot of books from different religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. I recognized the same principles and stories-- it's just the names that change. School textbooks have many questions and the correct answers are in the last section, or in the Teacher's Book. But for Holy Books, there are no certain answers. The scholars and teachers of religion still don't completely agree on the meaning of the book. They use their education to discuss and argue about important verses.
If you believe that a certain book came from God, don't trust any person to tell you what it says-- Read it for yourself!  
For many people, this is a season to meditate on religion because of Ramadan and Lent. Take this chance to educate yourself.
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Thank you for donating 6 books
These books are on their way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow their journey by viewing the book profiles on Maktaba.org:
  1. Tunnel 29
  2. Mystery of the Tolling Bell
  3. Nancy Drew 24: the Clue in the Old Album
  4. Number the Stars
  5. Nancy Drew 27: the Secret of the Wooden Lady
  6. The Mystery on the Mississippi
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in promoting social, economic, and environmental sustainability throughout the world, and of course in East Africa (an area of focus for Maktaba.org).

Through a collection of resources for social entrepreneurs and non-profits, we are publishing advice, ideas and stories about our journey to develop a non-profit that delivers free educational resources both digitally and in-person.

NGOs (like Maktaba.org) need a clear and concise plan, as well as a motivated and aligned team. One way to achieve this is by using SMART goals.

Below is an example a hypothetical East African NGO using SMART goals to empower their team.

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. The following are the five elements of SMART goals and how they can help align your NGO team:

  1. Specific: A specific goal has a clear and precise definition. It answers the questions "What", "Why", and "How". For example, instead of saying "We want to improve education", a specific goal would be "We want to provide educational materials to 100 underprivileged schools in rural areas in the next 6 months."
  2. Measurable: A measurable goal has quantifiable outcomes that can be tracked and monitored. This helps ensure that the goal is realistic and attainable. For example, "We want to provide educational materials to 100 underprivileged schools in rural areas in the next 6 months," which can be measured by the number of schools reached and the number of materials distributed.
  3. Achievable: An achievable goal is one that is attainable with the resources and capabilities of the NGO. To set goals that are achievable, your organization will need to plan carefully, work together and pull together resources in a timely matter. For example, the goal of providing educational materials to 100 underprivileged schools in rural areas may only be "achievable" if the NGO believes they have the local partners in place, secure funding and a clear logistical plan to deliver or "achieve" their goal. Setting achievable goals requires introspection.
  4. Relevant: A relevant goal is one that aligns with the organization's mission, values, and objectives. It is important that the goal is relevant to the organization and its stakeholders. In the example we've been using, the goal of providing educational materials to 100 underprivileged schools in rural areas is relevant to the NGO's general mission of promoting education in rural areas.
  5. Time-Bound: A time-bound goal has a specific deadline. This helps ensure that the goal is completed within a reasonable time frame and helps focus the team's efforts. For example, "We want to provide educational materials to 100 underprivileged schools in rural areas in the next 6 months," has a clear deadline upon which the goal should be complete.

By setting SMART goals, our fictional East African NGO can align its team by providing a clear and concise gameplan that is relevant to its mission, values, and objectives. The team can work together to achieve the goals by monitoring progress, adjusting strategies, and celebrating successes.

In conclusion, SMART goals are a powerful tool for aligning any team whether we are talking about an NGO, a small business, a non-profit or a giant corporation. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, your team will stay focused and motivated on their path toward success. There are some critiques of those who use SMART goals, but in general they are a widely relied upon technique used by many of the most successful organizations.

Are you actually an East African NGO? Consider checking out our free PDFs to research the history of Africa or browse free Swahili books or download PDFs in English.
...
Updated 3mo ago
by

Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises need to clearly define their organizational goals


We are often asked how we got started with Maktaba and other non-profit initiatives. Step 1 is to define a mission and clear goals for the organization. Much of our efforts are a work in progress...but these are some of the recommended steps for setting the direction of a non-profit.

  1. Determine your mission and values: Start by defining your organization's mission and core values, which will provide a clear direction for all decision-making and goal-setting.
  2. Identify your target audience: Understand who your target audience is and what their needs and pain points are. This will help you to better align your goals with the needs of your target audience.
  3. Conduct a SWOT analysis: Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify your organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which will help you to better understand your current situation and potential for growth.
  4. Define SMART goals: Use the SMART framework to define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that align with your mission and values.
  5. Set both short-term and long-term goals: Set both short-term and long-term goals to provide a clear roadmap for your organization's growth and development.
  6. Involve stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders in the goal-setting process, including employees, partners, and customers, to ensure that all goals are aligned and everyone is working towards the same objectives.
  7. Regularly review and adjust goals: Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed to ensure that they remain relevant and aligned with your mission and values.

By following these steps, a social enterprise can increase the team's focus and drive impact...feel free to reach out or comment if you have any questions or suggestions.

Also, as always, check out our free resources on Entrepreneurship or Social Entrepreneurship. We have dozens of free books available on these topics in both English and Swahili. Most books can be downloaded without creating an account!



...
Updated 3mo ago
by
1. Deliver free books in Swahili and English to communities all over the world
2. Empower educational communities in East Africa
3. Connect mentors with students around the world
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
I did management consulting for many years and am part of a small team of volunteers developing Maktaba.org. 

We are still working on our core features as well as trying techniques to reach new readers and people that might enjoy participating in our community....but I thought I'd share some of the ideas we are considering to help out other social entrepreneurs.

Based on research and experience with previous online projects, I have developed a small list of free ideas of how any non-profit might collaborate with influencers and bloggers. Of course influencers and bloggers will promote a website if you pay them, but since we have a limited marketing budget, we are looking for free marketing opportunities. Hopefully others can benefit from these ideas as well.

We'll keep everyone posted on various endeavors we pursue, but our guiding principle is to establish mutually beneficial partnerships that align with both our organizational goals and our collaborator's interests.

Step 1: Establish clear organizational goals (see Maktaba's goals, or a book on defining goals as a Social Enterprise)
Step 2: Generate a list of bloggers and influencers
Step 3: Summarize their general interests (what is it that they care about?)
Step 4: Propose a partnership based on one of the following ideas
Step 5: De-brief and analyze the effectiveness of the partnership

Potential ideas for partnering with influencers or bloggers


Guest posting: Offer to write a guest post for their blog or website, which will give you exposure to their audience and help build your credibility.

Product or service reviews: Reach out to influencers and bloggers in your niche and offer them a free product or service in exchange for a review on their website or social media channels.

Content co-creation: Partner with an influencer or blogger to co-create content such as an e-book, infographic, or video that you can both promote and share with your respective audiences.

Cross-promotion: Reach out to other brands or businesses in your niche and offer to cross-promote each other's content on social media, email, or your respective websites.

Social media shoutouts: Collaborate with influencers and bloggers by giving them a shoutout on your social media channels in exchange for a shoutout on theirs.

Joint webinars or events: Organize a joint webinar or event with an influencer or blogger to reach their audience and build your brand.


Does anyone know of good influencers or bloggers that we should reach out to? 
Does anyone have other ideas that we should consider?
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Continuously improve our website: Regularly evaluate and improve our website to provide a better user experience and increase user engagement.

Optimize for search engines: Ensure that our website is search engine optimized (SEO) to increase visibility on search engines and drive organic traffic.

Engage with our audience: Engage with our audience through social media, email, and other channels to build relationships and increase brand awareness.

Content marketing: Create high-quality, engaging content that provides value to our target audience and share it through social media, email, and other channels to attract more visitors.

Paid advertising: Use paid advertising such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach a larger audience and drive targeted traffic to our website.

Collaborate with influencers or bloggers: Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche to reach their audience and promote our website.

Offer a referral program: Encourage existing users to refer their friends and family to our website by offering incentives such as discounts, bonuses or prizes.

Does anyone have other ideas or have any interest in joining our marketing team?
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Maktaba.org is celebrating Black History Month with our new Black History Reading List and Black History Reading Group!
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Ndugu msomaji,
Leo ni Siku ya Sheria Nchini Tanzania! Ili kuiadhimisha siku hii, tumewaandalia zawadi wapenzi wetu wa Maktaba.org:
Vitabu 20+ kwa Siku ya Sheria
Ukichukua muda wako leo kusoma hata sura moja, ni matumaini yetu mafunzo hayo yatakuwa na manufaa makubwa kwako kama mwananchi na pale utakapokutana na mambo ya sheria katika maisha yako ya baadaye.

Zijue haki zako:
Riwaya & Tamthilia Juu ya Sheria:

Elimu ya Uraia:

Vilevile kuna vitabu vingi zaidi vya Kiingereza juu ya sheria vinavyopatikana mtandaoni.
Vitabu maarafu vinavyopatikana kwa kiingereza pekee:
 
Lakini pia ukiwa Arusha, tuna vitabu vya nakala ngumu juu ya sheria vinapatikana kwa kuazima bure kabisa katika Maktaba ya Elimu Yetu, Kijenge Tindigani). 

Heri ya Siku ya Sheria nchini. Tuiadhimishe Siku hii kwa kujifunza zaidi pamoja kuhusu sheria! 

Tunakushukuru kwa ushirikano wako katika Maktaba.org. 
Asante,
   ~ Maktaba.org
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Setting goals is an important part of any successful project or organization, but it's not always easy to get it right. One popular method of goal setting is the SMART framework, which encourages setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. While SMART goals can be effective for some organizations, there are also some downsides that social entrepreneurs should be aware of before relying on them exclusively.

SMART goals can be too rigid and prescriptive. 
By focusing solely on tangible, quantifiable goals, social entrepreneurs may overlook important but intangible factors, such as team morale or company culture...each of which may be critical to success. Additionally, the pressure to meet specific, time-bound targets can lead to an "all or nothing" mentality, where barely missed goals are deemed total failures.

SMART goals can limit creativity and innovation.
By focusing solely on what is known to be achievable, social entrepreneurs may overlook opportunities to try new and different approaches that could lead to greater success. Essentially, SMART goals can stifle creativity by encouraging organizations to play it safe, sticking with tried-and-true methods, rather than taking risks on new projects or methodologies. An obsession with goal setting can distract from more exploratory initiatives, but still most organizations (and individuals) benefit from regularly setting goals.

So, what are the alternatives to SMART goals for the entrepreneurial minded? One option is to adopt a growth mindset, where goals are seen as a means to an end rather than the end in themselves. This approach encourages social entrepreneurs to embrace change and be open to new ideas and experiences, which can lead to greater creativity and innovation. Another alternative is to focus on setting "stretch" goals, which are challenging but achievable targets that help entrepreneurs to push their limits and focus on momentum (rather than milestones).

Does this mean traditional goal setting doesn't matter? Should entrepreneurs abandon the SMART goal method?
Probably not. It's important for entrepreneurs in both the for-profit and nonprofit world to set goals. When doing so it is import for those goals to align with the personal values and priorities of the organization. Such alignment can help to ensure that the goals set are meaningful and relevant, and that everyone is amply motivated to achieve them. For example, an organization that values work-life balance might set a goal for each employee to work a set number of hours per week, rather than focusing solely on achievement. Other organizations might focus on achieving momentum and employee satisfaction...though ultimately it is typically important for goals to drive financial success. For a non-profit, this could mean connecting goals toward  fundraising targets, and with for-profits, goals could be tied to revenue (or operational efficiency).

In summary, while using SMART goals has become popular, there also are some downsides to be considered. Alternative goal-setting strategies, such as adopting a growth mindset, setting "stretch" goals, or aligning goals with personal values, can help all organizations achieve success while avoiding the pitfalls of SMART goals.

For more resources to help run your non-profit or small business, browse our free books for entrepreneurs, or search our entire website for blog posts and strategies about how to get started as a social entrepreneur.



...
Updated 3mo ago
Thank you for donating 2 books
These books are on their way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow their journey by viewing the book profiles on Maktaba.org:
  1. Start Something That Matters
  2. Hatuhitaji Maji: We Don't Need Water
...
Updated 3mo ago
Kumsomea mtoto wako kila siku kuna faida nyingi. Inaweza kuboresha ustadi wa lugha wa mtoto wako, kuongeza msamiati wake, na kukuza kupenda kusoma. Inaweza pia kusaidia kuboresha umakini na umakini wa mtoto wako, na inaweza kuwa na athari chanya kwenye mawazo na ubunifu wao. Zaidi ya hayo, kumsomea mtoto wako kunaweza kuwa njia nzuri ya nyinyi wawili kushikana na kutumia wakati mzuri pamoja.

Hapa Maktaba tunawahimiza wazazi kuwasomea watoto wao kila siku. Ifuatayo ni orodha ya sababu kuu za kuifanya kuwa tambiko:

1. Ustadi wa lugha ulioboreshwa: Kumsomea mtoto wako kunawaweka wazi kwa anuwai ya maneno na miundo ya lugha, ambayo inaweza kusaidia kuboresha ukuaji wao wa lugha na ustadi wa mawasiliano.
2. Kuongezeka kwa msamiati: Mtoto wako anapokusikiliza ukisoma, atajulishwa maneno na dhana mpya ambazo huenda hajakutana nazo katika maisha yake ya kila siku. Hii inaweza kusaidia kuongeza msamiati wao na kupanua uelewa wao wa ulimwengu.
3. Kupenda kusoma: Kumsomea mtoto wako kutoka umri mdogo kunaweza kusaidia kukuza upendo wa kudumu wa kusoma. Hii inaweza kuwa ya manufaa hasa katika enzi ya kidijitali, ambapo watoto wengi wana uwezekano mkubwa wa kutumia muda wao kwenye skrini kuliko kusoma vitabu.
4. Ukazaji bora na muda wa usikivu: Kumsomea mtoto wako kunaweza kusaidia kuboresha umakini na muda wa usikivu, kwani inawahitaji kusikiliza na kuzingatia kwa muda mrefu.
5. Mawazo na ubunifu ulioimarishwa: Mtoto wako anaposikiliza hadithi, ataweza kufikiria matukio na wahusika katika macho yao ya akili. Hii inaweza kusaidia kuchochea mawazo yao na ubunifu.
6. Muda wa kuunganishwa na ubora: Kumsomea mtoto wako kunaweza kuwa njia nzuri kwa ninyi wawili kutumia wakati mzuri pamoja. Inaweza kuwa shughuli ya kupumzika na ya kufurahisha ambayo inaweza kusaidia kuimarisha uhusiano wako na kuboresha uhusiano wako.
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
Thank you for your book donation
The Adventures of Naserian is on its way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow its journey by viewing the book profile on Maktaba.org
...
Updated 3mo ago
Thank you for your book donation
Neema Wants To Learn is on its way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow its journey by viewing the book profile on Maktaba.org
...
Updated 3mo ago
Thank you for your book donation
Dreams from My Father is on its way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow its journey by viewing the book profile on Maktaba.org
...
Updated 3mo ago
Thank you for donating 5 books
These books are on their way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow their journey by viewing the book profiles on Maktaba.org:
  1. The Hedgehog and the Fox
  2. The Iraqw of Tanzania
  3. Social Welfare Services, Political Ideologies and Economic Development in Tanzania
  4. Unconditional Parenting
  5. Library Lion
...
Updated 3mo ago
What is social entrepreneurship? (source: causeartist)
A term used for business models with a social or environmental focus. A social entrepreneur creates social and/or environmental change, either through a for-profit or non-profit business model. (Check out Chapter 3 in this free PDF about entrepreneurship, or another free entrepreneurship textbook)

The site Causeartist (source of many referenced articles) tends to focus more on social entrepreneurship through the lens of for-profit businesses.

The article is a good read, but in general, social entrepreneurs identify social problems and develop business solutions to address them. Unlike traditional businesses, social entrepreneurs are motived by both profit AND creating an impact.

The importance of website design for non-profits (a podcast)
https://studiohumankind.com/shop (templates are $800+, which we don't need, but we can implement ANY of the design concepts that we like...we just have to identify them and prioritize)

Also, I uploaded three non-profit workbooks downloaded from studiohumankind...they should be helpful for us.
1. How to make a good website
2. A book on non-profit strategy
3. A book on developing organizational goals

Starting small, these stories are inspirational:
Profiles of women social entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders who are addressing social issues in innovative and inspiring ways — and using the power of business to do good

Scott's thoughts:
We can become recognized like these organizations. We can communicate our mission like them. It will take regular, daily hard work...and we have to be more strategic and organized...but it will be rewarding and meaningful along the way! 

2023 goals:
One key goal should be for many regular SMALL successes in 2023, similar to that podcast you did.  That was a huge accomplishment and success, and demonstrated (hopefully to yourself) that you can represent your varied interests verbally and visually!!
  1. Send press releases to journalists and bloggers (example: https://causeartist.com/submit-press-release/)
  2. Consider paid listing sites too, such as https://causeartist.com/add-listing/

Stories about other larger established non-profits:
https://causeartist.com/nonprofit-founders-impact-the-world/

These stories should ONLY inspire a bit. We don't need to compare our early-stage operation to huge successes, but to the extent that we can recognize that these are regular people who worked regularly on their mission...then they should serve as examples to learn from.

Interesting stories were:
Amitabh Shah of Yuva Unstoppable: https://causeartist.com/inspiring-leader-debt-impacting-five-millions-lives-around-the-world-yuva/

Juliana Rotich of Ushahidi (open source software, and enterprise solutions, for disaster relief and crowdsourcing data)
She also is the Co-founder of BRCK Inc (Kenyan hardware and services technology company for communication in low infrastructure areas)
She is a Director in the Kenyan entity BRCK Kenya Ltd and drives partnerships for tackling social problems through appropriate technology.

Jake Wood of Team Rubicon: My parent's friend volunteers for them
https://teamrubiconusa.org/

Reshma Saujani: Girls who Code

Michael FayeGiveDirectly (they pay people in Africa small amounts of cash, also he has some money transfer platform)

Brandon Nicholson of Hidden Genius Project (Oakland, CA): https://www.hiddengeniusproject.org/
The View Stories section on their website is interesting https://www.hiddengeniusproject.org/category/geniusrevealed/ and their use of the #geniusRevealed to tell stories is something I've wanted to do for a long time. Look at both the small "cards" and the "full page" articles.


More ideas for becoming EXCITED to be the Story Teller for the non-profit initiatives you care about
https://www.thestorytellingnonprofit.com/blog/9-sources-of-inspiration-for-nonprofit-storytelling/

Ed tech startups
https://causeartist.com/edtech-startups-to-watch-for/

Stories about impact investment funds that raised money recently
$111 million raised for African education
Resources and a guide highlighting WHO FUNDS social entrepreneurs written by Ami Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-shah-31824314a/
Yet to launch impact investing platform: https://www.impactinvestor.io/

Grant is the founder of Cause Artist: https://www.linkedin.com/in/granttrahant/

Elizabeth Yin of The Hustle Fund invests in pre-seed rounds, typically $25k and they decide within a few days.
https://causeartist.com/hustle-fund-elizabeth-yin/

Blockchain Social Initiatives (nothing really stood out)
https://alice.si/ (somewhat similar to the guy we talked to)
List of some other projects: https://causeartist.com/changing-the-world-blockchain-technology/
https://blockchainforsocialimpact.com/
...
Updated 3mo ago
by
People respond to clear goals and expectations.

In general, for people to be "leaders" within an organization, they need to CLEARLY understand the goals and objectives of the parent organization.

Parent goals should be defined using Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
metrics used to periodically track and evaluate the performance of a business or organization toward the achievement of specific goals. They are also used to gauge the overall performance of the company against other comparable companies within the industry.
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/key-performance-indicators-kpis/

Management by Objectives (MBO):
Technique suggested by Drucker in 1952 that links individual smaller goals to the larger organizational goals.
Tasks are then added to support the smaller goals and employees are evaluated and rewarded monthly, quarterly or annually. In theory, this technique could be used on a weekly basis.

Objectives by Key Results (OKR): https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/objectives-and-key-results-okr/
Objectives are stated. Expected results are clearly defined. Initiatives are created to achieve those results.
Objectives still need to align with the parent organization objectives, but contrary to MBO where the "smaller" objectives are set by managers (within a department), objectives within the OKR method can be set by the individual (still in support of parent objectives).

Other essential terms to know and implement

SMART Goals
Clearly defined goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/smart-goal/

And last but not least:

Time Management
Simple but actionable suggestions, strategies and reminders
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/time-management-list-tips/

Traits of a Good Leader
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/leadership-traits-list/

Raid Log (tool for project management to highlight Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies)
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/raid-log/


...
Updated 3mo ago
by