Resilience From Within

August 2025: From a Spark to a Flame

Inner Strength for Outer Change

A Note From Our Founder

Dear friends and partners,

It is with a heart full of gratitude and excitement that I share this update with you. So much has grown from the seeds we planted together just 9 months ago.

When we last connected in May, our work was a powerful vision. Today, that vision is yielding tangible, life-changing results. The success we are seeing on the ground—from the thriving maize mill to the birth of a new invention—is a manifestation of the incredible power that is unlocked when a community believes in its own strength.

This journey is moving faster than I could have imagined, and it is your belief in us that fuels our progress. Thank you for walking with us.

With deep gratitude,
Francis Kumakech
Founder & Executive Director

An Update on the Lacac Pe Lonyo Maize Mill: The Ripple Effect of Success

Since our last update, the community-owned maize mill has become the beating heart of the village. It is now fully operational, and its success has created a wave of excitement we couldn't have predicted.

The daily 5km journey to the nearest milling centers is now a memory. But the real story is in the numbers and the feeling of pride. One woman shared that the mill now saves her family money that now goes directly to school fees and healthier meals.

This is the very soul of our work: a successful enterprise, built on co-ownership, that is so valuable the entire community wants to be a part of it.

From a Promise to a Prototype: The Lyètch ManuaPress is Born

In our May newsletter, we shared our dream of developing a clean energy solution. We said, "Stay tuned."

The powerful image of the assembled compression unit with the bearings

It was born from listening to the community and built with local genius. After the success of the mill, the women of Lacac pe Lony are now excited and ready to be the very first group to test this new technology.

"This innovation tackles deforestation while turning an underused resource—local grass—into sustainable fuel."

The World is Taking Notice: A Global Spotlight from Ashoka

The most exciting news since we last wrote is a powerful validation of our community-led model.

🏆 Winner of the 2025 Ashoka "Power of Local Challenge"

To be recognized on a global stage by the world's leading social entrepreneurship network is an incredible honor that gives us the momentum and the credibility to dream even bigger.

What's Growing Next: Our Path Forward

Testing & Launching: Completing the community pilot of the Lyètch ManualPress with our partners at Lacac pe Lony.

Building Our Team: Using the support from our Ashoka win to hire our first key staff.

Seeking Major Partners: Actively pursuing strategic funding from global partners like the Mulago Foundation to scale our work.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

This is a moment of incredible momentum. Your support can help us turn this spark into a blazing fire. A donation today directly supports the final fabrication and community testing of the Lyètch ManualPress.