About Us
Kufunga Pengo means “to close the gap” in Swahili. We are a non-profit organization on a mission to close the poverty and resources gap in East Africa. We support entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses by bringing in mentors with the knowledge and guidance to successfully grow their business. By coming together, we believe we can break the cycle of poverty and reduce inequality of opportunity in East Africa.
Our Story
by founder David Pollock
After my wife Ingrid, of almost 39 years passed away, I felt it was time to search for a new job and a new place to call home. I felt confident about the job I interviewed for; however, I received a notification that the employer had chosen not to fill the job. Immediately I began to question God and why this was all happening.
I began picturing a horse with a bit and bridle, shaking its head, refusing to go in the intended direction. That’s when God said, “Stop it!” At that juncture, I said “Okay, what am I supposed to do?” God said, “Go, do business, and let ME show up”. I said “Where?”, HE said, “Kenya”. I didn’t know anybody in Kenya, or anywhere on the African continent for that matter. “How was I supposed to start?” I pondered.
I reached out to a few friends who knew people doing humanitarian work in East Africa. After chatting with them, they mentioned they had been looking for someone who could teach a business curriculum. I learned that many Kenyans decide not to finish school in order to financially support their family. Business curriculum could give many Kenyans a second chance at increasing economic mobility and reducing inequality of opportunity.
“Would you be willing to write a curriculum and then teach it?”, they asked. I replied “Yes.” About three and a half years later I found myself heading to Kenya. Over the next several years, I taught business classes to Kenyans and other East African communities, forming local relationships & connections to better understand the community needs.
After working in Kenya for several years, I decided I wanted to form Kufunga Pengo as a nonprofit organization with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty. In any situation, there is usually something missing to get to an acceptable solution. Things such as: knowledge, resources, mentorship, skills, healing from wounds and things that have been broken. I want to help facilitate; with God’s help, bringing what is necessary to the situation, walking alongside those in need and closing the gap between people in need and those of us with the ability to help.
I want to extend the invitation for you to embark on an adventure, walk alongside other people with cultures different from your own, and help them create ethical solutions to their problems. Join us in closing the poverty gap in East Africa.
Kufunga Pengo is on a mission to close the poverty & resources gap for East Africans through business training & mentoring.
The Nea Onnim Symbol
Kufunga Pengo’s logomark represents an “Adrinka Symbol.” called the “Nea Onnim”. Adrinka symbols originated in Ghana, Africa and were designed to convey powerful messages related to life, traditional practices, folk tales and age old wisdom.
Nea Onnim means “He who does not know.” It is from the Akan proverb, “Nea onnim no sua a ohu,” which translates as, “When he who does not know learns, he gets to know.” It is the symbol of knowledge, life-long education and continued quest for knowledge.
Our Model
Kufunga Pengo lays out the necessary steps to create ethical solutions for Kenyan & other East African businesses who are struggling, or don’t know where to start. We all have resources, talents, skills and abilities that can help others. Why not leave your mark on the world and leave a legacy of knowledge for those who need it most?! Our Growth and Action Plan Mentors focus on several areas to empower & educate businesses.
Business Planning:
Create formal written documents containing the goals of a business, the methods for attaining those goals, and the time-frame for the achievement of the goals.
Record Keeping:
Organize and properly store all documents, files, invoices, etc relating to a business's activities.
Financing:
Develop strategies on how to raise, spend or invest capital, as well as participate when appropriate.
Process Improvement:
Utilize critical thinking to identify, analyze, and improve existing business processes in order to optimize overall performance.
Core Values
Educate
We are passionate about providing the necessary tools to expand people's knowledge in areas that can improve their lives & their community.
Empower
We believe in challenging others in order to build their confidence, allow them to take charge in controlling their life and claim their rights.
Adventure
We are unable to grow unless we are willing to step outside our comfort zone. Adventuring is the pathway to personal growth.
Partner
We believe the greatest approach to solving a challenge is by tackling it together. Partnerships allow us to utilize the strengths & abilities of others.