In the world of community-based organizations, having a vision is just the beginning. Turning that vision into impactful action requires structure, strategy, and, often, guidance. For Lydia Atieno Hongo, founder of a grassroots CBO, that guidance came in the form of mentorship from Gertrude C. Chombo through ELF-Africa’s mentorship program.

Lydia’s journey started with passion and a desire to engage her community, but she encountered significant operational challenges. Her CBO lacked a formal Board of Directors, structured policies, and a clear strategic plan. Lydia was also eager to improve her civic engagement efforts by connecting more effectively with her community on public services. However, she needed the tools and support to turn these ambitions into reality.

Under Gertrude’s mentorship, Lydia embarked on a transformative journey to strengthen both her leadership and her organization. One of her first major successes was leading a civic engagement session with local citizens regarding services at a county hospital. Lydia educated the community on the hospital’s service charter and gathered their concerns into a report, which she presented to the relevant authorities. This effort not only amplified her leadership but also demonstrated her commitment to driving positive change.

Recognizing that a well-structured organization is key to sustainable success, Lydia began developing her CBO’s foundational elements. With Gertrude’s support, she initiated the process of establishing a Board of Directors and set about developing policies, a strategic plan, and a website. She also took the initiative to benchmark against other CBOs, adopting best practices like using volunteers and leveraging partnerships to enhance her CBO’s impact.

Gertrude’s mentorship approach was strategic and hands-on. She worked closely with Lydia to establish clear objectives, guided her through challenges, and ensured follow-through on key tasks. Despite occasional technical challenges and busy schedules, they maintained momentum by rescheduling missed sessions and remaining flexible.

By the end of the mentorship, Lydia’s growth was clear. She had gained confidence, sharpened her leadership skills, and developed a strong sense of direction for both her CBO and her personal career. The mentorship not only helped her bridge gaps in her organization’s operations but also empowered her to lead with clarity and conviction.

Gertrude, reflecting on the experience, emphasized that mentorship is a two-way street. “I learned just as much from Lydia as she did from me,” Gertrude shared, noting how their conversations even touched on worm farming, an economic activity Lydia is passionate about.

Lydia’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship in transforming vision into tangible action. With the right guidance, leaders like her can build strong, impactful organizations that truly serve their communities. Through ELF-Africa’s mentorship program, Lydia has not only solidified her leadership but also set her CBO on a path to lasting success.