Grace Wanene wears many crowns, including a former Miss Tourism Kenya back in 2013 and Miss Earth Kenya in 2016. She has also published a poetry and colouring book called Let’s Go Wild.
The book was aimed at promoting literacy while also sensitizing children to conservation.
However, her most notable work has been with the Drawing Dreams Initiative (DDI). DDI is a youth-led community-based organization that focuses on menstrual health, hygiene management, sexual reproductive health and rights, and life skills empowerment.
This May happens to be a significant month for DDI, as it is dubbed the Menstrual Health month. On May 28th, the world commemorates the Global Menstrual Health Day, which helps sensitize the significance of menstrual care, and helps raise awareness about the issues faced by those who don’t have access to sanitary products.
This year DDI, partners, and friends will be at Likii secondary school, where they will be mentoring students, while also sharing a meal.
Grace and her team will be joined by our LTA members, Moran lounge, who are also keen to impact surrounding communities positively.
Road Trip 4 a Cause
This is DDI’s travel product. This initiative allows participants to explore our landscape while also giving back to local communities.
Participants get an opportunity to give back to share their time and their skills as well.
Their last trip took the group to Isiolo, where the team of 74 participants visited:
- Almasy Special School – A facility that caters to students with special educational needs.
- Pepo La Tumaini – A community-based organization that provides support for children/families affected by HIV.
Road Trip 4 a Cause happens bi-annually, with the next one scheduled for October. DDI seeks to partner with our LTA destinations to provide unique travel experiences to participants from all over the country while also extending outreach to communities surrounding these destinations.
Championing the various Sustainable Development Goals during one of the recent Road Trip 4 a Cause expeditions
Dreams Youth Expo
Dreams Youth Expo debuted on 12-13th August 2021, which coincided with the International Youth Day.
The event attracted 65 exhibitors and over 3000 attendees. This year’s Expo will happen on 1st and 2nd July.
The Laikipia Tourism Association is partnering with DDI to help ensure the event attracts as many exhibitors and attendees from our sector as possible.
Looking into the future, DDI hopes to establish the Dreams Center in Naibor. The center aims to support teen mothers and equip them with various skills.
The center will also host tourists who want to dedicate some time and skills to community work as part of their travel itinerary.
Looking to partner with Grace on menstrual health day, Road Trip 4 a Cause, or her upcoming initiatives?
Allow us to help direct your interests, or reach out to Grace through wanenegrace@dreamsinitiative.org
Story By
