A passion for the community

SARA NANAA, 26, is a project co-ordinator in community development and a musician. SHIRLEY GENGA found out how she balances the two careers

Tell us about your job...

My job involves co-ordinating sponsors, fundraising activities, event planning, goal implementation, youth empowerment and talent nurturing in the projects I work on.

What is your work history?

I worked at Eastern Africa Regional Youth Network in Nairobi between 2007 and 2008. In 2010, I joined Hope for Orphans Rescue Centre, where I am a partner in a number of projects and plan some of their events. I have also done events for Rona Opti-Media Solution since 2011.

What do you love about your job?

Working with the vulnerable in society is fulfilling. I also love working with the youth. There is great joy in completing a project and knowing it will change an individual’s life and help the community.

What are the challenges of what you do?

Most projects have time lines that are difficult to stick to, especially without the right team. Other challenges are wrong perceptions from the community, insufficient logistics and lack of support to meet the many needs in the community.

What course did you study in college or university?

I have a diploma in Clinical Medicine, majoring in HIV and Aids Management, from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. I joined in 2005 and graduated in 2007.

How important is education to you?

Education gives one an edge in the employment market. However, I have learnt that not everybody has access to education, but everyone has a talent. Anyone who uses lack of education as an excuse not to achieve their goals is lazy.

Tell us a little about your childhood?

I grew up at the Coast and in Nairobi. My father worked at the Coast and my mother in Nairobi. I am the last born of four children. I was outgoing as a child and was a prefect in primary and high school. I participated in many extracurricular activities.

What was your childhood dream?

My dreams kept changing and I wanted to be a doctor at one point. However, I soon realised I liked working with people, so after my internship at Thika District Hospital in 2007, I did not want to work in a hospital because I felt it would tie me up. I decided to look for a job in organisations that had projects geared towards community development, but the knowledge I acquired during my internship is still beneficial in my line of work.

You are also a musician. Tell us about that…

I have always had a passion for music. I am a recording and performing artiste and I sing with Eclave Band. I have also worked with Hellon, the jazz musician. I started singing professionally in 2011. Recently, I collaborated with QTY on a track called Bubble gum. I have recorded eight songs so far and they are available on www.reverbnation.com/nanaa and YouTube. Apart from my music career, I also help at QTY Foundation for HIV and Aids.

How do you balance your life?

It is hectic, especially because it involves different organisations with different goals and expectations, but I plan carefully and follow through with my schedules. I also set dates for my music practice and plan in advance. I try to be as self-disciplined as possible.

What do you plan to achieve in future?

I plan to put more effort in my music career. I also intend to look for support and opportunities to use my skills and talent to empower the youth in marginalised areas. I also want to implement comprehensive care clinics in different regions in Kenya. This is where patients are treated with love and care within a relaxed environment.

What do you do for fun?

I swim, dance and watch movies. I have also not outgrown some children’s games; I enjoy skipping, blada and kati.