Never Let Your Background Put Your Back on the Ground

The Motivation Behind Rise for Impact

Rise for Impact was born from lived experience—not theory, not trends, and not convenience. It was born from growing up in an underprivileged community where potential was abundant, but opportunity was scarce.

In many of our communities, struggle is normalized. Young people grow up watching others work hard and still remain stuck. Over time, this reality quietly reshapes ambition. Dreams begin to feel unrealistic. Hope starts to feel optional.

Yet, one quote has always guided my thinking:

"Never let your background put your back on the ground."

That belief became the foundation of Rise for Impact.

Growing Up Surrounded by Untapped Potential

From an early age, I observed a painful pattern. Brilliant young people were disengaged—not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked exposure, guidance, and belief. Some were demotivated by circumstances beyond their control. Others had skills but no direction. Many were actively searching for opportunities yet were unprepared to access them.

It was common to hear complaints about the lack of jobs, internships, scholarships, or fellowships. But when asked simple questions—"Can you share your LinkedIn profile?" or "How are you positioning yourself?"—the answers often revealed a deeper issue. Profiles were empty. Skills were undocumented. Networks were nonexistent.

This was not laziness.
This was systemic disadvantage mixed with information gaps.

Opportunities existed—but many young people did not know how to find them, access them, or prepare for them. Ignorance, not incapacity, was the real barrier.

The Question That Changed Everything

At some point, I stopped asking, "Why is this happening?"
I started asking, "What can I do about it?"

Waiting for governments, institutions, or external organizations to fix the problem felt insufficient. The challenges were urgent, and the youth could not afford more delays.

I realized that impact does not always begin with power—it begins with initiative.

The Ashesi University Influence

My time at Ashesi University was transformational. It placed me in an environment where integrity, leadership, and ethical responsibility were not optional—they were expected.

More importantly, I was surrounded by young people who shared a deep commitment to impact. Students who questioned systems, challenged norms, and actively sought ways to improve their communities. People who looked at Africa's challenges and saw responsibility rather than helplessness.

That community expanded my worldview and strengthened my resolve. It showed me what becomes possible when young people are given exposure, structure, and the confidence to lead.

But it also raised an uncomfortable truth: not every young person will have access to spaces like Ashesi.

Exposure as a Privilege—and a Responsibility

Leaving my home country to study in a different environment made one thing very clear: exposure is a privilege. Many talented young Africans will never leave their countries, attend globally recognized institutions, or access international networks.

And yet, their potential remains just as powerful.

This realization shaped a deeper sense of purpose. Knowledge, exposure, and opportunity should not remain concentrated among a few. They should be shared, multiplied, and localized.

That conviction led to the creation of Rise for Impact.

Why Rise for Impact Exists

Rise for Impact exists to activate young people, not to wait for them to be "ready."

It was created as a platform where youths are:

• Motivated to believe in their potential
• Mobilized to take action within their communities
• Equipped with relevant skills and mindsets
• Connected to like-minded changemakers across Africa

We believe young people should not wait to be chosen before they start making impact. Leadership does not begin with a title—it begins with action.

Rise for Impact is not about creating dependency. It is about building agency.

A Pan-African Vision for Change

Africa's greatest asset is its youth. But without guidance, preparation, and opportunity, that asset remains underutilized.

Rise for Impact was intentionally designed as a pan-African platform because the challenges faced by young people do not stop at national borders. Limited exposure, lack of mentorship, and disengagement are shared experiences across the continent.

Our vision is to support a new generation of African changemakers who:

• Lead community-driven solutions
• Build relevant skills for the future of work
• Create impact where they are, with what they have
• Collaborate across borders for shared progress

By 2035, we envision:

• 10,000+ young African leaders trained and equipped
• Active programs in 20+ African countries
• A self-sustaining network of alumni creating ripple effects
• Global recognition of African youth leadership excellence
• Measurable community impact across health, education, climate, and economic development

What We Stand For

At its core, RISE for Impact is guided by four principles:

1. Agency

Young people are not powerless. They have the capacity to lead change right now, right where they are. We don't wait for perfect circumstances—we create opportunities within existing realities.

2. Preparation

Opportunity favors the ready. We equip young people with skills, mindsets, and tools they need to access and maximize opportunities. From grant writing to storytelling, from project management to relationship building—we provide comprehensive preparation.

3. Community

Change is stronger when built together. We create networks of support where young leaders learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and lift each other up. Our strength is in our collective commitment to impact.

4. Action

Impact begins now, not someday. We don't just talk about change—we implement it. Every program participant develops and launches real community projects. We measure success by tangible impact, not just certificates earned.

Our Programs: Multiple Pathways to Impact

Rise for Impact offers six programs designed to meet young people where they are:

1. Rise for Impact Fellowship

Our flagship program bringing together exceptional young leaders for intensive training, personalized mentorship, and lifelong community. 2-5 days on-site + 3-6 months virtual mentorship.

2. Rise Circles

Monthly peer learning and accountability groups focused on leadership development and project implementation. 1-day on-site kickoff + 2-3 months online engagement.

3. Impact Clinics

Intensive project incubation program helping youth turn ideas into funded, implementable community solutions. 2-day bootcamp + 3 months virtual support.

4. Rise for Climate

Youth-led climate action program combining education, advocacy, and hands-on environmental projects. 1-2 day summit + 4 months online engagement.

5. Campus Ambassadors

University student leaders who bring RISE programs to their campuses and organize local impact activities. 1-day training + year-long engagement.

6. Opportunity Plug

Weekly opportunities newsletter and virtual sessions connecting youth to scholarships, internships, fellowships, and jobs across Africa.

Why Support Rise for Impact?

The Problem is Clear

• 387 million African youth will enter the job market by 2030
• 60% of Africa's unemployed are young people
• Limited access to mentorship, skills training, and opportunity networks
• Talent exists, but pathways to leadership are scarce

Our Approach is Proven

• Hybrid model (on-site + virtual) maximizes impact while minimizing costs
• Pan-African reach with coordinators in 8+ countries
• Skills-first curriculum addressing real-world leadership needs
• Community-driven projects creating measurable local impact
• Youth-led design ensuring relevance and sustainability

The Impact is Measurable

Since our founding:

• Engaged 500+ young leaders across multiple programs
• Launched 50+ community impact projects
• Distributed 1,000+ opportunity alerts helping youth access resources
• Built a network across 8 African countries
• Maintained 85% program completion rate

How You Can Support Our Work

We cannot do this alone. Creating lasting change requires a community of supporters who believe in African youth leadership.

Contact Us:

• Email: info@riseforimpact.org
• WhatsApp: +237 673 031 205| +233 538 034 157### For Organizations & Sponsors

Program Sponsorship ($5,000 - $50,000)

• Sponsor a full Fellowship cohort (50-100 Fellows)
• Fund Impact Clinics in specific countries
• Support Climate Action initiatives
• Enable Campus Ambassador expansion

Benefits:

• Logo placement on all program materials
• Recognition in program reports and social media
• Direct engagement with Fellows through mentorship opportunities
• Impact reporting showing measurable outcomes

Mentorship Partnerships

Connect your organization's leaders with our Fellows for 3-6 month mentorship engagements. This creates mutual value: your team develops coaching skills while shaping the next generation of African leaders.

In-Kind Support

• Training facilities for on-site programs
• Technology and equipment for virtual engagement
• Professional services (design, legal, accounting)
• Marketing and communications support

For Individual Donors

Monthly Partnership ($10 - $500/month)

Sustain our operations and enable consistent program delivery:

• $10/month: Support 1 Campus Ambassador
• $50/month: Sponsor 1 Fellowship application review
• $100/month: Fund opportunity research and distribution
• $250/month: Support 1 Impact Clinic participant
• $500/month: Sponsor 1 Fellow's full journey

One-Time Contribution ($50 - $10,000)

Make an immediate impact:

• $50: Support materials for 1 program participant
• $250: Fund 1 Fellow's travel to on-site conference
• $500: Sponsor 1 Impact Clinic project
• $1,000: Support 1 Fellow's full program costs
• $5,000: Fund an entire program cohort

For Volunteers & Mentors

Become a Mentor

Share your expertise with emerging leaders:

• Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month for 3-6 months
• Focus areas: Leadership, grant writing, storytelling, project management, career development
• Format: Virtual meetings + email support
• Impact: Shape a young leader's trajectory

Volunteer Your Skills

• Content creation (writing, design, video)
• Program facilitation and training delivery
• Technology development and support
• Research and impact evaluation
• Event coordination

For Partners & Institutions

University Partnerships

• Host Campus Ambassador programs
• Provide venue for on-site events
• Connect students to opportunities
• Collaborate on research and evaluation

Corporate Partnerships

• Employee volunteering and mentorship programs
• Internship and job opportunities for Fellows
• Sponsorship of specific program tracks
• Joint events and thought leadership

Foundation & Funder Partnerships

• Multi-year program funding
• Capacity building support
• Network introductions
• Co-creation of new initiatives

Join Us in Building Africa's Future

Rise for Impact is more than an organization—it's a movement. A movement of young people who refuse to let their background define their future. A movement of supporters who believe that investing in youth is investing in Africa's transformation.

When young people rise, communities rise.
When communities rise, Africa rises.

We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you contribute financially, share your expertise as a mentor, offer in-kind support, or simply spread the word about our work—you become part of building a generation of African changemakers.

Take Action Today

Apply or Nominate

Know an exceptional young African leader? Nominate them for our Fellowship or encourage them to apply: Get Involved

Become a Partner

Ready to support Rise for Impact? Let's discuss how your organization can create lasting impact: info@riseforimpact.org

Make a Donation

Every contribution directly supports a young African leader's journey: info@riseforimpact.org

Stay Connected

Follow our journey and see the impact you're creating:

• Website: riseforimpact.org
• Email: info@riseforimpact.org
• WhatsApp: +237 673 031 205| +233 538 034 157- Social Media: @riseforimpact (all platforms)

A Personal Invitation

This is not just my story—it's the story of millions of young Africans who have potential but lack pathways. It's the story of communities waiting for their youth to return as leaders. It's the story of an Africa that is rising, one young person at a time.

I invite you to be part of writing the next chapter. Together, we can ensure that no young African's background puts their back on the ground. Together, we can build the Africa we all dream of.

Let's rise together.

Claude Tomoh is the Founder and Executive Director of Rise for Impact, and a student at Ashesi University in Ghana. His work focuses on youth leadership development, community impact, and creating pathways for African changemakers.

Ready to Support? Contact us:

• Email: info@riseforimpact.org
• WhatsApp: +237 673 031 205| +233 538 034 157- Visit: Get Involved to explore partnership opportunities