---
tags: ols
---

# Open-Connect-Kenya

`This is a template for you to summarize your OLS journey so far and the project you worked on during the entire period of OLS-1.`

Example you can draw from: https://openlifesci.org/posts/2019/10/21/culture-track

## Project background
_Open Connect Kenya is a GitHub webpage containing important resources and links within Kenya's open landscape with a link to open networks (Gitter and Slack) to foster discussions and shape policies. What inspired initiation of this project was the history of social movements. Over the years, socioeconomic and political divides in the society has created gap within social movements all over the world and Kenya is no exception. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to curb the disconnect between Open Contributors and Open Users within the open movement in Kenya. Not having one strong voice whether we like it or not will negatively influence or continue influencing the progress of research communication. By launching these platforms, everyone will be able to interact with each other and the Open resources._

## Expectations from this program
_Learn more about OLS, Open leadership and be able to launch Open Connect Kenya project by the end of the program._

## Goals set at the beginning of the project
* _Create a platform that connects open contributors and users in Kenya._
* _Initiate mentorship program between platform contributors and users._
* _Establish country- specific open resources within the platform._

## Key understanding and accomplishments
* _Creating a basic GitHub website._
* _Including important information that will ensure Design for... Build for... and Empower for... are all incorporated into the project._
* _Learning about open leadership using [Mozilla Open Leadership Training Series ](https://mozilla.github.io/open-leadership-training-series/)_

## The main goals achieved in this project
_Yes the Goals set at the beginning of the program were met except initiating mentorship program which is long term activity._
* _Creation of GitHub Webpage with links to Kenya's Open Resources and individuals._
* _Creation of project's Gitter and Slack communities to connect open enthusiasts and foster discussions and sharing of resources._
### The initial steps
* _List down friends active in open community and how they can be of help to Open Connect Kenya project._
* _Reading through fellow OLS participants projects to see which ones are almost the same as mine._
* _Start working on my project._
* _Research on state of Open in Kenya._
* _Reach out to friends in the first step for advice and links to relevant resources to narrow down the type of platform to work on._
* _Reach out to fellow participants for potential collaboration in the future more so long term activities._
* _Develop a project plan._
* _Create open network platforms such as Gitter and Slack for the project._
* _Work on project documentation._
* _Lauch the platform._

### What elements helped you get there?
* _Consultations with OLS program mentor._
* _Discussions with fellow participants._
* _Connections made before and during the program._
* _Trainings and activities carried out during the calls._
* _Learning from Open Leadership Training Series resources._

## Next steps

### My immediate next step is to...
_Launch Open Connect Kenya platform: GitHub Webpage and a chatroom._

### Longer term tasks
* _The long term goal for Open Connect Kenya project is to initiate mentorship program targeting its Gitter and Slack communities participants. In addition, develop mentors database._
* _Another long term task is encouraging everyone using the platform to continue adding Open Resources in the GitHub webpage documentation._

### Staying connected
* _Yes, I would love to stay connected and keep engaging everyone through discussions on OLS 2020 team via Gitter or even online meet-ups maybe once a month._
* _I hope to maintain individual connections I made as well._
* _Attend OLS workshops or conferences in the future._
## Special mentions and acknowledgements
_OLS team for organizing the program._
_Caleb Kibet- OLS mentor._
_Daniel Odongo- developing project plan._
_Joseph McArthur- sharing links on open access journals._
_Vinodh Ilangovan_