The Blue Pillar Self-Reliant Project participated in the expansion of a large genealogical research effort operating across multiple countries in East Africa. This initiative was part of a broader effort to preserve family histories, document ancestral connections, and strengthen digital records throughout the region.
To accomplish this work, the project relied on teams of trained field researchers, data collectors, and digital-entry staff in several nations, including:
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Madagascar
- The Republic of the Congo
Our support helped scale these operations at a key moment, enabling additional hiring, training, and workflow stability across multiple locations.
Over the course of the project, hundreds of individuals gained temporary employment — many of whom were young adults seeking work experience, recent graduates looking to build professional skills, or individuals transitioning between jobs. For many, this opportunity provided not just income but a valuable introduction to professional, computer-based work environments.
Participants received hands-on instruction in:
- Basic and intermediate computer literacy
- Secure data entry
- Accuracy and verification procedures
- Teamwork and communication
- Digital document management
- Field research principles and interview techniques
These skills created stepping stones toward future employment — often opening doors that participants might not otherwise have had access to.
While the genealogy project itself was short-term employment, the skills gained were long-term assets. The initiative also fostered pride and community connection as individuals helped preserve local family histories.
This project demonstrated an essential Blue Pillar principle:
When people are offered structured work, skill training, and meaningful responsibility, they grow — and their futures expand.
The East Africa Research Expansion remains one of the most far-reaching projects we’ve ever supported, touching multiple countries and helping hundreds of individuals gain confidence, capacity, and digital skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
- The Gap Between Education and Opportunity in Kenya
Many young adults in Kenya have education and discipline, but no opportunity to use it. This is why donors choose to support the Blue Pillar Self-Reliant Project.
bluepillarproject.org 