Part of striving for #ABetterLife is about setting aside time to reflect and take stock.
I must admit, as I settled down to think about my half-year review, I went into panic mode. It was one of those debilitating episodes that left me feeling drained and unable to accomplish much.
I have often fallen into the trap of being excessively hard on myself in the past, particularly when it comes to these mid-year evaluations. But this time round instead of dwelling on the “What Ifs,” I made a conscious choice to focus on the remarkable experiences I have encountered as a solo female traveler during the first half of the year.
Now, let’s take a glimpse into what I have managed to accomplish so far:
Matching Service:
In Kenya, I am building the first of its kind Matching Service aimed at connecting young leaders with suitable partners to help them grow and scale their enterprises.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-2Matching-Service-Kenya-jpg.webp)
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Matching-Service-Kenya-1024x580.webp)
Startup LaunchPad:
In Nairobi’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene, I work to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a supportive environment and essential resources to turn their business ideas into reality.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Nairobi-Startup-LaunchPad-Kenya-1024x678.webp)
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-2Nairobi-Startup-LaunchPad-Kenya-1024x684.webp)
Leadership and Management:
I led and managed the most amazing and diverse crew of 60+ individuals to put on this year’s edition of Nairobi Design Week.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-JibuNairobi-Design-Week-Kenya-1024x637.webp)
Volunteering at Sankalp2023:
I volunteered at the largest convening of social actors across Africa.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu2-Volunteering-at-Sankalp2023-Sankali-Africa-Summit-976x1024.webp)
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Volunteering-at-Sankalp2023-Sankali-Africa-Summit-jpg.webp)
Supporting Cultural Practitioners:
In Tanzania, I provided invaluable support to cultural practitioners at #NafasiArtSpace, helping them refine their business plans and strategies.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Supporting-Cultural-Practitioners-Nafasi-jpg.webp)
Sharing the Love for Handmade:
In Ethiopia I explored my passion for preserving traditional craftsmanship and promoting local artisans is a testament to your commitment to sustainable practices and cultural heritage.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Sharing-the-Love-for-Handmade-Ethiopia-jpg.webp)
Looking Ahead:
As I embark on the next leg of my journey, I am confident that the second half promises more inspiring moments and immersion into more impactful initiatives.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Looking-Ahead-818x1024.webp)
Here’s what lies ahead:
Expanding Reach and Collaboration: I’m looking to explore more opportunities and expand across multiple countries, by collaborating with local communities, organizations, and entrepreneurs to amplify my impact.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Expanding-Reach-and-Collaboration-Kenya-jpg.webp)
Deepening Social Innovation: I hope to dive deeper into social innovation ecosystems, seeking out projects and initiatives that address pressing social challenges and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Deepening-Social-Innovation-Kenya-jpg.webp)
Knowledge Sharing and Mentorship: I would like to explore more avenues to share my expertise and experiences through mentorship programs, workshops, and speaking engagements, to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Documenting my Journey: I hope to continue to capture my journey through this amazing collaboration with Jibu that I hope will inspire others to follow in my footsteps and embark on their own meaningful adventures.
![](https://jibuco.com/website_b9c97ac3/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shirley-Kandabu-Jibu-Aluminium-Bottle-Kenya-1-1024x824.webp)
As I look back at the first half of this year and my awe-inspiring solo travel journey.
I celebrate my determination and resolve that sent me on a mission in search of #ABetterLife I celebrate my courage, dedication, compassion, and the positive impact I strive to create as I journey across Africa.
Quick Tip; As you settle down to work on your Half Year Review, remember to celebrate all your wins big and small and try not to dwell on the not so good experiences , simply learn and keep moving forward.