First co-working space opened in Malindi

First co-working space opened in Malindi

After two years of operation in Malindi, Kilifi County, Elimu Resource Centre (ERC), a registered Canadian charitable organization, has opened the first co-working space in the Coastal Town.

Known as the Elimu e-hub, the co-working space seeks to support Malindi youths attain rightful skills after high school and will also serve as an entrepreneurship incubation centre.

The centre will also help Elimu generate funds for its projects, through renting out its semi-private cubicles and co-working tables on a daily or monthly basis.

In April, Nairobi Garage donated 10 tables to Elimu to help with the setup of the new Centre and also sold to them 20 additional desks for their use. Elimu is now working on marketing their co-working space to the business community of Malindi.

“My team and I learned a lot from our bench-marking tours at Nairobi Garage. We love the atmosphere here and we were thrilled to receive the gift of a set of the signature white tables for our space. We are very grateful for that generous donation,” added Nina.

The centre also plans to develop programs such as networking events and training seminars. Having moved to a much larger four-storey building with a private compound, the new ERC also offers a large bright conference hall on the top floor which can host over a hundred people either lecture-style or bistro setup. Perfect for gatherings and seminars.

In the meantime, Elimu is also seeking funding partners to help launch a new entrepreneurship incubation centre for youth. The program will include training and guidance in idea generation, concept validation, problem-solving, fund-raising, pitching and communications skills.

Participants will have access to the e-Hub for computers, internet, networking and mentorship from business clients. Youth will gain digital proficiency as well as opportunities to use digital technology in developing their business ideas.

In addition to Elimu Resource Centre and the e-Hub, the Elimu team also manages:

• Nyumbani Kwetu Sponsored Home for Children – A project to break the cycle of poverty in the lives of 15 children.

• Stay in School Project – Helping children at risk of dropping out, to stay in school.

• Heri Sewing Project – Which saves girls from early marriage and helps them start their own sewing business.

Elimu Resource Centre (ERC) was created to bridge gaps that many children in Malindi are experiencing at school—over-crowded classrooms, lack of desks and books, not enough teachers, as well as poor study environments at home.

At the Centre, students find bright conducive study spaces, the educational resources they need in digital and traditional formats, plus opportunities for leadership, volunteerism, community service and employment planning.

Since 2016, ERC has also served adult learners, teachers and business people with affordable work space and internet. In the previous facility, adults and young learners mingled in a single room. At the new location, a separate new fledgling co-working space has been established. Another first in Malindi, the Elimu e-Hub is situated inside Elimu Resource Centre, in an area separate from the student halls.

Want to work in a space full of creative and strong-willed entrepreneurs? Book a tour today at any of our co-working apaces and check out our amazing packages!