Nuha Anfaresi is the founder of AiKite, a social enterprise which improves access to clean water through the creation of the SandBank water filter. The water filter removes metal ions from polluted water found in the mining communities of Bangka, Indonesia. Since starting her fellowship, Nuha has focussed on improving her leadership and marketing skills to support her social enterprise to thrive. Continue reading below to learn more about Nuha's fellowship.
"How has the RISE Fellowship impacted your business?"
I have founded a small social enterprise in Indonesia and through taking part in the RISE Fellowship, we have been able to take big steps to reach our Indonesian market. I have received a lot of support and motivation to improve aspects of my social enterprise, including our marketing leadership strategy.
RISE mentors are undoubtedly experts in their field and I am really excited to be mentored by Kevan Lawlor - the former CEO of NSF International. All of the mentors have provided me with new perspectives which are beneficial for breaking into the Indonesian market.
"What is your biggest accomplishment so far?"
We have introduced our business to 2 big events with investors, the national government, the ministry of public work and important stakeholders in Indonesia. We are also currently organizing a WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) educational event in West Nusa Tenggara.
"What difference has AiKite made to the community?"
AiKite has increased the communities awareness of the importance of clean water, sanitation and hygiene for the community in Bangka, Indonesia. We also provide the community with solutions to contaminated water by enabling them to purchase the SandBank water filter.
"How has AiKite shaped the lives of its employees?"
Most of AiKite's employees are youth and women. We already have 50 young women who are trained and dedicated to increasing access to WASH solutions in Bangka. All of our employees are trained to become experts in a variety of fields including marketing and communications, human resources, finance and fundraising, research and development and monitoring and evaluation.
"If you could share one piece of advice what would it be?"
Work with passion, go forward and don’t quit. Because working with passion is the core of a job. If you love what you do, it will be easy to overcome challenges and you will feel like you don’t work at all.
