TEDxAmsterdam: Mark Kamau from TEDxAmsterdam on Vimeo.

This is such an inspirational story by Mark Kamau, a Kenyan who calls himself the “Slumdog Manager”. Born in the poverty of Kenya’s well-known slums, Kamau emerged as a web designer graduating from the NairoBits program. He attributes his success story to four principles:

He was:

• Respected
• Challenged
• Supported
• Given Responsibility

If we apply these same principles of dignity to “intelligent engagement” rather than the traditional concept of “aid”, we will be able to empower Africans to take control of their own destiny.

To promote the empowerment of Kenyan street youth, check out the amazing work being done by a former-street-kid-turned-entrepreneur, Wiclif Otieno and Kito International! Kito’s Maria Springer was just selected as an Unreasonable Fellow as well! Become a fan on Facebook and follow both @WiclifOtieno and @MariaSpringer on Twitter!