IDEA MAGAZINE September-November 2015 | Page 5

Word from the People Behind the Scene ... John Munyui Co-Founder & Executive Director IDEA Diaspora Magazine Currently there is no consistent medium for disseminating Diaspora information to African countries in a way that engages talented minds into opportunities that could help exploit their potential leading to productive ventures and innovation. There has been an increased concern for brain drain with minimal support, that is; benefits flowing back to African countries from educated Africans in the diaspora. The only evident support has been in the form of diaspora remittances which is not sufficient if the intent is boosting the economies of African countries. There is also scarcity of rich information on development as the local newspapers and magazines rarely publish stories that can stimulate innovation, entrepreneurship and various aspects of development among the youth in Kenya, and at the same time recognize the input that can be offered by Kenyans living in Diaspora. That is why my partners and I have co-founded IDEA Diaspora Network, and have consequently developed the first product; IDEA Diaspora Magazine as a platform that the African Diaspora will be using to Inform Develop and Empower African youth population, starting with Kenya. The IDEA Diaspora magazine is a pillar of a bigger concept that will inform, develop and empower African countries with the power of ideas. It's a first stride to inform young minds to dream outside boundaries. As we bring together Africans in the diaspora to stand with their countries, we strive to build our African communities. The exposure that this network has, is sufficient to open doors to High school students, University students and African communities as whole, to greater imagination. This is a call to my brothers and sisters living in the diaspora to share ideas and create opportunities to develop our countries with the information and knowledge we have gained. Thank you Rexx Sitti Co-Founder & Director of Finance and Compliance IDEA Diaspora Magazine