Kakou is an engineering social enterprise based in Chesterfield who design ‘tech for good’. The organisation creates technologies that support and empower the masses. The word “Kakou” is Hawaiian for their value of inclusiveness. It means “all of us” and “we are in this together.” They received Feeling Connected Funding to support a number of projects to connect people and reduce isolation.
Ann Fomukong-Boden, Co-Founder and Director, said: “Over the past year, through our community programme SocialFuse, we produced free online music, art and wellbeing sessions to help people connect and reduce isolation, whilst also teaching new digital connectivity skills.
“We were delighted to be chosen as a recipient of Feeling Connected funding as the grant has enabled us to continue providing our free activities within the community.
“We are currently running Re-Start Art for mental wellbeing workshops online led by the wonderful Lucie Maycock, and soon we will be resuming our Fusion Music sessions featuring singing, instrument learning and British Sign Language sign-singing.
“Being part of the Feeling Connected project has also enabled collaborative projects with other organisations, maximising the usage of the grant. We have been working with the Derbyshire Education Business Partnership on their Let’s Get Creative project, from which the outcomes will be featured within the Don Catchment Rivers Trust “Hidden Heritage Secret Streams” project and Chesterfield Borough Council’s “Best Foot Forward” campaign.”