ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT MARKLINE ORWA, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.
University of Nairobi Upper Kabete | Nairobi, Kenya | Advancing SDG 2, SDG 3 & UNAI 9
" I am excited to be a Millennium Fellow because it provides a platform to amplify my passion for food innovation and community impact. Through the fellowship, I aim to drive sustainable solutions that address food security and health challenges, aligning with my commitment to SDG 2 and SDG 3. I believe that through innovation, we can create a healthier, more food-secure future for all. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Markline Research And Innovation Hub
The Markline Research and Innovation Hub is a community-driven initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable food innovations that address pressing issues of food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate resilience. The hub integrates research, creativity, and entrepreneurship to develop nutritious, affordable, and environmentally friendly food solutions aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Vision:
To be a leading center of excellence in food innovation, driving transformative solutions that ensure food security, promote good health, and foster sustainable development.
Mission:
To empower communities through innovative food solutions, research, and education, creating a sustainable future free of hunger and malnutrition.
Key Focus Areas:
Food Innovation and Development:
Creation of novel food products such as Kalmi (a millet-based product) and Tarchi (a tamarind chili product) that are nutrient-dense, affordable, and climate-friendly.
Leveraging underutilized grains and indigenous ingredients to diversify diets and improve food sustainability.
Research and Analysis:
Conducting studies on the nutritional composition, safety, and shelf-life of innovative food products.
Exploring modern food processing techniques to enhance product appeal, functionality, and market readiness.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building:
Organizing training programs and workshops on sustainable agricultural practices and food innovation.
Empowering local communities with knowledge and tools to embrace plant-based, nutrient-dense diets.
Policy and Advocacy:
Collaborating with policymakers to integrate underutilized grains and sustainable food solutions into mainstream food systems.
Advocating for policies that promote food security, equitable access to resources, and reduced food waste.
Current Projects:
Kalmi: A millet-based product focusing on improving nutrition, combating malnutrition, and enhancing climate resilience.
Tarchi: A versatile tamarind-based product used for making sauces and kombucha, offering unique flavors and health benefits.
Impact Goals:
Improve nutritional outcomes in communities by increasing access to affordable and healthy food products.
Foster sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the environmental impact of food production.
Drive grassroots innovation to create a ripple effect in achieving long-term food security.
Support economic empowerment through local production and entrepreneurship.
Alignment with SDGs:
The hub aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Combating hunger and malnutrition through sustainable food innovations.
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promoting health through nutrient-dense and safe food products.
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Advocating for reduced food waste and sustainable practices.
About the Millennium Fellow
Markline is a passionate food innovator from Eldoret, Kenya, currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics at the University of Nairobi. She leads the "Markline Research and Innovation Hub," focusing on projects that support SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-being). A creative entrepreneur, Markline earned recognition as a Smart Creative Innovator for her work on puffed millet rice during the Great Millet Quest. She has experience in nutrition, community outreach, and project leadership, and recently developed a tamarind-based product line called "Tarchi."
