Kulture aims to cultivate talent and reach goals

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Nineteen-year-old former Strathmore resident Rachael Mutesi recently started a movement to raise funds in supporting the development of talents and assist those in need of help to reach their goals.
Six months ago, Mutesi launched her initiative, Kulture, to financially support those in need. The concept stemmed from her upbringing in Rwanda, Africa where she often noticed talents diminishing among young adults who had no means to develop their abilities.
Mutesi attended Strathmore High School and is planning on attending the broadcasting program at Mount Royal University next year. Until then, Mutesi is pouring all her energy into Kulture to gain momentum and support locally before launching it in Africa in the future.
“I grew up seeing a lot of young adults upon completing high school … they sit home with their talents. And so I thought if I could give someone a little bit of a lift with their talents, if you can sew clothes, sing or play instruments, we’ll raise money and we’ll help you in that kind of way,” Mutesi said.
“Young talents are talented, they have new ideas and are passionate about things, so once they put their head to it, they’re going to work for it. I’ve seen a few of my friends who are into singing but don’t have the means to get them to where they want to go. That pushes me to want to help those who need help.”
Together with a few friends and supports, Kulture recently held a fundraising event to help an individual attending Mount Royal University next year. As the initiative was just launched, Mutesi said most of the events and fundraisers will take place next year and support one person annually. Furthermore, she’s also working on gaining non-profit status within the next two months.
“I never really knew what I wanted to do in university, but I saw something I was passionate about, which was Kulture, so I started doing it. We’re capable of more than we think and if we work on it, it’ll always work out as long as you put your energy into it,” she said. “I can relate to those kids in Africa, I know exactly what they’re going through; it’s very personal to me. I think it’s going to be big once we go to Africa, to those who actually do need help and are doing amazing things. I don’t necessarily think it’s a career, but it’s something I want to put my time into.”