Bible Society of Kenya through the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) has embarked on empowering the youth in leadership matters. ABLI comes as a response to the growing demand by the Kenyan youth and Africa at large to be included in decision making spaces, by training and mentoring them to occupy positions of influence in the society. A group of 78 mentees graduated from the programme in a colourful event held on October 27th 2018 at the Kenya School of Government.
ABLI is a dynamic forum for change in the African society. It applies Biblical principles to empower and inspire leaders of all backgrounds to address specific challenges within their communities, as well as providing an opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas on a wide range of issues pertinent to African cultures.
The 2018 ABLI mentorship programme had participants from various backgrounds including universities, colleges, churches, professionals, government and non-governmental organizations. The participants who become BSK members were trained in Nairobi and Kisumu cohort classes for six months. Some of the topics covered included; self-awareness, governance, entrepreneurship, personal wellness, communication, public speaking, use of social media, leadership and integrity.
The speakers who mentored and inspired the youth came from various fields including entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, politics and religion. They were; Mrs. Teresia Njoroge, Mrs. Dianah Kamande a domestic violence survivor, Mr. Ephy Hunja Communication Consultant, Mr. Owen Mwatia Gospel artist, Dr. Girma Mohammed from American Bible Society.
The main topic covered during the conference was ‘role of Christians in the Market Place.’ Dr. Mohammed challenged the mentees to take the lead in making the work place a place for inspiring hope to others. “Do not wait for culture to be made so you can follow, participate in creating culture, embrace and own it.” He said. Another speaker Mr. Ephy Hunja noted that the result of a job well done is more work. He urged the youth to be consistent and master their jobs as that would open opportunities that they have never thought of as a result of the excellence displayed.
The General Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki spoke on Bible work and BSK programmes. She congratulated all the grandaunts on their achievement noting that they are to use the knowledge learnt to lead in their various capacities. She added that BSK is partnering with young leaders to develop a network of people who will bring change to society and the world as a whole. She encouraged the youth to own and read the Bible in their local languages as it helps in language preservation and enhancing our identity as Kenyans. She noted that the Deputy President Hon. William Ruto has begun an initiative to partner with Churches, Bible Society of Kenya and Bible Translation and Literacy to raise money towards translation of Bibles for communities in Kenya that don’t own Bibles in their local languages.
A day before the ABLI mentees graduation, the mentees exercised their leadership skills by planting trees at Kabunge in Lari, Kiambu County. The initiative was aimed at helping the youth in become good stewards of the environment. BSK will continue to engage and empower the youth so as to equip them to adequately face life challenges both now and in the future.
Some of the quotes by the keynote speakers
“Keep watering and nurturing your dream, let no one put you down. Always pick yourself up. “Caren Wakoli”
Are you pushing the boundaries? Are you resting before you are tired? Are you doing your bit? There’s a place for hardwork -Ephy Hunja
ABLI in Kenya aims at shaping leaders in their youth to transform organizations and leadership values in all spheres of society – Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki, General Secretary