My Time in Africa
With Kelechi Anuna
This October, I was privileged to visit some of our leaders who are investing in their communities through education, agriculture, and holistic formation.
One moment that truly encapsulated what it means to fuel Africa’s future leaders happened at the New Dawn Educational Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Run by an incredible leader named Mrs. Irene and her daughter Tabitha, the school is a beacon of hope for children from the nearby slums. What struck me most was seeing how these kids are encouraged not to be defined by where they come from, but to use their experiences as fuel to better themselves and their futures.
At New Dawn, I saw firsthand how they’re focusing on education in a way that’s truly transformative. They’re diving into STEM, computer science, languages, and even sports - and you can see the pride in the students’ eyes. I spoke with some of the older students - those in their final year - and their dreams of going on to university and changing their families’ circumstances really brought home the impact. In that moment, it was clear that we’re not just running projects; we’re helping raise a generation of leaders who are ready to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
When I was in Uganda, I met Geoffrey Ocan, who leads Common Ground African Leadership. What really stood out to me was how they’re using something as tangible as coffee farming to reshape the community’s future. Instead of seeing people as recipients of aid, they’re empowering them to become entrepreneurs.
This shift in perspective is profound. Geoffrey and his team aren’t just teaching Bible classes and offering community engagement through faith; they’re literally planting seeds of self-sufficiency. By growing acres of coffee, the community members are transforming from being dependent on outside help to building businesses that will sustain them for years to come.
Visiting the various programs partnered with African Leadership, from New Dawn Educational Center in Kenya to the initiatives in Gulu and Adjumani, Uganda, truly deepened my understanding of what we’re investing in. It’s not just about building things people don’t need; it’s about truly investing in their lives and futures.
For example, seeing the impact firsthand in Kenya, where we’re supporting children’s education and sports, showed how we’re helping shape these kids’ futures in a meaningful way. In Uganda, meeting people like Jennifer, who works with children overcoming trauma, showed that our support is helping these kids heal and realize they can have a hopeful future.
In other words, it’s a real redefinition of what it means to help Africa. It’s not just about providing immediate relief; it’s about walking alongside people so they can create something lasting. Their drive and vision challenge the old narratives and show that investing in local leadership and sustainable businesses is the real key to long-term transformation.
Visiting the various programs partnered with African Leadership - from New Dawn Educational Center in Kenya to the initiatives in Gulu and Adjumani, Uganda - truly deepened my understanding of what we’re investing in. It’s not just about building things people don’t need; it’s about truly investing in their lives and futures.
In Kenya, I saw how our support in education and sports is shaping the next generation with confidence and purpose. In Uganda, I met Jennifer, who works with children overcoming trauma, helping them heal and rediscover hope. Even in places like Olia Prison, I witnessed transformation reaching into every corner of the community. Each encounter reminded me that this work is about long-term, life-changing impact, the kind that ripples outward through generations.
That’s what it truly means to fuel Africa’s leaders. It’s not just about funding projects; it’s about empowering people with the vision and capacity to create lasting change. Your support makes that possible. Every gift you give becomes a catalyst - allowing local leaders to act now, meet urgent needs, and build something that will endure.
Because when we invest in people, we invest in progress. And when we choose to walk alongside Africa’s leaders,
we help light the path toward a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Everywhere I went, I saw commitment on both sides. The local leaders are deeply dedicated - on the ground every day, driving initiatives they believe in and understand because these are their own communities. And from our African Leadership team’s side, that commitment shows up in how we walk alongside them, investing time, resources, and ongoing support to help shape a sustainable future together.
