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2017 Annual Conference

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PATHWAYS LEADERSHIP FOR PROGRESS held its annual conference at the Olooseos Adventure  campsite in Ngong, Kenya from April 29 to April 30th, 2017. The program was run efficiently by fourth year scholar, Samuel Akolom.

We were graced by the presence of many of PATHWAYS alumni: Monicah Nyambura, Michael Murigi, Alphonce Oginga, Catherine Kabaire, Dr. Brian Kilonzi, and Dr. Shelly Okumu. Dr. Fred Otieno (mentor) led the initial group discussion of the scholars’ community projects, guiding the scholars to help one another through the benefit of their own experiences.  Many of the new community projects are focusing on education and mentorship of boys and especially girls. Table banking or microloans to start small businesses or to pay childrens’ school fees are part of many projects.

Thereafter, Monica Nyambura (alumnus) spoke on the topic of handling life challenges and alumnus Dr. Catherine Kabaire volunteered to organize a support group for the new scholars. Monicah, Catherine and the other alumni, Shelly Okumu, Alphonce Oginga, Michael Murigi, spoke about what PATHWAYS has meant to them in their careers.

Shelly explained, “PATHWAYS taught me valuable leadership skills, project management, timeliness as well as offering a source of friendships”.

The first day, Saturday, ended with team building exercises led by Samuel.

2016 Annual Conference

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DSCN0053 PATHWAYS LEADERSHIP FOR PROGRESS held its annual conference at the PEC Guest House in Ngong, Kenya from April 30 to May 1, 2016. The program was run by third year scholar Eric Lemungesi, who emphasized the need for group cohesion by discussing the proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together”. Among the speakers were Michael Murigi (alumnus) on the topic of leadership and integrity in Kenya and Joy Mbaabu on the importance of communication, especially in the way of expectations. Time was taken to discuss the importance of wellness, physical as well as mental, and even everyone participated in a short yoga class. Finally, as a fun exercise and to think about where their life path is headed, the scholars wrote what they think their epitaphs would be (see below).

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  1. Erick Baringo:“1994-2070.”Eric was a peace loving person who brought smiles to many. He will be highly remembered for many good things he has done. May his soul rest in eternal life”
  2. Marilyn Nyabuti: “Daktari always walked in the light. May she R. I. P…”
  3. Samuel Akolom:“Samuel fought for the rights of people…”
  4. Isaac Obago:“He achieved his goals. May he R. I. P….”
  5. Ascarnancy Bako:“Ascar was a joyful person who put a roof over the heads of many…”
  6. Catherine Kabaire:“BORN: 29.12.1991,SUNSET: …“You were a great leader, have treated many, you are irreplaceable. We love you but god loved you more
  7. Annastacia Nzuki:“A professor with a name i.e. mama Lucy…”
  8. Monicah Nyambura:“Here lies a woman who inspired many and gave her all to the community…”
  9. Justas Salach:“A great teacher of his time…”
  10. Brian Maluki:“Was a true leader who helped many to build destinies…”
  11. Shadrack Shitseswa:“Your body can be dead but millions of your big heart are alive…”

 

Emory MPH Students Return from Kenya

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11831793_10204904912558617_9211021155045291062_n_zpsspykijglAugust 2015 Megan Light and Nicole Janes carried out a community health worker training and assessment in conjunction with the Ministry of Health in Kajiado North Sub-County as part of their Emory University MPH practicum. They worked under the direction of PATHWAYS Vice-President in Kenya, Dr. Mbaabu Mathiu.  Pictured from left to right are Megan Light, Dr. Mathiu, His Wife Joy Mbaabu and Nicole Janes). Catherine Kaimenyi, the Student Coordinator of PATHWAYS Leadership for Progress remarked, “The students are so enthusiastic to learn new things and bonded with the scholars so well. This exchange emerged to be so exciting and we look forward to more of such.  I attended their training today and they are amazing trainers, very sociable and likable – they connected so well with the trainees.  I listened to the income generation activity training in particular which was very simplified to meet the needs of the learners.” It was very beneficial to have Megan and Nicole provide assistance to the Ministry of Health as well as interact with the PATHWAYS scholars.

Emory MPH Students Visit PATHWAYS Project

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from left Nicole, Eunita, Ckaimenyi, Catherine and MeganJuly 18, 2015 Scholar Coordinator and mentor, Catherine, Kaimenyi, led a project visit to PATHWAYS scholar Catherine Kabaire’s project in Nakuru.  They were accompanied by PATHWAYS scholar Eunita Akim and Emory University MPH students, Megan Light and Nicole Janes.
Catherine’s project has seventeen members.  The Chairlady of the group, Joyce, reported that Catherine Kabaire mobilized them to form this group in 2013.  This was welcomed because they were a stigmatized group due to their single status.  The local culture favors married adults.  The group has offered the young single persons social support, training on income generation and a sense that they  matter in the society.
Several quotes from the group members are listed below:
Lucy states,  “The table banking helped us to get money to start our small businesses. I sell eggs and chicken as a business. I use the money to buy other foodstuffs, this gives my family a balanced diet.”
Beatrice says, ” I sell charcoal using soft money from table banking.”
Ann reports that, “Table banking has helped me lease land where I plant vegetables for sale. I educate my children using this. We also have good food since 2013.”
Ann added, “With table banking, I started business of selling uji (Porridge and Madazi).
Benson, one of the few males in the group, told the visitors “I am like a marketing manager to the group.  I go selling the group liquid soap, antiseptics, bags to schools and other institutions.  We cannot meet the demand for soap. I also take the bags to functions where prominent people have meetings.  I used table banking money to buy a bicycle to use for transport.”
Catherine (PATHWAYS scholar) proudly declared, “Out of the project, I have become a leader, a mentor, a great organizer and mobilizer.”
The group had several questions to ask the two Emory MPH students, Nicole and Megan, as they do not often get the opportunity to visit with visitors from the U.S.  All questions were graciously answered.  All in all it was a  very successful project visit.