February 17th 2024, marks 13 years of Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa (ELF-Africa)-13 years of investing in the next generation of ethical, values-driven leaders who are shaping Africa’s present and future.
At ELF-Africa, our foundation is anchored on unwavering values: love, trust, courage, compassion, well-being, excellence, dignity, and service to all. These values continue to guide us in nurturing and equipping young people to be leaders of integrity, impact, and transformation across communities, governance, academia, media, and beyond.
As we reflect on this journey, here are five key messages from the lessons we’ve learned:
1. A Personal Lesson: The Journey is the Destination
The greatest value in life is not just in achieving a goal but in who we become along the way. Purpose is not a destination—it is a journey of growth, refinement, and becoming. As John Maxwell says, “Success is not a destination; it is a journey.” Stay true to your purpose and allow the journey to shape you.
2. An Organizational Lesson: Keep the Core, the Core
Clarity of mission and vision is everything. Along the way, many distractions—some appealing and seemingly noble—will arise. But remember to keep the main thing, the main thing. Strategy can evolve, and people may change, but your core mission must remain unshaken. Strengthen your internal capacity, structures and processes to build sustainable, resilient, and transformative impact. As James Clear aptly put it, “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fail to the level of your systems.
3. A Message to Young People: You Are the Change
To the young people of Kenya and Africa: You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today and partners of tomorrow. The change you desire begins with you. Elevate your awareness and understanding to meet the demands of your generation. You have all it takes to lead change in your communities, nations, and beyond. You’re already doing it; keep at it. We celebrate you.
4. A Message to Society: Invest in Young People–It’s Not an Option
The time to invest in the next generation is now. As a society, we must move beyond seeing young people as mere statistics or liabilities—they are Africa’s greatest asset. Investing in them isn’t charity; it’s a necessity for a prosperous future. Failing to do so is choosing crisis. Let us shift our narratives and systems to meaningfully engage and empower young people.
5. A Message to Africans: We Are Our Own Rescue
Africa, we are a beautiful, powerful, and intelligent people. We must shift our mindset and recognize that our greatest resource—our people—holds the solutions to our challenges. African governments must refocus on tapping into this resource to drive growth and development from within. This requires foresight, sound leadership, data-driven decisions, and citizen-centered policies with dignity at the core. African leaders, the time is now.
Finally, as we celebrate this milestone, we honor and appreciate every young person, partner, supporter, and champion who has walked this journey with us. The work continues, and the vision remains clear: to contribute towards a just and dignified society anchored on values-based leadership and active, responsible citizenship.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Here’s to many more years of impact!
With gratitude,
Caren Wakoli.
Founder & Executive Director.
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