Thank you NCCK, Thank You CFC
October 11, 2017
My name is Tecla Wanjeri, a CFC participant 2016/17.First, I would like to thank God for this wonderful chance that He has given me. Second, I would like to thank The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of Communication for Change (CFC). It has been an amazing year. I have had the chance to grow spiritually, mentally and physically.
I was told about the project by our FOCUS campus facilitator, Mr. Peter Kimeu. I applied and against all odds, I was selected.
After the preparatory course in Brackenhurst hotel in Limuru, I got to fully understand what the program was about. I must confess I initially thought it was a full time ministry kind of thing but later I got to understand what it entails.
In September we officially began working with the NCCK Nairobi region. Here, I got the chance to visit people in Huruma, Mathare and Mukuru in South B. It was wonderful chance interacting with different people from these areas. I was particularly moved by the challenges that they were facing. I look forward to working with them in various projects and campaigns.
In October, we left for NCCK North rift region in Eldoret. Here, I got a chance to work on other projects. The most memorable was traveling to Turkana County and speaking about Climate justice. It made me appreciate the things God has given me, which I often take for granted. It was encouraging to see the activities they were doing to improve living conditions in the community.
In November, we went to NCCK Western region. It was a great chance to see the hard work that NCCK was doing to unite people, call for peace and projects such as the Kaimosi hospital. This marked the end of our engagements in Kenya.
In January, we to traveled to Norway. It was my first time on a plane. I was very nervous and excited at the same time. I got a bit comfortable when my mother assured me that they were praying for my journey (I had seen too many movies about things that could go wrong during a flight). We arrived in Amsterdam and had to wait for a few hours for the next flight to Aalesund. We later got to Ulsteinvik, a small island where Sunmore Folkeskule is located. This was our home for the next 4 1/2 months. The first culture shock I got was that it was too cold and too dark. I was told that is winter. We had to dress up in many warm clothes. The second was that Norwegians are very calm and quiet people and they really love their personal space. It is a very beautiful country and very developed too. I was able to interact with different students from different parts of the world. I developed my communication and interactive skills. I overcame my stage fright. This is because we had various forums to prepare presentations before a huge groups of people. I learnt about Sustainable development goals and also the Millennium Development goals and how I can make an impact in the society. My favorite goal is number 3 about good health and wellbeing of every individual. I look forward to contribute towards this goal and even the others. I now have a global understanding of different issues. I enjoyed playing games such as card games and ball games. I also realized that I enjoy dancing and having fun. I met some amazing people who I can proudly call my friends. We organized a small fellowship session where we met in the chapel and prayed and lit candles. I tried playing in the snow and skiing, it was very hard in the beginning and I fell many times but eventually I was able to find balance (somehow).
After I came back in May, I got involved in advocacy. I have attended various forums such as Jiactivate a call by young people to good governance and accountability and color festival aimed at peace building among the youth. I have joined various youth groups both at local level and national level. They include Maestros leadership organization. We aim at achieving the SDGs, first by creating awareness and then acting on them directly. We also successfully registered our local youth group and we are currently engaging with our local political leaders to implement their manifestos and deliver what they promised to the community.
In July, arising from the connections and networks I made while in the Communication for Change Programme, I got a chance to travel to Tanzania. I volunteered at Ilula Orphanage center (also a partner in the communication for change programme). I was involved in various projects such as Young mothers’ project, garden project, school project and taking care of the girls at the center. This greatly challenged me to help people in my community and serve my people in the best way I can.
My time in the CFC program has been great. However, honestly, I have made some mistakes and wrong choices that I am not proud of. Nevertheless I have learnt from those mistakes and become a better person. After all, we learn as we live and we live as we learn.
I started out this programme very shy, timid and naive. It has enabled me to be a strong and independent young woman who is passionate about changing the world and making a lasting impact. I have become a better leader. I have learnt to be myself, unapologetically, and always be the light even when the curtains are shut. On my spiritual journey, I was convicted to rededicate my life to Christ on 1st February. I have learnt to submit wholly to God’s will for my life, to trust in the Lord more and more each day and to live right and be the salt and light of the world. I have set out on a path to be a model for kindness and grace and love and beauty all in one. I aspire to live as Maya Angelou often said ‘ Live as though life was created for you’
To everyone who has walked with me throughout this year, I will be eternally grateful. Only God can reward you. It has been a great honor to represent this wonderful organization. I am humbled by the many activities that the organization has initiated in different parts all aimed at a better Kenya. God bless you all.
TUSEN TAKK!! ( Norwegian Thank you very much)
