Tag: Agent of Change

Home Tag: Agent of Change

Unveiling the Hidden Gem: My Life’s Purpose and Enduring Legacy

LEMP Team
Allow me to introduce myself—Charity Muthoni, a trained HR and accountant. Prior to joining the Living Effectively Mentorship Program (LEMP) during its tenth season, I was simply drifting through life without a clear sense of purpose. The concept of having a unique reason for my existence had never crossed my mind. However, my friend introduced me to LEMP, and little did I know that it would become a transformative experience that would shape my life forever. LEMP opened my eyes to a greater truth—the realisation that I am here on earth for a specific reason, and my time is limited. This profound understanding ignited a deep desire within me to live a life of impact and thrive in the knowledge that my time here is finite. One of the most impactful aspects of LEMP was its emphasis on legacy. I began to question what I wanted to be remembered for when my journey through life concludes. This newfound perspective reshaped my approach to everything. I no longer desired to merely exist; I yearned to make a meaningful difference. LEMP introduced me to the powerful SHAPE concept—an acronym representing Spiritual gifts, Heart desires, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. Through this framework, I was able to uncover my true purpose in life. Looking back, I now recognize that I have always possessed the gift of encouragement, even when I was unaware of it. LEMP shed light on this inherent talent, allowing me to understand myself on a deeper level. LEMP taught me the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to come knocking. I absorbed the empowering idea that I could be a business creator, not solely reliant on traditional employment. Fuelled by this mindset, I took a leap of faith and started my own baking business. Despite facing challenges such as limited capital and high expenses, I began with the resources I had. This newfound understanding liberated me, as I realised that I could generate income through my skills and the networks I built. The five profound questions posed by LEMP—"Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? What can I do? Where am I going?"—resonated deeply with me. These questions, presented in a simple yet thought-provoking manner, enabled me to delve into a deeper understanding of myself. The invaluable teachings and lessons I gained through the program played a significant role in shaping my current position in life. If I can offer any advice to those considering attending LEMP, it would be this: approach the program with an open mind and leave behind any preconceived notions. The wisdom and insights you gain from LEMP are unparalleled, rooted in biblical principles—a rarity in today's world. Additionally, LEMP welcomes individuals of all ages, making it a truly unique and inclusive program. To those aspiring to start their own businesses, I have one message for you: there will never be a perfect time to begin. Do not let capital constraints hinder your dreams. Start with what you have and let your passion propel you forward. LEMP has been a life-changing experience for me. It awakened my sense of purpose, revealed hidden talents, and inspired me to create a lasting legacy. My journey continues, fuelled by the invaluable knowledge I gained from LEMP. I encourage you to embrace your own unique path and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Remember, the perfect time to start is now. Written by Cecilia Nduta Mwakenya, LEMP Communications Associate.

My story of how LEMP changed my life

LEMP Team
This is the true story of my life...... My Name is Okwakau Melkizedeck. Four years ago after my Form Four, I thought that nothing is possible for me after KCSE results were out. I had a good grade, but not good enough to secure me a direct entry into the university. Our family is one of those that were deeply affected by the 2007-2008 post-election violence, and therefore getting to go to the university as a self-sponsored student was unthinkable. That time I never knew anyone who could just advice or encourage me about life and what really matters most in life. The first thing that always came into my mind was "mujengo" (casual construction work), which I did and earned a daily income of Kshs 300. It was not easy but I was trying to get something for myself. After struggling for some months as a "Mtu wa Mkono", I opted for working in a barber shop, then later on in a  Car Wash. By this time, my younger brother was in university and also trying to make his ends meet. Sometimes I used to think how my life will be when my brother will be driving. It made me decide to follow my brother to Nairobi so that at least we can learn the way of life together, eat together when we had and go hungry together when we lacked - all our lives we have been living side by side from early ages to date. The one thing God gave us is a strong Family bond, full of love. In Nairobi things were never much better, but at least when my brother left his books behind I used study them a little and gain some knowledge. That used to help me a lot. My brother sometimes used come with his different friends and at times we used to go together with him to his university. I made lots of friends and was exposed due to the interactions. That is when I  realized that when you stay with people with knowledge after some time you'll be like them; that is if you decide to be like them. Those friends made me learn a lot. With my brother, we always believed in a better future and therefore, staying motivated and being positive were our order of life. After some few months my brother introduced LEMP (Living Effectively Mentorship Program) into my life. At first I was not willing to join because I was always concerned about getting into university, without knowing I was ignoring a very important part of my life; and that my life needed something much more important - Mentorship. Of course he always insisted. At the time LEMP was running Season 5 and I only attended one class then disappeared. Days passed by then my cousin gave me Kshs 9000 to join KCA University to study Accountancy. My fee for the semester was Kshs 28000. I deferred because I had no one or anywhere to get and pay my balance. After five months I went back to the university and a month later I had nothing to pay for my fees then my in-law paid my fees, including for my KASNEB exams. I wanted to defer for the second time but my Brother-in-law paid the fees for me. I finished that semester and as usual the following semester was no much different, I had know one to pay my fees. I stayed In the house without any hope of going back to the university for a whole year without doing anything, I was really depressed. One day on Whats app I saw my brother advertising for LEMP Season 9. I decided just to go for a session because I was idle in the house and thought to myself that after all I had nothing to loose; that was when my life changed completely. I thank Douglas Waudo, our mentor who made me abide by to biblical teachings. Right from the first day, first class I felt that I needed more. I believe that this was God's timing in my life. After four classes I realized that the biggest problem I had was with my self-esteem, and that was what almost made me fail in life. Courage came from nowhere. Even before the 6th class I got a modeling job because of that courage from LEMP. In LEMP I realize my purpose and passion. I graduated from LEMP, and I am now living effectively without struggling with life like life before LEMP. Two weeks after graduating from LEMP, I got another job that pays well. Now I can pay my fees and save for my future. From LEMP I learnt that you "DON'T  WAIT FOR A CRISIS FOR YOU TO START SOMETHING, THE TIME TO START IS NOW". From then I always trust God to direct me in everything I do. I have learned not to wait for change to happen, but to make things happen. I appeal to all to join LEMP, where you will discover your purpose in life and get answers to life's most challenging questions. Okwakau Melkizedeck, LEMP Season 9 Alumni. 

Equipped to maximise my potential

LEMP Team
My name is Odede Ezekiel Oduor, a 5th-year student civil engineering at the University of Nairobi… what I learnt in LEMP is that in networking, it's about the people who know you, not the people you know. This has helped me a lot as I now strategically introduce myself, and engage more with big wigs in the industry when I meet them. Unlike before when I would simply say hi, exchange cards, and take selfies and that was all. Investing in myself Since I joined LEMP I am in the process of reading my second book. From the knowledge I have gained so far, I have managed to save and start an Mpesa business… I am still planning to open more of them. I have also learnt about habit - why we do what we do and how to change it. This has really helped me to realise that habits are just but a bunch of decisions we once made and therefore simply making a decision can also change the bad habits. Attending LEMP LEMP is really helping me answer life’s biggest questions: Who am I; What is my identity; Where did I come from, and What is my purpose in life. As a result, I have started reading and understanding the human manual (the Bible). I have also come to understand that I have a purpose on this earth, and I do have enormous hidden potential in me that I can tap into and reach my greatness. LEMP has helped me understand that this life is about other people and the legacy you leave behind is what matters a lot. I have also learned that my destiny is in my hands, for I am the CEO of my life. CV writing and looking for a job Through LEMP, I realised that one of the things that would make me stand out during job applications was how I present my CV. I have since revised my CV and packaged it to reflect my great wealth of knowledge, experience, skills and personal attributes, which I believe will now give me a competitive advantage in the job market. Odede Ezekiel Oduor, LEMP Season 7 Alumni

Equipped to be an agent of change

LEMP Team
"Joining LEMP is the best thing that happened to me the first quarter of this year. For years I have been longing to meet someone who could mentor me and guide me. It seemed my wishes were futile, until late last year when a friend told me about LEMP. After going through the brochure, I knew for sure that LEMP was a program I could not afford to miss. I wanted to know my purpose, maximise my God-given potential, live effectively on earth and become an agent of change in my family, to my buddies, church, society and nation. My sincere gratitude goes to LEMP fraternity for selflessly giving their time, resources and willingly choosing to share knowledge, experiences, ups and downs to ensure that young adults live a life of purpose, and avoid the mistakes of youthfulness. The nine LEMP modules were eye opening to me. From each module I learnt important lessons that I am using, and will continue to use as an effective agent of change. On spiritual development module, I learnt that I am a spiritual being; who is a spirit, that lives in a body and possesses a soul. The Spirit of God dwells in me, and whatever I do in my physical realm has spiritual consequences. My soul determines who I am. I have resolved to guard my mind because this where my self-dwells by constantly reading God’s word to saturate my heart and my mind because from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. My purpose is now clear and I am living it out in my own simple way, and this has brought fulfilment in my life. The Bible is my reference book, my manufacturer’s manual. From Personal Development module I now value expansion of one’s self-awareness, knowledge and improving personal skills. My energy is now refocused to better my strengths, and see to it that I deal with my weakness to be wholesome. I have enrolled for Tissue Culture training to improve my laboratory skills and read diverse range of books to expand my knowledge.  To explore my creative side, I joined a friend who does face painting for kids. I now set goals to motivate myself and turn my vision into reality. Professional Development is very core in the competitive job market, and thus I am working to ensure that my knowledge, skills and experiences meet the job market demand to improve my chances of employment. I am looking forward to go for attachment in one of the research institutes, where I have already applied for. I now know how to write a presentable cover letter and CV, and how to negotiate for a competitive salary. I understand qualities that employers value and the necessary skills that I need in order to be hired. I believe I will have a successful interview when I will be looking for employment in the near future, because I will be too equipped to be ignored. Networking was something I didn’t value that much. However, I have resolved to connect with my lecturers for they have vast knowledge and experiences that is essential in my career development. I have learned to keep positive people in my network, and expand the circle of my network using every opportunity I get when I meet people in scope with my career. I will ensure I am known by them not just knowing them. Furthermore, I have learned to use social media as a resourceful platform to brand myself professionally. It is always everyone’s desire to be financially independent. Budgeting my money and time are the core values I also adopted from LEMP. Currently, I am saving up for my furnishing business that I plan to start during the long holiday.  My health is my wealth, for without good health my wealth is useless and my purpose won’t be accomplished. I am reading articles on good nutrition and exercise. I am planning to have a weekly program of exercising. I have resolved to take care of my body for it is the vehicle to fulfilling my purpose on earth. After the module on Leadership Development I took an evaluation of myself as a leader and an agent of change. This made me desire to be a transformational leader like Jesus Christ, who was principled-centred, with strong character and integrity, and above all, spiritually founded. I desire to be a wise leader who will lead by example as I direct and guide others towards achievement of set objectives. I have also resolved that books on good leadership will be part of my library too. I am planning to nurture those behind me with reference to 2 Timothy 2:2.  I believe with these skills and knowledge, I am fully equipped to be an agent of change with felt impact on my generation through the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit." Loice Mukami Kariuki, LEMP Season 6 Alumni and student at the University of Nairobi.

How I was transformed by LEMP

LEMP Team
"For lack of better words, LEMP to me has been awesome and deep. It has really impacted my life. All the modules were helpful. They were eye-openers and really challenged me to question how I live my life. I will just share my take outs from each module: Spiritual Development: God created us for a purpose and our lives begin when we discover why we were created. I now understand well what being created in the image and likeness of God means. I am now certain of my purpose on earth, which is teaching the word of God. I still don't know how I will do it though I have decided to start within my circles. However, I am now taking classes on christian disciplines, doctrines and apologetics at Pathway Institute (in Mamlaka Hill Chapel) in order to prepare for the task. Its my hope and prayer that God will continue using me for the advancement of His Kingdom. Financial Development: If the picture of your future is not clear, you are not living. We all want to achieve financial stability but that alone is not enough if we do not take actions. That's the reality that hit me hard in the face and I decided to have a clear picture of my future. I always told myself that the best time to invest is yet to come only to be told that it was 10 years ago. For a start, I have opened an M-pesa and a photocopy shop in Machakos University. It is now operational and I want to add more machines (computers and printers) so that it will be a fully equipped cyber cafe come May this year. From this one step, my entrepreneurial journey has started and I won't stop until I have more chains of business.  Personal Development: I didn't know much about personal development before I joined LEMP. I am now working on how to activate my dormant strength. I have also added a new skill. I enrolled for a driving school and I will be completing my test next week. Professional Development: One of the most educative classes. I used to send the same cover letter and CV for every job application. You can guess well: I was never called for interviews. I have now learned on how to check for details in the websites of hiring organisations, know the skills needed for the position and edit my CV and cover letter to match the position. I am now confident since I now know how to apply for a job and how to conduct myself during interviews. Networking Development: How could I know that there's something called online brand? I always knew that what happens in my private social media accounts is private. I learned that "internet never forgets' and that employers check the profiles of employees and prospective employees. I have updated all my accounts and I will now be careful on what what I post online. I realized that the people who I thought were in my network were not. I am the one who knows them but they have no idea who I am. Networking is not about who you know but who knows you. I have taken an initiative to get in contact with the people who I desire to be in my professional network and also create new networks. Physical Development:  "Without health, wealth is useless." That quote just explains everything. The class was very informative. I won't forget the effects of drugs in the body, the importance of water, exercise and good diet. I will apply the information for my own physical development and also advice others accordingly. GOD BLESS LEMP." Daniel Musili, LEMP Season 6 Alumni and Student at the University of Nairobi.

LEMP completely changed my life

LEMP Team
"LEMP has completely changed my life. I lack a better word for it, however, 360° turn around would do. My attitude, perceptions, beliefs, actions, thoughts, knowledge and understanding towards my life have changed since the first day of the program. Before the program I didn’t know my purpose in life, but now I do. Leadership, serving and encouraging others is why I am on earth. I have a better understanding of what the Manual (The Bible) talks about my mind, body and soul. The Manual is now my main reference point. I didn’t know how to package my CV but now I am well-equipped on how to package it; how to apply for jobs; to prepare myself for interviews; how to act and answer questions on the day of the interview, and finally when given the job what I should focus on before saying yes to the offer. I have a clear and better understanding on how to create networks, and how I will network with people I know. Keeping in mind it’s not who I know, but who knows me. On lifestyle and health, I have a better understanding on the various lifestyle diseases. For instance, diabetes, and that I should manage stress appropriately, exercise, eat a balanced diet and detoxify my body in order to have good health. My main problem about money was how to spend it and how to save and account for it appropriately. However, after the program, I now have a clear understanding on how to develop myself financially, how money works, how to keep money and how to grow it. Leadership, being my purpose in life, I intend to practice the leadership style JESUS used. This is servant and transformational leadership style. LEMP 360° has been an eye opener in my life, I have learned so much I didn’t know before." Lorine Kemunto Kangwana, student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya County, and LEMP Season 5 Alumni.

I got a job thanks to LEMP

LEMP Team
"It has been a few short months since I first had the LEMP experience. However, it has been one of my most interesting moments. Immediately I cleared my last paper in campus in December 2016, I attended an aptitude test that was administered by one of the leading local banks for its internship program. There were 2,105 applicants, and as l latter came to understand they only wanted 14 people. The lessons that I learnt in LEMP came in really handy through the 5-stage recruitment process, but the most crucial bit was during the interviews. On networking, I cheerfully interacted with one of the managers who was administering the test and he turned out to be the one of the guys that conducted my oral interview. I made sure I refreshed his memory. During the day of the interview, I inquired from one of the cleaners on the character traits of the interviewers to prepare adequately. Since I was aware that we were being watched, I started chatting with my fellow interviewees and we shared our expectations. I knew they wanted someone with leadership qualities. I responded to the questions using the names of the ones who asked, and maintained eye contact. Interestingly, the questions they asked are those taught in LEMP on employability training. I got the position, a chance which had a probability of 14/2105. I appreciate every valuable lesson that I got from the program and I wish LEMP God's blessings even as it impacts many more lives." Anaklet Koros, LEMP Alumni and a graduate from the University of Nairobi.

LEMP Alumni changing the world

admin
One of LEMP's best moments is to hear an alumni sharing their story of how the program not only changed their life, but how they are also changing other lives, and by extension the world around them. Well, such is the story that I am about to share. Its the story of Ngumbo Njoroge, an alumni of LEMP Season 2 (the chap in glasses in the picture above). I remember the first time I met Ngumbo on October 10, 2015 in our second class of LEMP Season 2. Apparently he had missed the first class because that is the day he was to commit suicide. He showed up in class looking lost, dejected and frustrated in life. Our first conversation will forever be engraved in my memory. He had hit rock bottom and was in the process of contemplating suicide. I have decided to give this program a chance. Its my last shot. I have nothing to live for at all, he spoke with finality. Fast forward to now, Ngumbo story makes me give glory to God for turning his life around. His is a story of hope, gratitude, and more importantly a story of how to live effectively on earth. Ngumbo sent us this email and we couldn't resist sharing. As you read it, remember this: We are all alive on this earth at this moment in history with a divine assignment - to make a difference in our society: Hello LEMP, Happy to inform you that we launched Gatanga Youth Mentorship Program on 19th February. In a conversation with Mr Douglas Waudo earlier this year, I had expressed intent to share some of the ideas I had picked from LEMP's Season 2 with other young people, for me that was through a mentorship program targeting high school and primary school students in my Gatanga constituency of Murang'a County. I shared the idea with friends and peers and so far the program has a team of 15 mentors. We had our first event at Jogoo Kimakia school on 19th February that was very successful and we are receiving positive feedback from the students, the administration and other stakeholders. It was the first of its kind in the school. Our vision is to roll out to other schools in the district. Our next event will be in March, this time in a primary school. Our goal is to share our experiences and knowledge to the younger generation to equip them to become agents of change in society. I am personally grateful to LEMP  for positively influencing me. I am positively influencing the world in the best way LEMP taught me. I may not change the whole world but through this program, I will change someone's world.  God bless LEMP. God bless Africa. Sincerely Ngumbo Njoroge- Agent of Change and LEMP Alumni.
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