‘’The beginning of 2019 shaped my life in a particular and special way. I look back today and I am filled with gratitude and joy.’’ Says Wanjiru from Kenya, a former T4NA trainee and newly appointed at Mppu International Centre. Why 2019? That’s the time she started the Together for A New Africa (T4NA) program; a program she says has changed her life and opened doors for more service and growth:“There is no doubt that it is one of the most amazing programs I have ever been part of. It has changed my life!”
Wanjiru holds a bachelor degree in Information Technology and is a Masters of Business Administration (Strategic Management) student. She is a professional writer and speaker, a communication and branding strategist and a coach & consultant in those areas. She is also an author of the book The power of self – Love. Currently, she is working as a Communication & Linkages Officer in the Office of Career Services at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, a University in the central part of Kenya. During the pandemic period, she was the host of a conversation on Identity and Leadership on 10th June 2022, with T4NA Kenya, hosting Prof. Justus Mbae, former Vice Chancellor at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and Jackline Kinya, director of the Sprout Initiative. A needed conversation in a moment when Leadership was being put to test on so many levels.
She praises T4NA values, mission and vision: “The thing is, T4NA has not changed my life because I was new to leadership training and development programs. No! It changed my life because of what the program focuses on and the fact that as one goes through the program, they can see the values being taught in application right there; within the four walls of the training venue and the impact beyond that. The program advocates for love and unity. By sitting through sessions of Seeking Wisdom, the Common Good, Co – Leadership/ Governance, African Identity, the Ubuntu Philosophy, Competition vs Cooperation, Wicked Problems and Approaches, Collective Visioning and many more, I was challenged, inspired and encouraged to aim for and focus on things that really matter – humanity, fraternity, communion, love & unity and the common good. It’s now a commitment; more than ever. “
The commitment of Ms. Wanjiru Kaburu to the Movement of Policies and Politics for Unity (MPPU) today was born out of Together for a New Africa; T4NA led her to MPPU. She came to know about MPPU during her training as a T4NA participant, and decided later to become her way forward. She volunteered to be one of the 5 people representing the Regional Center of MPPU in East Africa and later, she was appointed, on 30th September, 2020 as a member of the International Center of MPPU for 3 years, together with Melchior Nsavyimana, coordinator of T4NA, representing Africa.
“MPPU advocates for politics for unity. Having always felt drawn to influencing action for transformation and having the conviction that politics can be done differently from what we may be used to in Africa and other parts of the world, I gained interest to know more about it and started taking part in bringing forth its presence in Africa and building an MPPU Youth Network. I believe the formation and molding I have received through T4NA will enable me, in true wisdom, to serve and be of influence on a larger scope” she adds.
When it comes to the second cycle of T4NA, Wanjiru says that it’s a pleasure and great honor to be involved; starting with the tutors’ formation where she was engaged in a conversation on Africa today and the Youth and facilitated a session on Communication and Media. “I’m happy to pay it forward,” she says.
You can get to know more about Wanjiru Kaburu on her personal website here.