By Charles Igwe
The Annual Leaders Symposium held at Mangu High School in Nairobi became a pivotal moment for over 3,000 student leaders in Catholic-sponsored schools, emphasizing the profound importance of upholding Christian values in their leadership roles. Archbishop Philip Subira Anyolo, the Local Ordinary of Nairobi Archdiocese, delivered a compelling message during the January 27 event, encouraging the young leaders to embrace lives of virtue and serve as role models for their peers.
The Archbishop highlighted the transformative potential of Christian leadership, urging the student leaders to integrate Gospel values into their decision-making processes. He emphasized the responsibility they carry as role models and cautioned against any form of mistreatment towards those under their leadership. The Archbishop’s message resonated with the need for these student leaders to be unwavering in their commitment to Christian faith and to serve as beacons of positive influence.
In his homily, Archbishop Anyolo underscored the profound impact that Christian leadership could have on shaping the moral character of the students. He called on them to stand firm for Christian principles, emphasizing that a lack of conviction could lead to moral compromise. By being consecrated in truth, the student leaders were encouraged to become effective leaders, not only in their schools but also in their future professional lives.
Titus Wairate, a keynote speaker at the event, added another layer to the message, framing the leadership roles of these students as a divine calling. He highlighted that their leadership skills were bestowed upon them by God, urging them to view their positions as opportunities to serve the divine purpose. Wairate emphasized the importance of actively living a Christian life, as it would serve as a powerful testimony and inspire others to follow suit.
The overarching theme of the symposium was to instill a sense of responsibility and purpose among student leaders. The call to be agents of the good news, coupled with the emphasis on Christian virtues, aimed to mold these young leaders into influencers who would positively impact their schools and communities. The event sought to empower these students to embrace their roles with a deep sense of purpose, grounded in Christian values.
