Looking down at Mount Kilimanjaro, I could stop smiling at how tiny it appeared to be. I whispered a short thanksgiving prayer to God for this great opportunity offered by the UONGOZI Institute based in Tanzania. I could tell that Cynthia Nduku Musembi and Peter Mungai Munene, also aboard KQ 484 heading to Dar es Salaam shared similar sentiments.

 

We were among the top five winners in the Leadership Essay Competition. The other two were Redemptor Benedict and Seuri Kuoko both from Tanzania and students at the University of Dar es Salaam. We were warmly welcomed at the UONGOZI Institute on Thursday 25^th July 2013 and given a short tour around the organization and a briefing on the award ceremony that would be held the next day on Friday.

 

We later settled at Heritage Motel, where we were to stay during the short visit in Dar es Salaam. Friday 26^th July 2013 started well. We were dressed for the occasion and headed to Serena Hotel where the function would be held. We were a bit anxious because we still did not know what positions each one of us was. The event was graced by the presence of Honorable Mizengo Pinda, Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania who was the guest of honor. There were many other government officials who had been invited.

 

Ms. Redemptor Benedict emerged as the overall winner of the essay competition, and was awarded a cash prize of 2,000USD. I was the first runners up and received a cash award of 1,000USD. Redemptor and I were privileged to read our essays at the forum. The second runner up (Mr. Peter Munene) received 500 USD, the third runner up (Ms. Cynthia Musembi) was awarded 300 USD and the fourth runner up (Mr. Seuri Kuoko) received 200 USD.

 

We were all interviewed by various Tanzania based local TV stations and newspapers. Later on we were invited for dinner (Iftar) at Serena grounds where we dined and networked with Professor Joseph Semboja the Chief Executive Officer for UONGOZI Institute, the Norway Ambassador, Brazilian Ambassador, representatives from the American embassy and other invited guests.

This was a great opportunity that was open to all East African young leaders aged between 18 and 25 years. It will be held annually and many more young people are encouraged to participate.

UONGOZI Institute is a great initiative that supports African leaders. To learn more about the organization, kindly visit their website:  www.uongozi.or.tz/?

 

Photo Caption: From left; Mr Seuri Kuoko (University of Dar es Salaam) Ms. Joan Gichomo (Strathmore University), Ms. Redemptor Benedict (University of Dar es Salaam), Ms. Cynthia Musembi (University of Nairobi) and Mr. Peter Munene (Graduate at University of Nairobi) 

 

 

Article by: Joan Gichomo

4^th year student BCOM, Strathmore University.