Eve Sisters wow the boys

Standard Group’s Eve Sisters had their debut mission on Sunday February 26 in a boy’s school, Alliance High School. It was a day of inspiration and fun. NJOKI CHEGE was there.

Rarely do high school students get to see their favourite celebrities and inspirational role models gathered in their school to inspire and motivate them on one day.

But Alliance High School had this once in a lifetime opportunity last Sunday when Standard Group’s Eve Sisters teamed up with KTN, Radio Maisha and the Aspire crew for some quality time with the boys.

Njoki Karuoya, the Eve Sisters’ moderator, formally introduced the entire crew of Eve Woman, KTN, Radio Maisha, G-pange and the Aspire team that was led by Nyatichi Sitati and Stephanie Mwite.

Since it was Eve Sisters’ maiden mission to a boy’s school, Eve Sisters had with them inspirational, successful men from the corporate world and the entertainment industry.

Standard Group’s Executive Director in-charge Value and Innovation, Francis Munywoki, inspired the students by recounting the journey of his career. Schooled in two of the best universities in the world including London Business School, Munywoki began by informing the students that they are responsible for their own future.

"Life is a reflection of what you choose to do with your time. Take responsibility for your future because you are ultimately the master of your own destiny," Munywoki said.

Making a difference

He further encouraged the young men to create time to socialise in order to know the ways of the world and become street smart.

"Dare to dream, because if you can conceive it, you can achieve it. We all have that unique talent within us that we are supposed to use to make a difference in this life," Munywoki said.

KTN’s Mohammed Ali stirred excitement within the crowd when he took to the stage to give his insights on the topic of taking risks.

He challenged the boys to develop a culture of risk taking as this would result in gain.

He recounted the story of his life as an investigative journalist, revealing that he had to fight for his space in the newsroom by taking on a beat that had never been done well before — investigative reporting.

"I took the risk to be a crime reporter and later an investigative journalist, telling the untold stories and being the voice of the voiceless," Mohammed said.

He urged the students not to aspire to be like someone else in this world. They should be greater than that icon they emulate.

"There is risk in everything you want to do in life. Be the risk-taker and you will achieve greatness," Mohammed said.

He also revealed to the students, many of them his admirers, how his life is often punctuated with risks and challenges of being hunted down by corrupt people he exposes in his award-winning stories.

Also in attendance was Felix Oduor, popularly known as Jalang’o, a comedian, actor, media personality and shrewd businessman.

Resilience

Jalang’o recounted his days in Nyangoma Boys High School for Sons of African Gentlemen, a school located in a nondescript village in Bondo that had only four teachers.

However, in spite of the humble beginnings, resilience and persistence got him where he is today.

"You don’t have to have everything in life to achieve what you want. For me, it has been a journey of knowing exactly what I want and fighting for it until I got it," he said.

A graduate of theatre arts, Jalang’o has come from being paid with chips and chicken after performing at the theatre, to being one of the most highly sought after comedians in the country. He also owns a company, Arena Media, which has 16 employees currently.

"For me, life has been a series of opportunities that had to be grabbed to achieve what I have been able to achieve today," Jalang’o said.

Joseph Sitati, the commercial finance manager at Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Business Unit and an old boy of Alliance, inspired the students with words of wisdom.

He began his pep talk in a rather interesting manner, stating his ‘4151’ school number and his dorm number, 15A, which caused a stir among the boys who related to the numbers.

"You are the best of the best. Never forget that. But, you must realise that even that is not enough. You have to work hard to move from being good to being great," Sitati said.

He urged the students not to let the opportunity they have at Alliance slip by.

"Just because you are at Alliance doesn’t mean you will get to where to want. Alliance is the great enabler, the key to achieving what you want to achieve in life," he said.

KTN Sports anchor Sadique Shabban inspired the students to use their talents, gifts and unique abilities to achieve their dreams.

Opportunities

A comedian and an actor as well, Sadique is a well-rounded mentor, and he did not disappoint. Between cracking up the boys with his sporty jokes and comments, he shared his story as a young Kenyatta University student who discovered his emceeing and acting abilities by sheer accident.

"I believe you can be anything you want to be in this life, if you quit sitting on the talents you have not yet exploited and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way," Sadique said.

The event was not without its entertainment breaks as Kenya’s top comedians Eric Omondi and Jalango cracked up the crowd with their fresh and witty jokes.

Pulse Editor, Charles (CEO) Otieno, gave a refreshing talk to the boys about responsible entertainment. Quoting former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, CEO advised the boys on taking responsibility for their greatness.

"Sir Winston Churchill once said, "For every greatness, you must take responsibility". You must know exactly what you want, go for it, and when you achieve that greatness, be responsible," CEO said.

The event ended on a high note, with a hyped dancing competition between representatives of each class.

The two runners up (Form 2 rep and Form 3 rep) walked away with goodie bags from G-Pange and the winners (Form 1 rep and Form 4 rep) walked away with the latest book from Footprints Press, Life’s Journeys, worth Sh7,000.