Theme: “Hope Does Not Disappoint”

From 18 to 21 August, the 3rd Youth Encounter of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Deanery was held at the outstation of St. John the Evangelist (Lobur Mission) in Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, Kibish. The event was guided by the inspiring theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint”.

6 parishes of the Deanery were invited to attend, but due to heavy rains, only four were able to make the journey. We were also delighted to welcome St. Joseph the Worker Parish from the Lake Deanery as a special guest.

Over the four days, young people came together in faith, fellowship and joy. We prayed the Rosary, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and shared meals as one community. The event featured a variety of sports including volleyball, basketball, football, and track events (100m, 200m, and 400m) for both girls and boys. The evenings were filled with music, dance and other lively entertainment, creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere.

A heartfelt “Thank you!” to all the parishes who participated to help make this encounter a true celebration of hope and unity.

Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA

Lobur Mission (Kenya)

When I recall our journey to Nyangatom, I don’t only remember the long distances covered but I remember the faces, laughter, prayers and the Spirit that accompanied us there. Leaving Muketuri, our hometown in the green highlands of Ethiopia, whose people are mainly-orthodox and work in agriculture and small businesses, we set out on a road-trip of more than 1,100 km, trusting that this was an opportunity for God to work in our hearts. The aim was to visit the MCSPA mission in Nyangatom, which lies in the far southwest, near the border with Kenya, and whose population is mainly pastoralist, a people proud of its cultural heritage.

When we arrived at Nyangatom, we were met by the youth from Kokuselei Mission, another MCSPA mission in the semi-desert area of Turkana County, Kenya. At first, we were strangers to each other from — Ethiopian, Turkana and Nyangatom — but it didn’t take long before a volleyball net, a few games and open conversations turned us into one family. Working side by side — painting, planting trees, clearing bushes, cleaning — we learned that service has no borders.

We had cultural nights which proved to be a window into each other’s worlds. The Kenyan team shared the richness of the Turkana tradition — their dresses, dances, stories and even the slaughtering of a goat in the traditional way. For many of us from Muketuri, it was a surprise and quite a shock, but it was also a moment to understand how food, tradition, and community are deeply connected in the Turkana culture. The next night was Ethiopia night — we cooked traditional dishes, dressed in our cultural clothes, danced and taught our friends the rhythms of our homeland. At those moments, we were not only displaying culture, rather we were sharing ourselves.

One of the most powerful moments was climbing the mission hill to place a cross for peace at the top. Standing there, praying in many languages for peace, hope and reconciliation, I felt the truth of our calling — that we are one Body, sent to bring light where it is most needed. That night, praying and singing with the community, I knew that this trip would leave a mark on all of us.

On the way back, the Brothers of St. John welcomed us at Addis Ababa. Their kindness, together with the Spiritan Missionaries who had received us earlier, reminded me that the missionary spirit is alive and strong in many hearts.

All this was made possible thanks to the dedication, effort and enthusiasm of three MCSPA missions: Kokuselei, Muketuri and Nyangatom. Working together for this encounter of our youth has been a sign of unity and a living prayer for peace in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan.

Tigist Mekonnen

MCSPA Apprentice,

I am a third-year commerce student at Strathmore University and a volunteer with the Community Service Centre. Recently, I joined a women’s promotion camp in Nariokotome Mission, collaborating with Strathmore Turkana Education Project and the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA).

Along the western shore of Lake Turkana, lies a humble but powerful movement that strings one bead at a time. My journey to Nariokotome introduced me to a group of extraordinary women whose resilience, creativity and spirit continues to inspire me long after my departure from Turkana.

These women are part of a beadwork project that empowers them to earn a sustainable income in a community where the odds are often stacked against them. They have neither had the opportunity to go to school nor a stable source of livelihood. Here the land is vast and bare, while access to the necessities like water and food is difficult. Rather than give up, these women have chosen to stand up.

Most of these women walk long distances each day to participate in the program. Some make a 3-hour journey on foot, driven not by obligation but by dedication. Despite the physical challenges, their positivity, work ethic and humility stand out. They sing as they work: their melodies weaving through the air with the same grace and rhythm as the beads through thread.

I had the joy of interacting with them closely, wearing their colourful shangas, dancing, laughing and joining them in song as they worked. Though we were separated by language, we were united in purpose and joy. The “raiya” women, i.e. those women who have never been to school, still call out with excitement to Teacher Jenny whenever they face a challenge, knowing that guidance and support are always available. Their eagerness to learn is unmatched.

Most of these women are fast learners, now creating up to three pieces a day. Over time, they have not only refined their skill but also gained the confidence to recognize the value of their craft.

This project, led by Lydia and Lenny and supported by Strathmore and it’s partners, is more than just beadwork. It is a lifeline, a source of identity and pride. The project leaders constantly remind the women that this is their office, and that they should approach it with the same pride and professionalism as at any workplace. The women take this to heart, cherishing the fact that they, too, have a job, a purpose and a place of belonging.

With the breathtaking view of Lake Turkana as backdrop, there truly was no better way that I could have spent my semester break. I got the impression that this is not just a community initiative; it is a transformational project weaving resilience and sisterhood among the women.

My experience there has been a testimony to the lengths that Turkana women will go to for a better life. I have witnessed the power of patience, hard work and belief. There is a beauty that blossoms when women are given the tools, not handouts; but skills to shape their own futures and I am grateful to have been a little part of it.

By Stacy Nyamwange,

BCom 3rd Year, Strathmore University, Nairobi

Prior preparations took place to ensure success at the 3rd Talent Show held at St Joseph Kokuselei Comprehensive School.

The whole Kokuselei community gathered to witness the great talent, gifts and skills demonstrated by the learners under the keen eyes of parents, teachers, visitors and missionaries from Kokuselei Mission (MCSPA) who have always supported the school in its developmental, academic, extra-curricular and pastoral activities.

It was enriching to see more deeply all that was showcased by these young people that day for it went beyond mere mimicking or showing, it reflected the effort, love and dedication put by each and every person who, in one way or another, has touched and positively contributed to the lives of these learners.

From cultural plays, modern dances and creative art exhibitions to scientific experiments, the steps taken to highlight growth, morals and professionalism were very evident. Themes on the ills of early marriages, the importance of education and upbringing, and the vital responsibility of parents were communicated with great enthusiasm; these left the audience with laughter and a deeper understanding of the power of these messages.

This Talent Show filled us with much admiration at the knowledge of the learners, the great work done by the teachers, mutual support of the parents, and the tireless efforts of the missionaries whose dream is to equip the youth with lifetime skills for better living and greater sustainability of the Turkana community.

With hearts full of gratitude, we give thanks to all who have been and still continue to be part of this journey, supporting the education of young people around the Kokuselei area.

Fridah Ejore,

MCSPA Apprentice,

Kokuselei Mission.