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The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) hosted a dynamic Leadership Mind Training Forum at its headquarters in Nairobi,
The four day training targeted student leaders and volunteers from its Free Weekend Academy program of empowerment, mindset transformation, and leadership development.
A renowned global missionary and youth mentor, Rev. Pablo Shin delivered a keynote address in the forum which is part of IYF’s ongoing mission to nurture a generation of resilient and purpose-driven youth
Rev Shin lectured the youth on “Mindset Change as the Foundation for National Development,” challenging young leaders to cultivate inner strength, clear vision, and a heart of service.
“True leadership begins when young people learn to overcome themselves. The change Kenya’s youth need will come not only from policies, but from changed hearts,” Rev. Shin said.
Representing the government, the Director of Youth Social Development at the State Department for Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Emily Maina emphasized the ministry’s continued support for youth-focused initiatives like those championed by IYF, commending the IYF in changing the mindset of the young people.
“What IYF is doing is giving empowerment to the young ones and these young people the moment they get the training and skills are able to get jobs. This is what we think is most important for our country because we are working together.” Ms. Maina stated.
The forum builds on IYF’s successful model of holistic youth development, offering young people access to mentorship, soft skills training, and character education during weekends—free of charge.
The program has seen increasing enrollment as Kenyan youth seek meaningful spaces for personal growth and purpose discovery. Rev. Shin, whose experience spans over 30 years across more than 40 countries, highlighted the need for mindset education to be mainstream, especially in countries where youth feel economically and emotionally sidelined.
Dr. Maina lauded the government for appointing the youngest Principal Secretary (PS) Fikirini Jackobs Katoi Kahindi State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy to head the youth department highlighting it as a show of confidence by the government in young people to lead.