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My Ignite Mentorship Program Testimony

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I am Jeffery Ferezy,Executive Director of Afrika Transition Hub and a proud member of the pioneering cohort of the Ignite Your Mentoring Passion Program. When I first joined the program, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But looking back, it has been one of the mosttransformative experiences in my journey as a mentor and leader.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging and supporting over 1,000 young professionals as they transition from college into the marketplace. The impact has been deeply fulfilling, reflected not only in their growth, but also in the powerful testimonials we continue to receive from those we serve. This level of impact would not have been possible without the foundation, structure, and mindset I gained through the Ignite Your Mentoring Passion Program [IYMP].

Today, we are leading initiatives that are shaping the future of work for young people across Africa. One of our current projects focuses on equipping and connecting 5,000 TVET graduates to opportunities within the construction and agriculture value chains especially within emerging sectors such as housing and agribusiness. A key focus of our work is empowering young women, particularly in construction a traditionally male-dominated field. We are intentional about ensuring that at least 70% of the young women we engage are successfully connected to these opportunities, creating pathways for inclusion and economic empowerment.

As we pursue our vision of impacting 1 million graduates across Africa by 2030, I remain deeply grateful to Dr. Mary Kamore for believing in me and walking this journey with me from the very beginning in 2022. Your guidance helped shape not just my path, but the lives of many young people we now
serve.

I can confidently say this: IYMP doesn’t just train mentors it transforms them. And through those mentors, countless lives are impacted. If you are considering joining Program, I encourage you to take that step. The investment you make in yourself will ripple into the lives of many others.

#Mentorshipjourney #Professionalgrowth #Igniteyourmentoringpassion

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Franscesca Mwai’s Testimony

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M_OliveS – Impacting Lives One Woman at a Time. 💜

We shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of the women in our mentorship programs. Their experiences show how guidance, skill-building, and strong networks can transform individual lives and ripple out to strengthen our entire M_OliveS Community.

Testimony – Franscesca Mwai :

“For the last three years, I have been enthusiastic to leverage on my START & IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS skills a discipline that M_OliveS Mentoring Consultants helped to upscale when they offered training to Business Mentors who had been contracted by Capital Strategies Kenya Ltd in cooperation with KCB Group a bank to train ans mentor youth for MSME ,2024_2025 program.

Besides, it has been through MoliveS that I have been able to integrate my counseling and mediation skills to offer therapy sessions to those within my reach through church programs ;for instance have been helping the vulnerable in the society at KAG CHURCH _NYERI

I am currently a COURT ANNEXED MEDIATOR, using the skills acquired at MOLIVES, Dr. Wairimu M Kamore to assist parties to solve their disputes amicably .

Through collaboration with other dispute resolution expert I am the lead trainer at FRANK FOUNT MEDIATION AND CONSULTANCIES where mentorship is addressed at both individual and group levels as need be .

Networking is one of the cherished values that MOLIVES has ignited in my endeavors and still ready to reap big as I keep abreast with the MOLIVES programs.

Long live MOLIVES MENTORS.”

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Coach Ann Gathegu’s Testimony

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Our women, our pride 💜#IWD2026 ##GiveToGain

This fine Wednesday, we recognize Coach Ann Gathegu – a woman whose journey reflects resilience, purpose, and transformation.

Testimony – Coach Ann Gathegu:

“When I joined the 7-week mentorship program at M_OliveS Mentoring Consultants , I was already walking a deeply personal journey of rebuilding my life after loss. I was a widow, a mother of three daughters, and a professional woman navigating grief while trying to remain strong for everyone around me. What I did not fully realize then was that I was standing at the edge of transformation.

The mentorship program did more than equip me with skills: it gave structure, language, and confidence to the purpose that had been quietly forming within me.

Through the GROW Model, I learned how to guide conversations with clarity and intention. It sharpened my ability to help widows move from emotional overwhelm to practical action.

Through Active Listening, I discovered the power of presence. Many widows do not need quick solutions; they need to feel seen, heard, and understood. The program deepened my ability to hold space without rushing healing.

Through Appreciative Inquiry, I shifted from focusing only on what was broken to helping women rediscover what still remains: their strength, resilience, skills, faith, and capacity to rebuild.

And through Emotional Intelligence, I learned to navigate not only my own grief triggers, but also the complex emotional landscapes of the women I now serve. I became more aware, more compassionate, and more intentional in my leadership.

These tools did not remain theory.

They became the foundation upon which I wrote my book, Grace in the Ashes, a deeply personal and practical guide for widows learning to rebuild their lives emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

In Grace in the Ashes, I combine my lived experience as a widow, my professional background as a Certified Public Accountant, and the coaching skills refined through the MoliveS mentorship program. The book walks widows through the seasons of devastation, desperation, exploration and ultimately creation, helping them move from survival to purpose.

Today, I use the very tools I learned to help widows:

• Clarify their goals

• Make sound financial decisions

• Process grief with emotional awareness

• Rediscover purpose after loss

The mentorship did not just shape my skillset, it strengthened my calling. Through grace, structure, and intentional guidance, I now help widows rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.”

M_OliveS – Impacting lives one woman at a time.

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Jemimah Muchai’s Testimony

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M_OliveS, Impacting Lives One Woman at a Time. 💜

We are still recognizing amazing women , today we celebrate Dr. Jemimah Muchai, Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Curriculum Studies at Machakos University.

Testimony – Dr. Jemimah Muchai:

“I completed a Mentors Training with M_Olives Mentors, (Cohort 9), where I developed practical and transformative skills in guiding and supporting students in my workplace.

Through this program , I gained a deeper understanding of the purpose of mentoring and the distinct roles of mentors and mentees in fostering growth and accountability. I was trained in applying the GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) to help students set meaningful goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them.

The training also strengthened my Emotional Intelligence and introduced me to Appreciative Inquiry, among others, enabling me to focus on students’ strengths and potential.

These skills have not only enhanced my personal and professional development, but they also enable me to effectively guide and support students in their university journey, assisting them in growing personally and academically, while preparing for their future careers as we walk alongside each other during their time at the university.”

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Sharon Ongera’s Testimony

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Our Youth Are Part of the Women We Celebrate. 💜

As we continue recognizing amazing women this week, we also celebrate the young women whose journeys are just beginning. Today, we recognize Sharon Mwangi, a Counselling Psychologist who is using mentorship to nurture confidence, identity and purpose among young girls.

Testimony – Sharon Mwangi, Counselling Psychologist:

“When I joined the Molives Mentorship Program, I was searching for practical ways to better support children and teenagers beyond the counselling space. I have always been passionate about walking alongside young people as they navigate life’s challenges, and I believed that mentorship could beautifully complement the counselling skills I already had.

Through the program, I discovered that mentorship is not about giving all the answers, it is about offering guidance, encouragement, and support that empowers mentees to find direction for themselves. I learned that a mentor’s role is to help young people unlock their potential, think through their challenges, and develop meaningful strategies that move them closer to their goals.

Today, I have the privilege of facilitating a mentorship program for young girls aged 11–12 years, where we create safe and meaningful spaces to talk about identity, self-worth, confidence, healthy friendships and many more topics. Seeing these girls open up, learn, and grow reminds me why mentorship matters so much.

I am deeply grateful for the skills and insights I gained through the Molives Mentorship Program.”

M_OliveS – Impacting lives one woman at a time.

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Elizabeth Nyutu’s Testimony

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Cohort 10 Finalist Spotlight – Elizabeth Nyutu 🌟

“My Experience at the program.

This was a great experience to say the least. Dr Mary handled it with grace and was very inspiring. The journey was great and created a perfect balance since it was during the busiest times of the year for me though i made the most out of the sessions. The program helped me learn a lot about myself because every skill shared i used it as a self analysis tool in order to also better my own understanding of myself. The program helped with understanding not only my mentees areas of improvement but also my own. The skills learned especially the understanding of emotional intelligence encouraged me to be better in my leadership at my business, increased problem solving techniques and i became excellent at communication and it encouraged me to

After completing this program i am looking forward to build stronger relationships at my place of work and to become a way better leader and mentor. The continuation of being with my mentee will also help me be able to learn through the sessions and become good at guidance in my future sessions with others. I always strive to make a positive impact in the society and as i embark on a journey to guide young high school girls through their trials and hard days i will continue to improve my abilities beyond the program. This program has also given me the ability and will to be a great CEO and continue to inspire young people through my work and community service. I would highly recommend this program for it is valuable and it builds skills, confidence and getting to hear the mindset of others in the program helps in learning from the experience fully.”

— Elizabeth Nyutu

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Emily Hinga’s Testimony

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She Spoke My Name

As I sat to write this piece on my mentorship journey, the the stories of two women, Esther and Ruth, came to mind. I know you probably know an Esther or a Ruth somewhere, but I am speaking of the women in Scripture. Mordecai helped Esther recognize an opportunity she may not have fully seen on her own, reminding her that she had come into her position “for such a time as this.” Naomi gently guided Ruth, encouraging her to step forward and speak to Boaz, positioning her for a future she could not yet imagine. Their stories remind me that sometimes, and perhaps all the time, destiny is unlocked through guidance.

Every woman (and man) needs someone who speaks their name in rooms they may never enter alone; someone who has walked the path before them, who can offer wisdom, perspective, and steady reassurance along the journey. In many ways, this reflects my own path through motherhood and my career.

Years ago, someone spoke my name to a person who would later become my mentor. Through M_OliveS, I was connected to a guide who walked alongside me in a season that quietly reshaped my future. The relationship we built shifted the trajectory of my life both personally and professionally. It gave me clarity when I felt uncertain, confidence when I doubted myself and courage to grow beyond my comfort zone. Life did not suddenly become easier, but the weight of decision-making became lighter because I was no longer navigating alone.

Years later, my guide and mentor spoke my name in a room I may not have entered alone and to a person who also became an additional guide. Over time, I have encountered mentors who walked with me for a season and others who continue to shape my path. One of the greatest privileges of this journey has been witnessing the ripple effect of mentorship and seeing its impact on others’ personal and professional growth, including in my day-to-day work at Capital Strategies Kenya Ltd, where I have had the opportunity  to oversee and support the design, delivery and implementation of mentorship programmes. I have also been privileged to mentor others in return, paying forward what was once generously given to me, while continuing to refine my own mentorship skills through the M_OliveS Mentoring Program.

So, to the woman stepping into motherhood, building her career, or turning a new page: your journey can be lighter and more intentional with a mentor by your side. And to the woman who now feels grounded and established, this is your moment to reach back and walk alongside another. This is how we rise, by holding the next person’s hand and by allowing ourselves to be held.

Happy International Women’s Day.

With love,

A Mentored Woman

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YOU HAVE HIGH LEVEL OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE(EQ)

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“Congratulations! You have high emotional intelligence. This is good news! EQ counts for twice as much as IQ and technical skills combined in determining who will be a star performer. Your level of EQ likely has been and will be a driver of your high performance under pressure for years to come”

These were my results when I recently did an online Emotional Intelligence (EQ) test. But it has not always been like this. I remember the first time I did the test I scored low-mid range EQ. However, being one who is interested in developing others I cannot afford to take lightly my EQ. I, therefore, took some steps towards improving my EQ. The first thing I did was to increase my self-awareness i.e. giving attention to how my thoughts and my feelings are related. For example, I observed that it makes me sad when my values are compromised. Next I learned how to label my feelings and their root emotions; being able to pinpoint what I feel and establish which emotion initiated that feeling. This includes paying attention to how often I experience the feeling/emotion. For instance feeling sad because my values have been compromised does not necessarily mean I am bored. This was followed by seeking to understand what triggers certain emotions; is it because certain values were not honored or is it due to unmet expectations? This helped me to reduce the threshold of my triggers, for instance reviewing my expectations or setting boundaries. As a result I was able to reduce on my impulse responses and decrease my later regrets. I also discovered that talking about or doing something about my feelings is very healthy. On the other hand bottling these feelings is unhealthy. I have learned to use my voice in a healthy assertive way to protect my values, beliefs, wants and needs while remaining respectful and positive. Most importantly and what I would refer to as the icing on the cake is learning to regulate my emotional responses and allowing myself time to choose among alternative options. To mention just a few, what has worked for me here include; pausing before responding, exploring different options, distracting myself with something more pleasant, e.g a hobby, and asking for help. I have learned to appreciate that it is ok not to know and asking for help is not a weakness.

One of observation I have made over time is that the higher one’s level of emotional intelligence (EQ) the closer they are to living life to their full potential. As William James said: “I have no doubt whatsoever that most people live, whether physically, intellectually, or morally, in a very restricted circle of their potential being…We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon, of which we do not dream.”

Reflection

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls-Prov 25:28

 

Mary Kamore is the Lead Consultant M_OliveS Mentors

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QUESTIONING & LISTENING SKILLS

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In my mentoring experience I have found myself in a situation where the mentee wants to talk to me about a difficult or an uncomfortable issue. In such a situation questioning plays an important role in helping to encourage the mentee to reflect back over the situation and think about potential resolutions or behavior changes. Effective questioning though important in many aspects of our lives is of a particular significance when it comes to your role as a mentor. Being able to ask the right questions at the right time and in the right way will help you and your mentee talk about what’s going on and help you in guiding a conversation in the direction that’s required. If you ask the wrong questions, you’ll probably get the wrong answer, or at least not quite what you’re hoping for! Appropriate questions can trigger reasoning, creativity and other higher level thinking skills.

I have also learned that when you ask questions it is important to try not to ask more than one question at a time so that the other person has time to respond to it. Furthermore if you make it a habit to ask question in every conversation you improve your listening skills. Active listening like questioning is another core skill for being an effective mentor. Active listening is a technique where you completely concentrate on what is being said and observe non-verbal cues like body language. You listen with all your senses without being judgmental. Some active listening techniques include; maintaining good eye contact, being fully present, asking open ended questions, reflecting what you hear, being patient and paying attention to non-verbal cues.

I fully agree with M. Scott Peck “You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time”. Would you, then, make a choice to be intentional in developing your questioning and listening skills?

Reflection
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

Mary Kamore is the Lead Consultant M_OliveS Mentors[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The GROW Model; I USE IT ON SELF BEFORE USING IT ON OTHERS

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  • Goal.
  • Current Reality.
  • Options (or Obstacles).
  • Will (or Way Forward).

A good way of thinking about the GROW Model is to think about how you’d plan a journey. First, you decide where you are going (the Goal), and establish where you currently are (your current Reality). You then explore various routes (the Options) to your destination. In the final step, establishing the Will (Wayforward), you ensure that you’re committed to making the journey, and are prepared for the obstacles that you could meet on the way.

I have learned that one great way to practice GROW is by addressing my own challenges and issues. First I identify an issue that I am struggling with or something I am not very happy about and would want to change. I then take myself through the GROW model. What is my Goal?; How will I know the problem has been solved? I can’t reach my goal, though, without considering where I am now. Hence, the next thing to consider is my Reality; what is happening now? Next I will explore all the possible Options for reaching my goal; What can I do? What else can I do? Having examined the current reality and explored possible options, I now have a good idea of how I can achieve my goal. However, much as this is great it is not enough and I need to get into the final step which is to commit to a specific action or actions. Only then can I move forward towards my goal. I need to ask myself what will I do next and when? How do I review progress and who will hold me accountable?

By practicing on my own and getting myself “unstuck,” I learn how to ask myself the most helpful questions. These are the questions I write down as prompts for future mentoring sessions.

Reflection

“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” – Proverbs 1:5

Mary Kamore is the Lead Consultant M_OliveS Mentors [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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