Once the program started, real life refused to pause. Virtual lessons happened side by side with cooking, babysitting, laundry, and sometimes a sneaky nap if the camera behaved. The funniest part came from people who forgot to mute their mics. Some of those background conversations were far more interesting than anything on the screen. No names will be mentioned.

Behind the jokes, we still had to keep up with the content. Andragogy sounded simple until we met it. Teaching adults is a whole journey. Adults come with opinions, habits, and busy schedules, and some walk into class sure they already know enough. The lessons pushed us to stay flexible and willing to try new methods. By the time we reached Module II, we had already settled into a team rhythm. The module carried the heaviest work, and there were moments when we looked at each other wondering if we really signed up for this, but somehow we kept going.

The group work added a fresh level of pressure. Doing assignments with people you had never met felt like a sport. You waited for replies on WhatsApp, chased after the one person who always responded late, and watched a few disappear when duties were being shared. Even so, we found a way to distribute the tasks, finish the presentations, and support each other when the deadlines rolled in.

In the middle of everything, one moment stood out for me. During the Module I physical sessions, I had an interview with Mr. Principal. He looked at me and said, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,” then shared parts of his own journey. His words settled in me like a compass. They shifted how I viewed leadership. Leadership is not about how old you are. It is about confidence, purpose, and a desire to serve. That message stayed with me through the rest of the program.

Those words made it easier to step into unfamiliar spaces. I trained in places I had never set foot in before. Some sessions stretched me, some humbled me, but every one of them added something to my growth. My mentor, Madam Daffinah Kendi, made that process easier. If mentorship were a sport, she would walk away with a gold medal. She supported us, challenged us, and helped us see what we carried inside us. For a change, I even enjoyed being a second-born, free from the usual firstborn pressure.

With that support, even the demanding parts of the course began to feel manageable. Report writing and assignment submissions forced us to plan our time well. Our files were neat, our work submitted on time, and our confidence grew with each task. Anyone doubting whether we are ready for leadership can read our reports and see the proof for themselves.

None of this would have been possible without the people who held my hand along the way. To my church, the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Nairobi, thank you for your trust. To our DCMC, Rev. Chris Mbogo, and our clergy, Rev. Parin Kabeu, Rev. Naftali Karanja, and Rev. Edward Ouma, your support gave me strength when things felt heavy.

Beyond the serious moments, the small memories also stuck with us. Learning to use a compass and a physical map gave us stories we will laugh about for years. At least now, if life confuses me, I know how to find North, as long as it keeps its place. And of course, we carried home our unofficial soundtrack, “The stoni whichi the builder housi rejectitedi.” If you know, you know.

All these moments, the meaningful ones and the funny ones, shaped how I now view the days ahead. This training was not just about earning a title. It prepared us to guide, teach, and support the next generation. The friendships, lessons, and memories we made will stay with us as we step into the future of Brigade. Here is to the past that shaped us, the future waiting for us, and the work that continues. I am ready.

Omondi Electeranne.
Student Trainer,
ACK Diocese of Nairobi.