Second Mentorship Session – September 13th, 2025
A Saturday Well Spent at Ruiru Fairview Academy
Last Saturday was one of those special days that reminds you why we do what we do. Our second AENI Mentorship Club session brought together eager young minds ready to learn, grow, and discover what they’re truly capable of.
From the moment the children arrived until parents came for pickup at 1:00 PM, we witnessed something beautiful – the natural curiosity and potential that lives inside every child when given the right environment to flourish.
What Happened During Our Session
Starting with Purpose
We began the day as we always do – with prayer and devotion. There’s something powerful about starting any gathering by acknowledging God’s presence. It sets the tone and reminds everyone, including our young participants, that everything we do has a greater purpose.
Exploring the Future: AI and Technology
You should have seen the children’s faces when we started talking about Artificial Intelligence! Their questions came fast and curious: “How do computers think?” “Can robots be friends?” “Will AI help us solve problems?”
We kept it simple but engaging, helping them understand that technology is a tool – one they’ll need to understand as they grow up in this rapidly changing world. The goal wasn’t to make them experts, but to spark their interest and help them see themselves as future innovators rather than passive consumers.
Getting Active Together
After feeding their minds, it was time to get their bodies moving. The sports and fitness activities were a hit – you could hear the laughter and friendly competition echoing across the grounds.
What struck me most wasn’t just how much fun they were having, but how naturally they began working together. Children who had been shy earlier were suddenly leading teams and encouraging their peers. There’s something about physical activity that brings out leadership qualities in the most unexpected ways.
Stories That Stick
Our storytelling session focused on humility and integrity – values that seem rare these days but are essential for good leadership. Instead of preaching, we shared stories that helped the children see these qualities in action.
One child asked afterward, “Does being humble mean you can’t be confident?” It led to a beautiful discussion about the difference between arrogance and healthy confidence. These are the moments that make this work so rewarding.
Finding Their Voices
Perhaps the most remarkable part of the day was watching children overcome their fear of speaking in front of others. We started with simple exercises – introducing themselves, sharing something they learned, or telling us about their favourite hobby.
By the end of the session, several children who had barely whispered their names were confidently sharing their thoughts with the entire group. One young girl, who arrived hiding behind her father’s leg, ended up leading a discussion about her dreams for the future.
What We’re Seeing
The changes in these children aren’t just happening during our sessions – they’re taking root and growing. Parents have started sharing stories with us about conversations at home, increased confidence at school, and a new curiosity about learning.
During our technology discussion, the children weren’t just passive listeners. They asked thoughtful questions and made connections to things they’d seen or experienced. Their natural curiosity is exactly what we hoped to nurture.
The sports activities revealed natural leaders and team players. More importantly, we saw children learning to handle both success and disappointment with grace – skills they’ll need throughout life.
Our values-focused storytelling is working. The children are starting to internalize these concepts and apply them to their daily interactions. We’re hearing about acts of kindness at school and improved relationships with siblings at home.
The communication and public speaking component might be having the biggest impact. Confidence is contagious, and as each child finds their voice, they inspire others to do the same.
Why This Matters
We’re not trying to rush these children into adulthood or burden them with responsibilities beyond their years. Instead, we’re giving them tools they’ll need as they naturally grow into the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.
In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, we’re raising children who are grounded in faith, comfortable with technology, confident in themselves, and committed to treating others with respect. These aren’t just nice qualities – they’re essential for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the world.
The beauty of our approach is that it meets children where they are. We’re not imposing artificial expectations or trying to fit them into predetermined moulds. Instead, we’re creating an environment where their natural gifts can emerge and their character can develop organically.
Looking Ahead
Each session builds on the last, and we’re already seeing the benefits of this continuity. The children are more comfortable with each other and with us. They’re asking deeper questions and taking on greater challenges.
We’re planning to introduce more hands-on technology experiences, create opportunities for peer mentorship, and involve parents more directly in the learning process. The goal is to create a community where learning and growth happen naturally, supported by caring adults who believe in each child’s potential.
How You Can Be Involved
The success we’re experiencing is only possible because of the community that supports this work. Parents who trust us with their children, volunteers who share their time and talents, and partners who invest in this vision are all essential to what we’re accomplishing.
If you’re a parent considering the Mentorship Club for your child, I’d encourage you to visit us during one of our sessions. See the environment we’ve created and meet the team that’s so passionate about youth development.
If you’re someone who remembers the adult who made a difference in your childhood, consider becoming that person for a child today. Our volunteer mentors come from all walks of life, but they share a common commitment to seeing young people succeed.
For organizations and individuals looking for meaningful ways to invest in the community, our Mentorship Club offers a direct opportunity to impact the next generation. Every contribution, whether financial or through volunteer time, directly benefits the children in our program.
A Personal Note
After each session, I drive home thinking about the conversations I had with the children, the breakthrough moments I witnessed, and the potential I see in each young person. It’s humbling and inspiring at the same time.
This isn’t just a program we run – it’s a calling we’re answering. The privilege of speaking into young lives and watching them discover their potential never gets old. When I see a shy child become confident, a curious mind engage with new ideas, or a young person stand up for what’s right, I’m reminded of why this work matters so much.
The children in our Mentorship Club aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders – they’re already leading in their own age-appropriate ways. They’re influencing their peers, improving their families, and preparing to make the world a better place.
Thank you to everyone who makes this work possible. Your investment in these young lives is creating ripple effects that will be felt for generations.
With gratitude,
Prof. Martin Njoroge
Executive Director
AENI International
The AENI Mentorship Club meets regularly at Ruiru Fairview Academy. For information about enrolment, volunteer opportunities, or partnership possibilities, please contact us directly.
