On February 19, 2025, history was made at the hallowed grounds of the Makarios III Patriarchal Seminary in Nairobi, Kenya, as thousands of vibrant young people gathered to witness the grand launch of the IMPACT-ing EAST AFRICA Program. Under the radiant East African sun, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios presided over a soul-stirring Divine Liturgy, blessing the inception of this transformative initiative. With the grace of God illuminating the day, the Impacting Africa Model was unveiled—a groundbreaking collaboration between the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), Romania’s New Horizons Foundation (Fundația Noi Orizonturi)  and Kenya’s Orthodox Christian Youth Association of Kenya(OCYAK). This program promises to ignite a spiritual and educational revolution across the region, empowering youth leaders to carry the Gospel of Christ into their communities.

The air buzzed with anticipation as distinguished guests, including representatives from the OCMC and Fundația Noi Orizonturi, joined local dignitaries, government officials, and clergy to celebrate this milestone. The event was more than a launch—it was a clarion call to action, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a beacon of hope for East Africa’s youth.

A Vision Rooted in Faith and Action

The IMPACT-ing EAST AFRICA Program draws inspiration from two remarkable legacies. The Makarios III Patriarchal Seminary, founded in 1971 by Archbishop Makarios III of Cyprus, has long been a cornerstone of theological education in Sub-Saharan Africa. As detailed by OrthodoxWiki, this institution was born from Makarios’ vision during his historic visits to Kenya in 1970 and 1971, where he conducted mass baptisms and laid the seminary’s cornerstone. Today, it stands as a vital training ground for clergy serving Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond.

Complementing this spiritual foundation is the expertise of the New Horizons Foundation, a Romanian nonprofit with over two decades of experience in youth development. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has empowered young people aged 11-19 through its globally recognized IMPACT program, which blends experiential learning and community service. IMPACT has reached over 3,500 youth and 400 educators in Romania alone, with sister programs like SKYE expanding to more than 20 countries. This partnership with the OCMC—a U.S.-based organization dedicated to spreading Orthodoxy worldwide—marries faith-based mission work with proven educational models, creating a synergy poised to transform East Africa.

The Heart of the Program: Empowering Youth Leaders

At its core, the IMPACT-ing EAST AFRICA Program is a week-long intensive training designed to equip youth leaders with the tools, knowledge, and spiritual fortitude to become ambassadors of Christ. Beginning February 03, 2025, the first cohort embarked on this journey, diving into a curriculum that integrates theological instruction, leadership skills, and community engagement strategies. Drawing from the IMPACT model’s emphasis on “learning through doing,” participants will not only study the Gospel but also learn how to live it—bringing hope, compassion, and practical solutions to their communities.

The program’s reach is ambitious, targeting youth leaders from across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania- nations where Orthodoxy is growing rapidly. According to the OCMC, the Orthodox Church in Africa is experiencing a renaissance, with communities hungry for spiritual guidance and education. By training these young leaders, the program aims to amplify this growth, fostering a generation that can address both spiritual and social challenges, from poverty to education gaps, with faith and innovation.

A Day of Celebration and Commitment

The launch event was a combination of worship, speeches, and shared vision. Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios delivered an inspiring homily, invoking God’s strength for the journey ahead. Representatives from the OCMC and Fundația Noi Orizonturi spoke passionately about the program’s potential, with the latter highlighting how their 24 years of experience in Romania could adapt to East Africa’s unique context. Government officials in attendance praised the initiative’s alignment with regional goals, such as youth empowerment and sustainable development, echoing priorities outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The presence of thousands of young people—many traveling from rural villages—underscored the program’s grassroots appeal. Their energy was palpable as they sang hymns, shared testimonies, and pledged to carry the IMPACT-ing spirit back to their homes. As one participant remarked, “This is not just training; it’s a calling. I feel ready to serve my people with love and purpose.”

A Collaborative Triumph

The success of this launch owes much to the synergy between its partners. The OCMC, with its decades-long commitment to missions in Africa, brings logistical expertise and a deep understanding of the region’s spiritual landscape. Meanwhile, Fundația Noi Orizonturi contributes a robust pedagogical framework, refined through years of working with youth in diverse settings.

Looking Ahead: Trusting in the Lord’s Guidance

As the IMPACT-ing EAST AFRICA Program takes its first steps, the road ahead is both exciting and daunting. The initial week-long training is just the beginning, with plans to establish ongoing mentorship, regional workshops, and perhaps even a network of IMPACT clubs akin to those in Romania. The ultimate goal? To create a self-sustaining movement of youth leaders who can transform East Africa—one community at a time.

The program has begun with a flourish, and we trust in the Lord to guide and strengthen every participant, organizer, and supporter. This is more than an educational initiative; it’s a spiritual awakening, a bold step toward a future where East Africa’s youth shine as beacons of Christ’s love and hope.

Stay tuned for updates on this incredible journey.  To learn about the IMPACT model, explore Fundația Noi Orizonturi. And to support the Orthodox mission in Africa, check out Dana Bates Page at OCMC.