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We are excited to unveil the IMPACT-ing East Africa Program, a transformative initiative developed in partnership with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and the New Horizons Foundation in Romania.

This program aims to extend the successful IMPACT model throughout East Africa, with an initial focus on Kenya and Uganda. The program seeks to invigorate Orthodox youth ministries in these regions, fostering spiritual growth and practical skills development among young people.

Understanding the IMPACT Model

The IMPACT model, first designed by Dana Bates, and greatly expounded by the talented team of the New Horizons Foundation was expounded to the Hierarchs and Youth Leaders of Kenya and Uganda by Dana Bates. It is a comprehensive approach to youth ministry that combines life skills training with deep spiritual engagement. The model encourages youth to actively participate in their faith by applying liturgical practices within their communities. This hands-on approach not only enhances their understanding of Orthodox Christianity but also equips them with essential life skills for personal and communal development.

The IMPACT-ing East Africa Project

The IMPACT-ing East Africa Program aims to replicate the successful IMPACT model across East Africa, beginning with Kenya, Uganda and also Tanzania. This initiative is designed to adapt the model to the specific cultural and social contexts of these countries, ensuring its effectiveness and relevance. This will be achieved by deveoping IMPACT Clubs across the Communities, Parishes and Schools across East Africa.

Key Objectives:

• Widespread Implementation: Deploy the IMPACT model in dioceses throughout Kenya and Uganda, reaching a broad audience of Orthodox youth.
• Holistic Development: Provide young people with practical life skills and spiritual formation through active community engagement.
• Contextual Adaptation: Modify the program to fit the unique cultural and social dynamics of East Africa, ensuring local relevance and impact.

Reception and Support

The IMPACT model has been warmly received in East Africa. His Eminence Elder Makarios of Nairobi has been at the forefront of supporting this wonderful Model. He even offered to host the Inaugural Training in the Archdiocese Headquarters at Makarios III Patriarchal Seminary from February 2nd to 12th, 2025.

His Eminence Jeronymos, Metropolitan of Kampala and all Uganda, expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the program, stating:

“We have been praying for support to further develop our active youth ministry, and the program that Dana has created is like a gift of gold.”

This positive reception reflects the widespread support for the program across all dioceses in Kenya and Uganda, which have fully endorsed the initiative.

Leadership and Commitment

The commitment to the IMPACT-ing East Africa Program is underscored by the strong leadership and support from key figures in the Orthodox Church. Joshua Kimani, a prominent leader within the Kenya youth leadership team, has expressed their dedication:

“We actually want to start working on it [now] so that they can see that we are really intentional about IMPACT. I can assure you that we won’t rest here in Kenya and Africa until it is successful. That is our personal commitment as a team.”

With the support from all Hierarchs and endorsement by all the youth groups, this further reinforces the commitment to advancing youth ministry and highlights the program’s importance within the broader Orthodox community.

Impact and Future Prospects

The IMPACT-ing East Africa Program represents a significant opportunity to transform youth ministry in East Africa. By leveraging the IMPACT model, the program aims to create lasting change in the lives of Orthodox youth, equipping them with the skills and faith needed to thrive in their communities.

As we move forward with the implementation of this program, we look forward to sharing updates and successes with our partners and sponsors. Your support plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality, and we are grateful for your commitment to advancing Orthodox youth ministry.

Join us in this transformative journey and witness the positive impact of the IMPACT-ing East Africa Program on the lives of young Orthodox Christians across the region.

For more information and to get involved, please visit the Orthopraxis Institute website which is the Main Website for the East African Program. You can also visit New Horizons , Orthodox Christian Youth Association of Kenya and Dana’s Page at the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.