Over 1,500 Youth Converge in Kisii, Kenya for the Amy Butler Foundation’s “Future Leaders of the World – Kenya Edition” Conference

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Kisii, Kenya — In a landmark gathering that will be remembered as a watershed moment in youth empowerment, over 1,500 passionate young leaders convened for the “Future Leaders of the World – Kenya Edition” conference on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.

Organized by the Amy Butler Foundation in strategic partnership with The Ultimate Care and Dominion Life Ministries International, this high-impact summit was far more than a conference, it was a transformational movement. Designed to unlock the untapped potential of Kenya’s youth, the event stirred a new wave of purpose, power, and spiritual clarity for the next generation of African leaders.

At the heart of this initiative was the Amy Butler Foundation, an organization founded in 2016 to honor the enduring legacy of a woman whose life was defined by selfless generosity. Amy Butler was known for personally sponsoring orphans and underprivileged children, using her time and resources to elevate those society often overlooks. In her spirit, the Foundation continues her mission to educate, engage, and empower youth between the ages of 9–22 through mentorship, life-skills training, academic development, and charitable services.

What began as a response to the critical needs of children in Northern Virginia has now expanded to serve youth in developing nations, offering tools for lifelong success through faith-based guidance, health education, and holistic support. Whether through mentorship calls, life design workshops, or foundational literacy and leadership programs, the Amy Butler Foundation remains committed to building futures and restoring dignity in every child it reaches.

This historic inaugural Kenya edition of “Future Leaders of the World” marked a new milestone in the Foundation’s global journey and a prophetic charge to Africa’s rising generation.

A Powerful Gathering Fueled by Vision and Purpose

Joseph Sagana, Coordinator of Fathers Haven Foundation – Kenya, set the tone early with a stirring welcome that charged the atmosphere:

 “Today, we unlock destinies. Today, we plant seeds for the future of Kenya and Africa. The leaders you see today are the world changers of tomorrow.”

His words resonated deeply as attendees, young men and women brimming with ambition, hope, and hunger for change prepared themselves to absorb wisdom, connect, and be activated.

A Call to Action and Spiritual Foundation

The opening keynote by Kadmiel Van Der Puije, CEO of The Voice of Africa & the Amy Butler Foundation, and Fathers Haven Foundation, was a clarion call to the youth to rise to the urgent demands of Africa’s future. Kadmiel did not mince words:

 “You’re not Africa’s next generation you’re Africa’s now! You’re not waiting on the solution. You are it. The real strategy for the continent is sitting right here in this room. Africa needs builders, dreamers, and disruptors and that starts with you.”

He encouraged the youth to seize mentorship opportunities, invest in themselves, and become visionary architects of society. Kadmiel’s energy was electric as he transitioned from keynote to interactive leadership, leading the workshops and games that energized the crowd and made mentorship relatable and fun.

Following Kadmiel’s inspiring address, Rev. Nchaga Sagana Samfan, Lead Pastor of Dominion Life Ministries International and Head Coordinator of Fathers Haven Foundation, brought a spiritual grounding essential for sustainable leadership:

 “True leadership is birthed not only in skills and knowledge but in a heart aligned with divine purpose. Your foundation must be spiritual; only then can you lead with wisdom, integrity, and strength.”

Life by Design Masterclass: Visionary Mentorship in Action

The centerpiece of the conference was the transformative Life by Design Masterclass, masterfully facilitated by Ayeshia Quainoo Tefera, President of the Amy Butler Foundation. This session transcended the typical motivational talk it was a hands-on, soul-stirring workshop that invited youth to dream boldly and plan intentionally.

Ayeshia opened by sharing the powerful story of the Amy Butler Foundation born from a vision to uplift youth through mentorship, community, and practical life tools. She emphasized mentorship as a vital pillar for unlocking youth potential, explaining:

 “Mentorship is not just guidance; it is a partnership that fuels your growth, expands your perspective, and connects you to opportunities you never imagined.”

The session then guided participants through “Life by Design,” a groundbreaking exercise where youth mapped out their vision across 12 key areas of life ranging from personal development and career, to relationships, health, faith, and community impact. Participants engaged deeply, writing down goals and defining what success and impact meant for them personally.

The atmosphere was charged with energy, as attendees shared reflections, asked thoughtful questions, and committed to concrete next steps. Ayeshia’s call to action was simple yet profound:

 “Write your vision. Speak it into existence. And most importantly, surround yourself with mentors and community that hold you accountable and inspire growth.”

Interactive Workshops and Competitions: Learning Meets Fun

After the masterclass, the conference transitioned into a lively hour of workshops and competitions, led by Kadmiel Van Der Puije & Benaiah Tefera, who kept the energy high and engaged the youth with interactive games, challenges, and mentorship activities. These sessions brought mentorship to life in a practical, accessible way turning abstract ideas into dynamic experiences.

Workshop facilitators Jennifer Addo, Global Treasurer of The Amy Butler Foundation & Hellena Buabeng, Global Secretary of The Amy Butler Foundation orchestrated the spirited competitions: singing, dancing, Bible verse recitals, and even musical chairs, each infused with lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and personal excellence.

Prizes flowed generously cash awards, inspiring books, exclusive mentorship calls, internship opportunities, and certificates of excellence. The tangible rewards amplified the excitement, while the experiences fostered confidence and camaraderie.

Hellena Buabeng expressed the joy of witnessing youth growth firsthand:

 “Seeing these young people open up, compete, and cheer each other on is what mentorship is all about building leaders who celebrate each other’s victories.”

Honoring Excellence and Building Commitment

The event closed with a heartfelt award ceremony recognizing all participants for their courage and engagement. The ceremony was more than just handing out certificates; it was a celebration of commitment to the path of mentorship and leadership.

Hundreds signed up on the spot to join the Amy Butler Foundation’s ongoing mentorship programs, signaling a vibrant and growing community of young leaders ready to take action.

A Powerful Blessing and Rallying Cry

Pastor Nchaga Sagana Samfan delivered the closing blessing, invoking divine favor and courage on the youth as they step into their leadership roles. The room erupted in a unified cheer: “We are the future! We are the change!”

This rallying cry echoed far beyond the walls of the conference venue a promise that Kenya’s youth are ready to lead with purpose, passion, and power.

Special Thanks:

To The Ultimate Care, the event’s top sponsor, for making this gathering possible, and to The Voice of Africa for amplifying the story of Kisii’s youth to the world.

Looking Ahead: The Future Is Now

The “Future Leaders of the World – Kenya Edition” conference was not just a day of inspiration, it was a movement ignited. For the thousands who participated, mentorship has become a lived experience, a shared journey, and a clear pathway to realizing their extraordinary potential.

As Ayeshia Quainoo-Tefera powerfully concluded in her keynote:

 “Africa doesn’t just need leaders it needs game changers who will challenge the status quo, inspire innovation, and lead with heart. Today, Kisii’s youth have taken that first bold step.”

For more information about ongoing mentorship programs and upcoming events, or to join this growing movement, visit:  🌐 amybutlerfoundation.org.