Objectives: Forsaken for a Sake
The programme was designed to highlight the importance of Fatherhood and Fatherlessness related issues which cut across nations. Therefore, the campaign launched “From Rwanda to the World” brings solutions to a global societal issue which affects people around the world. Nigeria was selected by both partner institutions among 10 host cities with the African Reinsurance Corporation as the host this year.
Fatherhood - Studies suggest that children with involved and loving fathers are significantly more likely to perform well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and prosocial behaviour, and avoid high-risk behaviours such as drug use, missing school, and criminal activity. A present and involved father is the child’s first role model and foundation for good leadership. (source: https://www.fatherhood.org).
Fatherlessness - In contrast, research shows that various social ills are linked to fatherlessness. Common direct consequences include poverty, substance abuse, poor physical and emotional health, low educational achievement, crime and higher likelihood of early sexual activity and teen pregnancy, to name a few cyclical ills. The positive impact of Fatherhood - or negative effects of Fatherlessness (caused by various factors such as geopolitical unrests, divorce or teen pregnancies to name a few)- is a delicate societal challenge.
In his opening remarks on behalf of Dr Corneille Karekezi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Africa Re, Mr Roger Bong Bekondo, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, stated that “Africa Re is deeply committed to building a healthier and more inclusive society across the continent. One where a child feels the love of a father or finds friends to heal from his absence in pursuit of this vision. Africa Re, through the Africa Re Foundation, is proud to partner with KORA Coaching & Business Academy to deliver Forsaken for a Sake. Africa Re has supported numerous projects aimed at uplifting communities and promoting sustainable development across Africa. This partnership with KORA is a further testimony to our dedication to fostering a safe, healthy and productive Africa.”
Mr. Bong Bekondo encouraged the programme’s mentees to embrace this opportunity not only to heal but to develop the skills to engage meaningfully with mentors and leaders as part of a pan African and global movement. He urged mentors to see this as a chance to give back, to sharpen their leadership capabilities and to stand as pillars of hope and transformation. He went on to reaffirm that mentors play a vital role in shaping lives and restoring dignity to those who have felt forsaken. Mr Bong Bekondo concluded his opening address by affirming that “following today’s launch, I encourage all participants to be committed to the training and activities that will unfold in the coming weeks. Engage fully, learn deeply and use this experience to make a meaningful impact, not only in your personal journey but in the wider society. Together, let’s build bridges. Let Forsaken for a Sake be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for a better society across Africa.”
Influential and seasoned thought leaders based in Nigeria, shared their personal experiences of growing up with fathers who served as role models and mentors. The panel discussion provided a diverse perspective highlighting both the benefits of positive paternal role models, and the negative effects caused by the absence of fathers in their early lives. The panellists encouraged the youth and mentors in the audience to commit to increasing self-awareness, healing and taking ownership of their mental health throughout their journey in the mentoring programme.
During the mentoring programme launch and book handing ceremony, Mireille Karera, the author, outlined the upcoming learning journey for both mentors and mentees who each received a copy of the book titled "Forsaken for a Sake: Your 30- Day Self-Coaching Collection: Overcoming Fatherlessness", published by KORA Coaching & Business Academy (KCA) in Kigali, Rwanda. Before handing the first book to the host, the author thanked Africa Re for the partnership, commitment and trust built through the pan African collaboration between their teams.
In her remarks, Ms. Karera told a brief story with reference to Africa Re’s founding date. Following Africa Re’s establishment in Yaounde, Cameroon, Central Africa, on 24 February 1976, and the subsequent decision to choose Lagos, Nigeria (West Africa), as host city, a young African girl was born 2 and half months later, on 11 May 1976. She was born a refugee in East Africa and became fatherless in her teenage years. Ms Karera went on to share that with Africa Re now in its 49th year of existence on the continent, today’s launch is a true testament to its founding mission which aligns with that young girl’s life story. Karera then said: “I am that young girl who was born in 1976.”
At 49 years old – the same age as Africa Re – today’s launch is a living testimony of its core vision and the impact of pan-African collaboration. In earlier comments by Ms. Karera, she affirmed that fruitful partnerships and transfer of knowledge showcase pan-African collaboration and Made-in-Africa solutions and exchanges.
The intended outcome of the overal programme is to add value to the African Union Agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want - with a focus on “Aspiration 6”: an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children. The book handing ceremony proceeded with the author handing the first copy of her signed book to the Guest of Honour. The programme launch ceremony concluded with a book signing session and the author meeting with each beneficiary who will start the intensive short certification courses on mentoring skills and practice sessions based on the 30-Day Self-Coaching Daily Devotional workbook.
