Pomp, flare, and color were witnessed on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) during the dynamic Leadership Mind Training Forum at the institution’s headquarters in Nairobi. The event brought together student leaders and volunteers from its Free Weekend Academy program for four days of empowerment, mindset transformation, and leadership development.
The event, part of IYF’s ongoing mission to nurture a generation of resilient and purpose-driven youth, featured Rev. Pablo Shin as the keynote speaker. A renowned global missionary and youth mentor, Rev. Shin delivered a compelling address centered on “Mindset Change as the Foundation for National Development,” challenging young leaders to cultivate inner strength, clear vision, and a heart of service.
While representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy – Fikirini Jackobs Katoi Kahindi, Director of Youth Social Development at the State Department for Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Emily Maina lauded the government on appointing the youngest PS to head the youth department highlighting it as a success story that will uplift hopes and spirits among youths to pursue their dreams and vision.
On the same note, Dr. Maina emphasized the ministry’s continued support for youth-focused initiatives like those championed by IYF and commended the IYF for changing young people’s mindsets.
“What IYF is doing is giving empowerment to the young ones and these young people the moment they get the training and skills are able to get jobs. This is what we think is most important for our country because we are working together.” Ms. Maina stated.
The forum builds on IYF’s successful model of holistic youth development, offering young people access to mentorship, soft skills training, and character education during weekends—free of charge.
The program has seen increasing enrollment as Kenyan youth seek meaningful spaces for personal growth and purpose discovery. Rev. Shin, whose experience spans over 30 years across more than 40 countries, highlighted the need for mindset education to be mainstream, especially in countries where youth feel economically and emotionally sidelined.
“True leadership begins when young people learn to overcome themselves. The change Kenya’s youth need will come not only from policies, but from changed hearts,” Rev. Shin said.
The International Youth Fellowship is a global non-profit organization committed to nurturing morally upright, visionary, and globally competent youth through leadership training, cultural exchange, volunteerism, and mindset education.
