Charles Koech is a certified counselor and a motivational speaker who is passionate about walking with the fatherless. He is a member of our network based in Bomet, Kenya. In this Q+A he tells us about himself and the work he does.
Tell us about yourself! I am a counselor who enjoys talking to people and mentoring the youth. I work for an organisation called Daddy Saturday whose goal is to train fathers to be intentional in bringing up their children. I also run a program where I train the youth in schools, prisons and churches on how to be self-driven and believe in their potential.
Amazing. Was it your dream to be involved in counselling and training? Yes! I studied Economics, Business and Mathematics in University but was passionate about reaching out to people and walking with them. After I graduated, I decided to pursue counseling instead. This opened my eyes to see the challenges that children and families face as a result of absent fathers and so I decided to dedicate my time and work to training young men, fathers and families in general.
That’s wonderful, Charles! Where are you from and what makes you proud to be from there? I come from the best County in Kenya! I love living in Bomet because I am able to work and be around my beautiful family.
How did you get involved with Arukah Network? I was connected to Arukah through Dan - one of the trustees who lives in Kericho. The pandemic made it difficult for the Cluster to get together but eventually, we had our first physical meeting recently and I am hopeful and excited to see what the future holds!
Great! And what attracted you to the network? I love the fact that Cluster members use local resources available to them to bring change. I have worked with different organisations in the past who decide what is best for the community because of the funding that they give. This has never been a successful approach because no one understands a community better than those who live in it. Arukah is different because it guides and supports members to bring the change that they want.
As you step in to the network, what are you excited to do? I believe that everyone in a Cluster is gifted in different areas. I am looking forward to seeing how we can harness all the resources that we have so that we can transform as many lives as possible.
I am also looking forward to learning from everybody else! I love gaining new knowledge and I see my Cluster as a space to network with like minded people with different skills and backgrounds.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your work? When I am not working, I love spending time with my three children. I also enjoy running especially if it is for a good cause!
Welcome Charles! We are excited to have you!
Read the story of how listening and not money changed a community in Zambia HERE