By Esther Neema Mumo

There is a point at which one reaches, after which one attains a point of no return. I feel for me, YALI is that place. I may not be able to point at the one thing, and say, this is it, but certainly the entire event is extremely transformational, and unforgettable.
 After my shock of believing that I had made it to YALI, I would be very prepared for the most exciting journey that was about to begin. I was not dissapointed, this was delivered. The people especially. It was very hard to believe that you can find a collection of the most beautiful souls on earth, all in one space. I believe that I learned from everyone. Such a great joy to have conversations that are solid, and have hope for Africa.

What this experience awakened in me, is even more zeal and fire. When surrounded by people who are at energy 300%, sometimes it is hard to keep up, but what that does to you, is it ignites a fire. I saw ordinary people, who were doing extraordinary things, and for me, I was more than inspired. I wondered how they were they able to perform such magic, at such a young age. I think I spent half the time in awe of Loise, a beautiful girl from Uganda who was doing massive farming. She spoke life. With my uncertanity, she assured me I would succeed in business, I should keep trying. And how could I doubt it, she had done it.

On the other had, I met Emanuel from Uganda, who spoke of his children of Faces up, like they were little princess and princes'. The type of passion he serves those children, really was very inspiring. Many people actually, everyone had such a story and such passion. The annoying artist who wears art on her sleeves and speaks of it so passionately and Joshua who travels all over the world as if it is his village. Dorothy who has the energy of 1000 people, and the 100 of us, and the many more out here who are thrilled to serve Africa, is just the most amazing wonder that could have been. And perhaps the knowledge, that there will be hope for Africa, because we came or because we were all breathed hope, that it is possible, Africa can change.


For once in my life, I feel pressure to pull up, and scale up. Not just for myself, but even for those I serve and my community at home. Suddenly I have this burden. It is a trap. I only thought that my Dream tribe Network Africa, would be a Kenyan Dream, but now I see Africa. I have had the increasing desire to put my stamp in as many countries across. To empower as many people to become and succeed in business. To have my content reach across the borders as well. When at first I doubted, I could do this, now, I believe it is possible. Not as me, but because I am a YALI, where because we are many, anything could be. I now feel, that anything is possible. Because I have seen it.

For once, I do not feel alone. I see myself in almost everyone. And I now know, it is only a matter of time before the seeds that were planted in each of us, explode to become forests all over Africa. I have had an increasing need to serve my community. And I have an increasing need to pursue my dreams and deliver only the best and settle for nothing less than that. I now know it is a trap, but a trap I love. For once one has seen, one can never forget. And I have seen the world of possibilities.

Inspite the pressure I now feel to reach these heights, I am now more aware of the power of one, and so everyday, I find myself striving to get better, do better and be better. It doesn't change the fact that every time I watch my social media and see the great work everyone is doing, I am reminded, I must rise up, I must step up. Constantly will remember Imran's words, "Africa will not rise, if you do not get out of bed". This inspires me every morning. That I must rise.

Doors have opened in places I didn't imagine. I have been called to share often. I feel bolder. And to imagine a few months ago, i had been quite uninspired, now I would be inspiring others too. It's amazing how the world can change when you meet YALI. Africa rises in your heart, and it stays there. And Yes, I am going to Arusha too :) . Quite excited.