Ruben Centre Strategic Plan 2021-2025 Launch and farewell

Ruben Centre family at the Evergreen Park for the strategic plan launch

Ruben Centre gathered up about one hundred and eighty staff for a celebration to end all celebrations at the Evergreen park Kiambu on 19th of December 2020. The location was very conducive for the myriad activities of the day. Overlooking the colourful setup of tables and chairs was subtle dam surrounded by green-grassed open space.

The day had three main agendas: launch the new five-year Strategic Plan (2021-2025), bid Br. Frank farewell and similarly do so with Mr. Pius Mutiso.

The morning was spent launching the new plan led by Program Manager Liz Mwangi. She categorically explained the eight months journey that was the creation of the plan. A key take way was the highlighting of the three Edmund Rice Ministries’ values of presence, compassion and liberation that underpin the plan.

Br. Tony Shanahan, Christian Brothers East Africa District leader, was then welcomed on stage and he spoke about the history of Christian Brothers at Ruben centre these past 21 years, while mentioning the new era that was upon the organization. He challenged the incoming Director, Mr. Nicholas Makau, to implement the new plan to desires and wants of the Ruben Centre faithfully. Br. Tony concluded by urging everyone associated with the future of Ruben Centre to uphold the Plan and keep in mind Proverbs 29:18 ‘Where there is no vision the people perish.’

The leaders that got the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan handed over to them, Liz & Makau.

The outgoing Director highlighted that the high regard people have for the Centre and its achievements is solely due to the great staff that dedicate all their efforts to serve the Mukuru people.

Br. Frank went on to quote Pope Francis who earlier in the year as the Covid19 pandemic was threatening the entire world said, ‘World leaders must remember every one and every country is in the same boat and the world must pull together in one great act of human solidarity if a dire human catastrophe is to be avoided.’

Ruben Centre staff having a ride on the symbolic boat

Everyone at Ruben must also appreciate they are in the same boat and solidarity and adherence to the new plan and the values that glue it will be crucial. The project leaders were then called onto the symbolic “boat” (raft) moored at the edge of the lake and the outgoing Director and General manager then presented the plan to the new Director and the leaders. The ribbon binding the copies was cut, champagne toast ‘To a prosperous Ruben Centre 2021-2025’ and the outgoing men leapt off the raft and it was released to move out into the deep. Sustained applause accompanied its new journey and all on board knew both the awesome responsibility they had been given but also the wonderful team and support that is there for them. SS Ruben was ready to sail into the new plan. Team building games followed and lots of energy and spirit was evident. A wonderful feast followed, the Kenyan way.

Br. Frank O’Shea being crowned the Ruben Elder with a drink of ‘muratina’

The afternoon activities focused on the farewell of the General Manager and Director. An African ceremony to initiate Br. Frank to the ranks of revered elder started the process. Traditional blanket, elder artifacts of stick, blanket, fly-whisk, ceremonial Kikuyu drink “moratina” shared and then each project presented gifts galore accompanied by words of thanks and gratitude to Br. Frank and Mr. Mutiso.

Br. Frank finally was given his moment to respond and of course he began with high praise for the team which had put the day together and for all the loyalty and uncompromising support he has received from the staff.

He gave God praise for placing him in the Mukuru slum playground of all playgrounds of God. What a privileged context to live the gospel. He expressed his full confidence in the leadership team going forward and ended by promising to be present to Ruben in a new supporting way from afar, and that he had Kenyan blood in him and he could never just walk away.

What an occasion, what a demonstration of love and respect for new elder.

By: Frank O’Shea

Edits: GB