The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Butere’s Bishop, Rose Okeno, has emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership to fulfill God’s mission.
Bishop Okeno highlighted that leaders are chosen by God and should carry out their responsibilities with dignity, recognizing that they have been selected to accomplish His mission.
Furthermore, she advised leaders to attentively listen to God’s word and guidance, emphasizing the significance of following His direction.
These remarks were made during the induction service of the new ACK Shinamwenyuli Secondary School Principal, Mrs. Hellen Atenya, which Bishop Okeno presided over on Thursday morning.
Referencing the Gospel of John, Chapter 21, verses 1-17, Bishop’s key message was that God chooses leaders to accomplish His mission. He comes through at our lowest moment and takes care of our needs.
She insisted that great leaders prioritize the needs of others above their own while humble leaders, who understand their limitations and the need for God’s grace, make the best leaders.
She also stressed on the importance of discipline in achieving academic excellence while encouraging students to obey their teachers and school leadership to excel academically.
Bishop Okeno also urged the school community to support and collaborate closely with the new principal, as she emphasized the importance of maintaining the standards set by the former principal, Sammy Ogolla.
On her part, Mrs. Atenya committed to work diligently with the school fraternity to ensure academic excellence. She also promised to adhere to Anglican church traditions in meeting the spiritual needs of the students.
The induction service, held on the school grounds, was attended by principals from other schools sponsored by the ACK Butere Diocese. The chairperson, Canon Luke Ogolla of ACK Lunza Boys High School, along with Mrs. Judith Omukuba of ACK Emutsasa Girls Secondary School, Priscilla Maheti of ACK Namasoli Secondary School, Lusiji Baridi of ACK St. Peters Ematundu Boys National School, Patrick Shikanda of ACK Bukolwe Secondary School, Mrs. Loice Mkato of Mutoma Girls Secondary School were among those present.
Canon Luke Ogolla highlighted Mrs. Atenya’s academic achievements and urged unity among the stakeholders of Shinamwenyuli to support her leadership. The area chief, Rashid Kweyu, encouraged the community to collaborate with the school to achieve academic success and to embrace the school’s reputation for academic excellence in the region.
An induction service for a principal is a formal ceremony that marks the beginning of their leadership within a school community. It signifies the congregation’s commitment to supporting them in their role and typically includes prayers, scripture readings, addresses from church leadership, and a public affirmation of the new leader’s calling by the congregation.