
Enoch Luyonza : Men's Mentor & Communications Coordinator (Rwanda)
Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions / ALI Cohorts 10 & 11
Thank you for making it possible for Enoch Luyonza to participate in the Abundant Leadership Institute's tenth cohort.
About Enoch Luyonza : Men's Mentor & Communications Coordinator (Rwanda)
Enoch was born and raised as a refugee in Uganda after his parents fled Rwanda during a crisis. The status of being Rwandan living in Uganda at this time brought a stigma that was difficult for Enoch and his family. However, he is now proud to be Rwandan, living and serving in his home country.
Throughout his life, Enoch has lived with a speech impediment. He was bullied for this in his childhood, causing him to lack confidence as an oral speaker. During this time, he turned to writing, which helped him express himself more confidently. Enoch has also found confidence in the Christian teachings that he was raised on. As time went on, Enoch found God's strength within his weakness. He says, "Speaking was the thing I feared the most, but right now, I find that it is the thing I have the most strength in."
Enoch lost his father in 2003 when he was still a young boy. This was extremely difficult for him, leaving a void in his heart. Throughout the following years, while reflecting on his loss, Enoch noticed that most of his male friends either did not have fathers or had absent fathers. Later in life, Enoch began raising awareness about this issue he had identified to instill a sense of responsibility among fellow young men to be better. He has since started a mentorship program for young men.
Strong leaders and mentors, such as his pastor, have added value to Enoch's life, ensuring he can become a better person. Having experienced the benefits of mentorship firsthand, Enoch is aware of the impact someone can have on another person's life simply by taking an interest in them. He aims to pay this forward by investing in the lives of young people, especially men, passing along all that he has learned and gained from those who have invested in him.
In addition to his mentorship program, Enoch works for an organization called Cornerstone Development Africa, where he leads the communications department. This is a Christian-based, nonprofit organization involved in youth leadership. Their philosophy aligns with Encoh's heart: "invest in the few who will impact the many."
Enoch shares: "When a wagon is not connected to the engine, there is no movement. I was that wagon, but I needed to recognize that within my surroundings, there were people who were engines that I needed to hook myself on so that I could be pulled in the right direction." While Enoch's career now involves guiding 'wagons', he continues to seek other 'engines' to connect himself to so he can continue growing and developing. This is why he applied to the Abundant Leadership Institution (ALI). He is particularly excited to connect with and learn from other leaders at ALI. He believes there is something amazing to gain from every interaction and relationship, and he knows the connections he will make will bless him richly. He is also looking forward to having his eyes opened to new perspectives in order to enhance his skills as a leader.