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Defining Greatness from the Inside Out

In marginalized communities, young men face unique pressures that often pull them toward vulnerability and away from their potential. The Coffee Ministry’s I Choose to Be Great program is designed to meet these challenges head-on.

This program is the core of our Relational commitment. Our mentors build trust, offer consistent guidance, and walk closely with young boys, helping them navigate life’s complexities and grow in purpose. We are guided by our mission to train them to seek God’s wisdom.  

More than just providing guidance, we equip them with five essential life skills that serve as the foundation for their success, allowing them to truly be great.

1. Purpose-Driven Identity and Spiritual Growth

The most essential skill we teach is finding purpose rooted in faith. Our mentorship is Bible-based, guiding children to seek God’s wisdom and identify the gifts He has placed inside them. This is the ultimate expression of our Hopeful value. When a young man understands his inherent worth and purpose, he gains an internal compass that directs his decisions, helping him resist negative peer pressure and focus on long-term goals. The guidance and emotional support from a dedicated mentor are essential to making this spiritual growth concrete and applicable to everyday life.

2. Financial Literacy and Stewardship

In environments where resources are scarce, understanding the value of money, saving, and basic financial management is a critical life skill. Our mentors introduce simple, practical concepts of stewardship, helping the boys understand how to manage the small resources they may encounter. This is not just about banking; it is about teaching responsibility, delayed gratification, and planning for the future, giving them the tools to move toward financial independence and stability.

3. Conflict Resolution and Emotional Intelligence

Life in informal settlements can often be marked by conflict. We coach young men on effective communication, self-awareness, and non-violent conflict resolution. Emotional intelligence is key to success in all areas of life. Mentors guide them through real-life scenarios, teaching them how to manage anger, understand the feelings of others, and de-escalate difficult situations. This skill development is central to transforming community dynamics and fostering positive social engagement, reinforcing our Holistic care model.

4. Self-Care and Personal Hygiene

Confidence starts with basic self-respect. The program emphasizes the importance of personal hygiene, which is often a privilege rather than a given in marginalized communities. We provide tangible support by supplying boys with basic hygiene needs, such as underwear and toiletries. Beyond the supplies, mentors teach essential self-care routines, instilling the discipline and pride necessary for maintaining their physical and mental health. This critical, practical support allows them to show up at school and community events with dignity.

5. Leadership by Example and Community Service

Greatness is demonstrated through service. Our mentorship focuses on developing young men who aspire to lead not through dominance, but through positive example and community contribution. We organize small service projects and activities where boys practice leading their peers and contributing positively to their neighborhoods. By participating in the lives of the younger children and their communities, they solidify their spiritual and ethical lessons, becoming the next generation of Relational leaders in Kibera.

Support the Journey to Greatness

The I Choose to Be Great program requires ongoing resources for mentorship training, life skills curriculum materials, and the provision of essential hygiene kits.

Every gift helps us sustain the consistent, loving presence of a mentor in a young man’s life, guiding him to find his purpose and live a life of greatness.