Do Not Leave the Children Behind

Josephine Otiende Ouma is a NETLET — and now NET’s children’s coordinator, overseeing all the children’s and teens’ programmes. She is the daughter of Prof. William Otiende Ogara, chairman of the board of trustees, and a member of the Midlands cell group.

Net at 45, she says, is a celebration of a ministry that has grown from a small student fellowship into a dynamic multigenerational movement with a lasting spiritual and social footprint across Nyanza and beyond. Today NET counts close to 3,000 members, most of them university students — and across more than 40 years, close to five generations are part of this celebration.

The achievements she highlights: digital platforms — social media, messaging, digital content — that sustain fellowship beyond the physical gatherings; an evolution from a student-focused movement to one engaging students, young professionals, families, and even senior believers; meaningful partnerships with churches, schools, and community groups; and welfare and stewardship initiatives that build resilience among members.

Given the chance, she would prioritise digitalisation and create spaces where Gen Z and NETlets shape the direction of the ministry with their creativity, skills, and voices. And her invitation: come on 27 December, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to the KLDC grounds in Kisumu for the launch — and do not leave the children and the teens behind.