Tom W Okello

Professor Tom Were Okello: A story of resilience and change

Professor Okello is one of those remarkable individuals who inspire with their strength, resilience, and commitment to change. Born in a rural village in Kakamega County, Kenya, Tom Okello has overcome many adversities along the way, transforming not only his own circumstances but the lives of countless others. Through his unwavering determination, visionary leadership, and commitment to education and community development, Prof. Okello has become a beacon of hope and an engine of positive change in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and other countries.

Prof. Okello grew up in a poor family in a rural village in the Nzoia Settlement Scheme, where basic necessities and a good education were always a struggle. Tom Okello faced numerous challenges as a child, including poverty, limited means and resources, and a lack of opportunities. He attended elementary school in Kakamega County before moving to Turkana County to pursue his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). He later earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nairobi. He was unafraid of the challenges that lay ahead of him. Instead, they awakened in him a strong desire for change as well as an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and self-determination. He went to South Africa first as a Humana People to People volunteer and then as a volunteer carer at God's Golden Acre Children's Home.

Prof. Okello recognised the power of education as a catalyst for personal growth and social development and dedicated himself to the acquisition of knowledge and the advancement of others. Against all odds, he achieved outstanding academic performance and received scholarships that enabled him to continue his education. Tom realised that education is not only a means for self-fulfilment but also a tool for the betterment of the community.
Prof. Okello's journey of change did not end with his personal successes. Instead, he embraced his role as a leader and actively contributed to the development of his community. Recognising the need for sustainable change, he founded several initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he spearheaded projects that provided scholarships to underprivileged children, built schools, and supported local entrepreneurs, particularly in Kenya and South Africa.

Prof. Okello's impact on his community is immeasurable. Through his tireless efforts, he has inspired countless people to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. His educational initiatives have opened doors for young people and given them the tools to build a better future. By promoting economic self-determination, he has created opportunities for self-sufficiency and lifted many families out of poverty in Kenya and South Africa. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on his community that will benefit future generations.

Prof. Okello's story teaches us invaluable lessons. It reminds us of the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It underscores the transformative role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change. Tom's journey inspires us to harness our own potential and create positive change in our communities.

Prof. Okello's story embodies the indomitable human spirit, resilience, and power of education. From his humble beginnings, he rose above challenges to transform his own life and the lives of others. His unwavering commitment to education and community development is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that through perseverance, empathy, and the will to change, we can have a lasting impact on the world around us. Prof. Okello's journey is a testament to the human capacity for growth and change and to the power of individuals to shape a better future.

Control your emotions!
- When we panic, we make mistakes. We override freakout systems. We disregard procedures, ignore rules. We deviate from the plan. We become unresponsive and stop thinking clearly. We just react - not to what we need to react to, but to the survival hormones but coursing our veins.
- Welcome to the source of most of our problems down here on earth. Everything is planned down to the letter, but then something goes wrong and the first thing we do is trade in our plan for a good ol' emotional freakout. Some of us almost crave sounding the alarm, because it's easier than dealing with whatever is staring us in the face.
- Pain is su***de. So it has to be trained out. And it does not go easily. Uncertainty and fear are relieved by authority. Training is authority. It's a release valve. With enough exposure, you can adapt to those perfectly ordinary, even innate, fears bred mostly from unfamiliarity. Fortunately, unfamiliarity is simple to fix (again, not easy), Which makes it possible to increase our tolerance for stress and uncertainty.

What Does a Boundary Look Like?

The parents of a twenty-five-year-old man came to see me
with a common request: they wanted me to “fix” their son,
Bill. When I asked where Bill was, they answered, “Oh, he
didn’t want to come.” “Why?” I asked.
“Well, he doesn’t think he has a problem,” they replied.
“Maybe he’s right,” I said, to their surprise. “Tell me about it.”

They recited a history of problems that had begun at a very
young age. Bill had never been “quite up to s***f ” in their eyes. In recent years he had exhibited problems with drugs and an inability to stay in school and find a career.
It was apparent that they loved their son very much and
were heartbroken over the way he was living. They had tried everything they knew to get him to change and live a responsible life, but all had failed. He was still using drugs, avoiding responsibility, and keeping questionable company.

They told me that they had always given him everything he
needed. He had plenty of money at school so “he wouldn’t have to work and he would have plenty of time for study and a social life.” When he flunked out of one school, or stopped going to classes, they were more than happy to do everything they could to get him into another school, “where it might be better for him.” After they had talked for a while, I responded: “I think your son is right. He doesn’t have a problem.”

You could have mistaken their expression for a snapshot;
they stared at me in disbelief for a full minute. Finally the father said, “Did I hear you right? You don’t think he has a
problem?

There will always be more people willing to do "great" things for God than there are people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants. Sometimes you serve upward to those in authority, and sometimes you serve downward to those in need. Either way, you develop a servant's heart when you're willing to do anything needed.

Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks. The little things in life determine the big things. Don't look for great tasks to do for God. Just do the not-so-great stuff, and God will assign you whatever he wants you to do. But before attempting the extraordinary, try serving in ordinary ways.

How to Start the Day

As you woke up this morning, what was the first thing that went through your mind? Did you wake up with a song of praise on your lips?

When we start the day in worship, we start the day connected to Almighty God. When we live a lifestyle of praise, it shows that our faith is constantly in Him. We make glorifying God a priority. It’s not secondary, “Oh, if I have time.” No, you’re always talking about God’s goodness. You’re constantly telling your friends how God has blessed you. In your car, you’re singing songs of praise. At the office, under your breath, you’re thanking God for His favor. You get up in the morning and say, “God, I love You today. I praise You today. Thank You for another beautiful day.” Then when you go to bed at night, you bless Him for His faithfulness!

Friend, when you have the high praises of God coming out of your mouth, the scripture says Almighty God will go to war against your enemies. Praise precedes the victory, so start the day right and live a lifestyle of praise!

Rule 13: never let anyone know how hard you work...as an intrepid rules player you may want to cultivate a sort of image which is suave, easy, relaxed, languid, in control and very chilled. you never run, never panic, never even to hurry.

Doctor: 'How do you feel today?'
Patient: 'With my hands - just like i usually do.'

What Are Key Populations? Key populations are distinct sub-groups within the general population who are at higher risk of exposure to HIV, who engage in highly stigmatized behaviors and who are often marginalized in their o...

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Criminalization and discrimination against s*xual minorities fuels spread of infectious diseases among general populations as well as among men who have s*x with men..Research forming the basis of a broad consensus among scientists worldwide that homos*xuality is normal, natural and poses no threats to health remains widely unknown to policymakers where anti-gay laws are rife, note authors of a just released report titled Diversity in Human Sexuality. The report, released Thursday, is the authors’ attempt to remedy that. Examining both the stated reasons for, and impacts of a growing number of anti-gay laws, the report from the Academy of Science of South Africa, was put together by a panel of physicians, academicians, and scientists. Most are South Africa-based; the panel also includes President of the International AIDS Society Dr. Chris Beyrer, and Juliet Kiguli, a Ugandan anthropologist