Meet GLOBAL CIVILITY AMBASSADOR, KIBE EDWIN GITAU

Could you tell us about your background?

I am a certified addiction psychologist/ professional. A consultant on alcohol, drugs and substance abuse prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of persons with substance use disorders in the community. A consultant trainer on workplace policy formulations, capacity building and advocacy on matters pertaining to alcohol and drug abuse. I hold an undergraduate degree in Bachelors of Commerce – Accounts from the University of Madras—India; M.A in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, I am founding director UHAI Centre in Thika, Kenya and a lecturer at Mt. Kenya University’s Department of Management. I am a humanitarian and Country Director Global Goodwill Ambassadors (GGA Kenya), International Society of Substance use Professionals (ISSUP), Addiction Prevention Rehabilitation Association of Kenya (APRAK), World Federation against Drug (WFAD), and Kenya Certification for Addiction Counselors. Am a peace ambassador under Institute

for Peace and Development (INSPAD), My Body is My Body Programme and East Africa Regional Advisor for Naifa Maruf Foundation. In community service, I am a Board of Management Member for Moyo Children’s Centre, Familia Moja Children’s Home, two reputable high school within Kiambu County, consultant St. Martins Rehab Centre Maragua among many other community assignments in the church and community. I’ve authored two resource books “Surviving an Addiction’’ and ‘‘Parenting for Positive Futures”. I’m a mentor and a family man, married to one wife, a father of two boys and one girl. I’m the first-born in a family of four. Despite having been raised in a humble family, I’ve a sour past relationship with alcohol. During adolescence, a lot of physical development, biological and emotional transformational changes occur that causes turbulence in youth’s life. It was during this time of my life that I experimented with alcohol, unaware of the probable consequences. First came the fun with an intriguing feeling of elation, not knowing that drugs change the brain gradually leading to dependency. I’m a recovering alcoholic, having abused alcohol for over 10 years, which changed me tremendously. Upon recovery in 2011, it dawned on me that many areas of my life had been neglected. I was also deeply disillusioned and stigmatized. This was a turning point in my life. I subsequently underwent rigorous professional training conducted by National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA Kenya) in collaboration with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. In 2014, I graduated as a certified addiction professional. It’s based on this knowledge and skills that I’ve since volunteered in community projects and therapies.

What are your greatest achievements?

Being a sober and loving son, husband and father and a respected opinion leader in the community is quite an achievement. My story has motivated, touched and transformed many lives; parents, loved ones, and persons with substance use disorders. It gives them hope and reassurance that all is not lost.

Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Nairobi, but due to alcoholism, I couldn’t join. During one of my drinking sprees, I misplaced my academic transcripts and certificates. It took me 12 years to complete a two-year master programme. Graduating in December 2017 was my greatest achievement. Publishing and presenting research papers on drug abuse at national, regional and international conferences after my own recovery has been a major highlight of life. Today, being featured on eYs International Magazine is another milestone.

When and why did you become a humanitarian advocate mentoring as an addiction psychologist?

To defeat alcoholism in 2011, I had to undergo a 90-day residential treatment at U-Turn for Christ Rehabilitation Centre in Ngong, Kenya. It was during my time in rehab that the idea of helping vulnerable communities in prevention campaign against alcohol and drug abuse, treatment and rehabilitation was born. Upon being discharged, I began a campaign in my local church (St. Patrick’s Catholic Church - Thika), where I volunteered in drug education, conducting seminars and workshops targeting vulnerable groups, most at-risk persons such as young and students. Ten years later, I’m running a successful volunteer drug education, mentorship, counseling and career guidance programme in all public and private education institutions, religious and corporate organizations under Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) sponsored by well-wishers and partly corporate social responsibility departments of these institutions.

Can you walk us through your journey mainly finding the motivation to dedicate your time to up-skill? And commit to an art that requires patience, understanding, direction and guidance?

I was an average student in school, born and brought up in a humble family. I was the 1st born and a star in my family, obedient and God-fearing, an ever-smiling boy that was loved by everyone. After scoring good marks, I was admitted to a reputable provincial school (Gaichanjiru High School).

College life

In 1998, I joined Mohammed Sathak College of Science and Arts, an affiliate of the University of Madras in Chennai, India, where I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounts Major). I completed B.Com programme within the stipulated time of 3 years. During the study period, I concurrently pursued a Diploma in Business Management with All India Institute for Management. I later pursued a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing. During my study tenure, I would drink alcohol occasionally for fun on social functions with my college peers and fellow Kenyans in India. It was fun then..!

After college

After five years in a foreign country – India, in 2002, I suffered from homesickness. I was 5 years in a foreign country. Having completed my first project, an undergraduate degree, I felt a needed a break.

Back Home in 2002

I landed back home in October 2002, to jubilation and celebrations. Travelling abroad, learning a new culture, a new language, a new lifestyle and making new friends and returning

home safely was a big achievement. I assumed I had all it takes to secure a well-paying job, earning no less than a six-figure salary on my first job. I imagined that in six months, I’d own a luxurious car and live in a high-end estate. Upon arriving in Kenya, I first went looking for admission to join University of Nairobi to pursue MBA. Thankfully, I got an admission letter, and waited to join in the next intake. Thirsty for education, I went to KASNEB and registered for CPA exams. But to realize my vision and accomplish my mission, I needed money. Objective to be achieved, budget and time are main pillars in any project. My objective was to complete my MBA within the stipulated study period as per university timelines, so remaining was the budget. How do I finance my project? I didn’t want to go back to my parents because my siblings were still in school and in any case I was expected to support my parents considering I had an education. So I set out to look for a job, rubber hit the tarmac and this is when reality hit me. I was frustrated, got embarrassed, and my hopes started dwindling. After moving from office to office looking for work for a year, I got a cleaning job with a monthly pay of KSh7, 500 (USD 75) on referral by my friend John Paul. Having hoped to earn at least KSh100, 000 (USD 1000) per month, this was a faraway cry. I was devastated, but took the offer. The devil is a liar; I turned to alcohol for consolation. I got drunk while at work. In 2004, there were no regulations to brewers and distillers, and wines and spirits outlets were found in every corner of Nairobi, some selling substandard spirits packaged in sachets retailing for a little as KSh10 (USD 0.1). It was a free market meant to kill intellectuals.

Addiction sets in

I became a daily drinking officer, deteriorating by the day. I quit my job due to absenteeism, mismanagement of company assets and misappropriation of funds all channeled to alcohol. Slowly I slipped to illicit alcohol. Following was a series of lost jobs all associated to alcoholism.

I avoided family members and friends Gradually and not realizing, life became difficult, and I was emaciated, poor health dented face image. Compromised health was arrested and sentenced to serve a jail term for 3 months with charges of drunk and disorderly. I became an outcast, black-sheep and disgrace in the family and community, Life is a journey!

Addiction is a disease treat it as such; my road to recovery I am very passionate about helping persons suffering from alcoholism or any form of addiction, because, if not for someone else’s prayers, love and care, I wouldn’t be giving this testimony. I went for a treatment and rehabilitation; today I am a witness that addiction is a disease and recovery is a reality. Recovery is a Reality – I have a testimony!! Since my recovery, I can testify that all that was eaten by the locust have been repaid tenfold (Joel 2:25). I went back to the college and revived my CPA course, took up addiction counseling to understand my past life - 12 years later; I graduated with M.A. in Project Planning and Management; it is the greatest achievement that confirms our dreams are valid. In the year 2015, the same year I started my master’s degree programme, I published my first book “Surviving an Addiction”. It’s a resource book that takes you through what can be done to prevent, treat and rehabilitate “addicts”, besides a drug awareness section. The book addresses addiction as a family disease and a societal concern. I am an avid advocate on the topic of alcohol, drug and substance abuse; I have presented three research papers on the subject during international and national conferences organized by National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). I have featured several on National Television and local dailies sensitizing the public on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with substance use disorders. During this dark moment in my life, my wife and family, parents and siblings never despised or abandoned me. Instead, they held my hand. I have special appreciation to Fr. Anthony through Vincentian Prayer House in Thika for his support, may God bless him abundantly. Life is ups and downs; I now have my life back on track. Today, I am the founder and director of a community-based initiative called United by Health and Agriculture Improvement (UHAI) Centre. UHAI means life in Swahili, a vernacular language in East and Central Africa. This centre offers capacity building trainings, counseling services around prevention, treatment and rehabilitation and correlated issues such as domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, HIV AIDS, Cancer. Besides these, we are involved with outreach education programmes, mentorship and career guidance. I’m also a part-time lecturer at Mt Kenya University’s department of management. I hope to be a fulltime lecturer soon. I use my interactions with youngsters to talk to them about the realities of life and what to expect upon graduation. I serve as the current Country Director (Kenya) of the Global Goodwill Ambassadors, a humanitarian organisation that seeks to unite humanitarians’ worldwide through preaching love, caring and sharing as a tool to spread humanity. I serve the community by being a member, Board of Management of two reputable public secondary schools in my home county Kiambu; I thank God for restoring my life and rebuilding trust in people who had lost hope in me.

What are valuable lessons you have learned along the way in the “not-for-profit industry?”

Realizing my purpose has really made life easy for me in “notfor-profit industry”, finding purpose in life involves exploring the things you love to do, identifying your strengths, weak areas, what you can do comfortably with or without pay. Passion is the driver in this industry; loving, caring and sharing are the pillars to support your mission. Having vocational skills to build on your passion and employing professionalism is critical. Along the way dedication, efficiency, consistency and honesty are core values in this space. However, funding is a challenge, especially for mental health awareness programmes in Kenya as it is a fairly new concept. Alcoholism and drug abuse haven’t been embraced as diseases. Instead, persons suffering from substance use disorders are commonly stigmatized.

Is there any advice you would like to offer anyone else who may be interested to pursue the same path?

I’d strongly urge and appeal for more to people to join us in volunteering to serve humanity, let us all remember that life is not all about money and acquiring wealth. There is a life and satisfaction in serving humanity. Second, let us all endeavor to prevent alcoholism, drug abuse and all anti-social behaviors right in our families by simply strengthening family bonds and becoming role models. Family is the most basic unit in the society in which morals are founded. It is important to mention that in humanitarian calling, patience is paramount, it pays and it’s a virtue. Last, I would advise interested persons to hang on to where your passion is, to keep doing well because it comes back to you.

What advice would you tell your younger self?

I have the potential to do more… I have to achieve my academic dream by attaining higher qualifications in the field of addiction psychology to help me serve my community in the best way possible to avert losses of lives and resources associated with alcoholism and drug abuse.

What motivates you to be a change maker, especially during these challenging times?

Covid-19 is a stressor among many other stressors that have dramatically destabilized our mental and psychological wellness in the recent few months. Persons who have their loved one’s in ICU, quarantine, isolation or held up due to lockdown and restricted movements are not at peace at all. Schools and social life have been affected. The current economic slowdown has cost jobs and business opportunities. Consequently, millions are hungry and unsettled. All this boils down to mental disorientation and, most likely, substance abuse or suicidal tendencies. This explains why we are experiencing a surge in domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse and other mental health challenges. I would hate to imagine the relationship between COVID -19 and addiction, lungs of a marijuana or tobacco abuser and other inhalants too being exposed to the virus; the life of children and families spending on the streets, especially during COVID-19 pandemic; an addict who is experiencing alcohol or drugs withdrawal symptoms which imitate those of COVID and the stigma associated. This motivates me to be readily available to serve humanity and avert negative consequences.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My inspiration comes from my mum. She was ever by my side despite the shame, my dad and siblings did not despise me, my wife stood by my side and gave me love despite the alcoholism disease; you are the reason I glow today. Therefore, never underestimate family love… Today I am who I am and do all what I do because I was supported! CEO, Editor-in-Chief at eYs magazine and humanitarian Jasmina Siderovski, Global Goodwill Ambassadors (GGA) Founder Richard Dipilla you are awesome people, you have broadened my perception on humanity.

Are there, or are there challenges throughout your journey that stands out that may inspire others?

Always stand up to defend your personality. Don’t allow it to be tainted. It’s difficult to rebuild or win back lost trust. Fighting stigma that is associated with substance use disorders was a tall order for me initially, but I have managed to overcome and outgrow the challenge. Your dream or vision may be delayed but not denied; when you persist, it becomes a reality. My dream of a master’s degree was only a mirage but today I help others to pursue their postgraduate studies as a lecturer.

What are your end goals? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

My aim is to deliver quality programmes that will impact positively on the lives of most-at-risk persons (women, youth and children) and those affected by substance abuse. I acknowledge that fighting substance abuse promotes inclusive development and reduced HIV AIDS, cancer and other illnesses associated with substance abuse. I hope to rehabilitate those affected by substance abuse through sustainable interventions and reduce relapses.

Professionally, we manage alcoholism and drug abuse through 1demand reduction where we educate and empower people to abstain from these vices; 2supply suppression, I partner with the government(s), key stakeholders and social structures in curtailing supply of drugs and substances not to reach the end consumer who are our children and 3Harm reduction by taking care of afflicted persons by rehabilitating and reintegrating them into the society. My goal is therefore to employ above strategies harmoniously to achieve my bigger end goal of ensuring we have sober and productive communities. Addressing and educating on the correlation between Sex, Alcohol, AIDS, Drugs and COVID-19, a SAAD-C combination.

It is my desire to expand and broaden drug awareness networks to reach out to more vulnerable populations including women in addition, street families. Continuing humanitarian work individually and or in partnership with institutions with similar objectives is close to my heart. Academic excellence is dear to me. I am also looking forward to earning a doctorate (Ph. D), to this effect I am actively looking for a scholarship and or sponsorship to pursue this dream that will empower me serve the community.

What is your favorite pastime when you aren’t working?

My family, I spend quality time with them. I teach my children alternative sustainable livelihood skills such as organic farming of fruits, vegetables and poultry farming. I love reading and researching on alcohol and drug abuse related materials, watching life changing, inspiring and transformative stories.

Other links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kibe-edwin-gitau-gga42820a61/

Face book: https://web.facebook.com/kibe.edwingitau Website: www.uhaicentre.org YouTube: Kibe Edwin Gitau https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OUXXZ8uX9F8

Twitter: @Gitaukibe https://twitter.com/Gitaukibe?s=08 Daily Nation Newspaper https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/ mynetwork/Gitau-Kibe/3141096-4716258-seibbr/index.html