Mpala’s Community Outreach Department is all about strengthening relationships between Mpala and local communities. As the Community Outreach Assistant, Leshan aims to build relationships through “effective communication, collaborative activities, and supportive initiatives that address the needs of both parties,” he said.

Coming from Il Motiok Community Land, he brings a personal relationship to sustaining engagement with neighbouring communities including Lekiji, Il Motiok, Koija, and Tiamamut.

Before joining Mpala, he led tours in Karisia Camel Walks and Olgaboli Lodge, which he now applies to the role of guiding Mpala’s students, researchers, and students during community visits.

“Working at Mpala in the Community Outreach Department will help me to understand more about community engagement and approaches to all issues and will also help in the field of working from communities with different ethnicities and backgrounds,” said the Il Motiok native.

In addition to bridging communication between students, staff, and the community, Leshan also provides administrative support and guidance in community development programs, such as Mpala’s George Small Fund (GSF) Scholarship program. The GSF Scholarship, of which Leshan is a class of 2021 alumnus, provides top-performing students with scholarships to attend high school and university in Kenya.

“My goal is to bring a positive and a sustainable partnership between Mpala and the local community.”

Since joining Mpala in November 2024, Leshan’s cultural fluency and ability to liaise between groups has softened disputes and handled any misunderstandings. His history working with communities has strengthened trust between Mpala and its neighbours, creating a conducive environment for collaborations and outreach.