Last week, we did something monumental. We planted the flag of Zizi Afrique Foundation at the summit of Lenana Peak, Mount Kenya (4,985m). This was more than a physical achievement; it was a profound embodiment of the very values that guide our work.
The mountain, in its majestic and treacherous beauty, tested the team on each of our core values:
Ubuntu: Our Collective Ascent
The briefing was clear: summiting is both an individual and a collective endeavour. The individual needed the strength of the group, and the group relied on the resilience of everyone. I am because we are.
Curiosity: Learning at Every Turn
The environment reminded us of our vulnerability, yet our team’s curiosity never waned. We explored caves, valleys, and rock formations, observing birds, animals and flora and marvelled at the mountain lakes. This mirrors our approach to foundational learning, constantly inquiring, exploring, and understanding.
Accountability: A Duty to Each Other
Beyond the duty to place our flag, we were accountable for one another’s well-being. “Do you have enough water?” “How are you feeling?” This constant, caring check-in is the bedrock of a high-performing team.
Safety: A Shared Responsibility
With snow on the trail and ongoing rains, the mountain was unusually dangerous. Ensuring every team member’s safety was not a solo task but a collective, non-negotiable priority.
Diversity: One Flag, Many Voices
Our team represented the rich diversity of our directorates and ages. We appreciated our different experiences, strengths and perspectives, yet we had one unified goal and one flag to fly. Our strength lies in our unity in diversity.
As Zizi Afrique Foundation transitions to our new 2026-2040 strategy, this climb stands as a powerful metaphor. Placing our flag at Lenana Peak signifies that we are only just beginning. The terrain behind us represents the challenges we’ve overcome and the lessons we’ve learned.
The only way from the summit is to scale another peak, not to descend.
We are ready for the next climb, and we will achieve it with a diverse, curious, and dedicated team that finds solutions for every challenge. The view from the top is just the starting point.
