Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva: The Spectacular Area 5 and 6 Gala Dinner, Strathmore University-Nairobi

There is no spectacular way to end the first half of the Toastmasters year, other than with a gala dinner, scintillating company, an effervescent MC and the entire District Trio capping the event. And I travelled all the way to Nairobi for this! Was it worth it? Would I be asking for the next event, if it wasn’t?

The dynamic duo, Areas 5 and 6 Directors, Derrick Mandela and Syria Rama respectively, organised an end of 2023 gala dinner at Strathmore University in Nairobi. It was easily the most thrilling event of this Toastmasters year, to-date.

What a huge turn out! Not just turning out but turning up in couture, evening chic-’ness,’ and eye-pleasing fashion.

Images by Anariko Photography

I’m a poet and for the past two months, my poetic appetite has been looking for a place to be satiated. The gala dinner was it. We all know that Toastmasters always organise events well and MC with wit and humor, keep time and generally honour invitations.

This event crushed the bar and set such a high standard, that I think the only way to top it, would be to invite us to The Eiffel Tower for the next Toastmasters event. If you’re organising a Division Conference, take note. The bar is high!

Being collaborators, as per our District 114 theme, Derrick and Syria took no prisoners, as they planned in meticulous detail, with an exceptional and dedicated team, for this event.

And what’s an event without a phenomenal MC. MC Okari, is in a league of his own. It wasn’t just the high energy, it was landing the right words and dance moves in the right place and keeping us engaged at all times, that by 11:00pm, it felt like time had not shifted at all. He was seamless, artistic and spontaneous.

My highlight of this year 2023, was performing poetry at this grand dinner. It was an honour which will serve me for the rest of my life. And I have the huge privilege of being a speaker who is also invited to perform poetry, and not to deliver a keynote address. It was an unparalleled feeling, just seeing the audience paying attention and taking part. Thanks to Rachel of K-Toastmasters, who agreed to be part of my poetry performance, with just five minutes to prepare. Bravo!

I don't know how many times I was asked if my trip to Nairobi was solely for the Area 5 and 6 gala dinner. Yes, it was. Travel, Poetry and Toastmasters. Did I need another reason?

The District Trio, Distinguished Toastmasters District Director Japheth Musau, Programme Quality Director Robert Karanja and Club Growth Director Jaynnie Mulle, all graced the event and motivated us so much, to maintain the Toastmasters commitment, renew and raise the standard for the next 6 months. I had only met Japheth before, so that was a double treat for me. Seeing the three of them turn up was a huge statement to their commitment to honouring the invitation and to supporting the district.