Alumni Spotlight: Henry Gwani, Africa Capacity

Duncan McFadzean
  1. Tell us what about yourself and your venture?

I run a nonprofit called Africa Capacity. To address the high rate of recidivism in South Africa, we integrate vocational training with life skills training, restorative justice, basic mental health and discipleship among formerly incarcerated persons in the Eastern Province of South Africa.

  1. How did you get involved with Creo?

I got involved with Creo through an online ad I saw and after connecting with co-founder Duncan I knew it was the right thing to do.

  1. How did you find your experience of Creo? How did it help your venture?

The training sessions were fantastic but an extremely important highlight was the coaching sessions. They gently guided me towards clarifying my thoughts and presenting my organization well before potential partners.

  1. What are you most excited for in your venture?

The possibility of helping poor, formerly incarcerated persons who struggle to get a job due to their criminal record, to gain skills, earn a living, and develop a thriving relationship with Jesus.

  1. What are some of the things you’re thinking about/questions you are asking as an entrepreneur?

As we engage the unsaved poor, how do we effectively facilitate genuine repentance/relationship with Jesus while empowering them with the skills needed to thrive?

Henry Gwani is a student of missions and management whose work assignments have taken him to more than 30 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. After serving for almost 15 years as a missionary with Mercy Ships, Henry and his wife, Mampho, founded the Africa Capacity Building Council (ACBC) in July 2015. ACBC’s goal is to train Africans in missions and managing small businesses. The non-profit organization operates out of the Eastern province of South Africa. Henry is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership from George Fox University. Henry’s goal is to identify, train, and mobilize 300 vocational missionaries in South Africa by 2030.

Visit the Africa Capacity Website

Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca West, Rebecca West Counselling

Duncan McFadzean
  1. Tell us what about yourself and your venture?

My name is Rebecca West and I am a private therapist based in Cowley, Oxford.

  1. How did you get involved with Creo?

A friend referred me, as she knew one of the Creo mentors and I knew of the business they were creating so I thought it would be good to find out more.

  1. How did you find your experience of Creo? How did it help your venture?

I really enjoyed the monthly mentoring the most because it helped keep me encouraged and gave me a perspective that I would not have had, had it not been for the Creo mentors.

  1. What are you most excited for in your venture?

I am excited about developing my business in a creative, relevant and kingdom focused way.

  1. What are some of the things you’re thinking about/questions you are asking as an entrepreneur?

I am asking what is mental health’s role for people recovery post lockdown and what is my creativity going to offer that is different to what is out there now.

Rebecca West’s service provides a safe space for young people, parents and caring professionals to be supported so that they can begin to thrive. For the last 10 years, she has worked with vulnerable young adults, children and their families through a variety of capacities. Rebecca has worked as a school counsellor, DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) a carer for young adults with special needs, a TA for autistic children and a mentor for teenagers, young adults and their parents through the local church.  

Visit Rebecca West Counselling Website