“For your absence to be felt, your presence must first be impactful.” It is a line Dr. Seth Pascal Brenya, a humble mentor, has repeated to his scholars for years, a quiet mantra that many say reshaped their confidence, sharpened their purpose, and anchored their leadership journeys.
That message travelled far beyond Africa as Dr. Brenya stepped into the global spotlight in Kuala Lumpur to receive the Commonwealth Award 2025 for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Work.
The award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and dedication to empowering young people throughout the Commonwealth, places him among the region’s and world’s most influential voices in youth development.
It honors more than a decade of disciplined, high-impact mentorship and leadership programs that have shaped the lives of young leaders across the world.
Professional Profile: Dr. Seth Pascal Brenya
Dr. Seth Pascal Brenya is a global human capital developer and CEO of Focus Central, with extensive experience in youth coaching, corporate wellness, and enterprise development. He serves as Director of the Kufuor Scholars Program, Lead Consultant for the PK Amoabeng Leadership Foundation, and Lead Facilitator for YALI Africa and Commonwealth youth programs.
He is also an Assessor for the Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, a member of the Academy of African Business and Development and has worked as a training consultant for FAO–UN and the British Council.
Dr. Brenya has lectured at GIMPA, Valley View University, and Datalink University College, and previously hosted National Agenda on GTV-Ghana. He is a lifetime member of the Millennium Awards Fellowship (UK) and recipient of the Londoners for London Award and the British Council Youth Award.
A Guiding Voice for Emerging Leaders
Dr. Brenya has spent over a decade mentoring young people who often enter his programs uncertain, voiceless, or unsure of their potential. Under his guidance, participants gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a sense of purpose that extends into their communities and careers.
Many of his scholars credit him with opening doors to opportunities they once thought beyond reach, including competitive scholarships, leadership programs, and international platforms to influence change. One scholar said:
“This award is a reflection of his continuous dedication to transforming the lives of young people. And for those of us that are privileged to have had this faith and experience, we couldn’t be more excited. This reflects everything that we’ve been saying about Dr. Pascal. He’s truly, truly inspiring the young people, building our confidence, expanding our vision, and grounding us in ethical leadership.”
Dr. Brenya’s philosophy of intentional presence, the idea that for one’s absence to be felt, their presence must first be impactful, has become a signature of his leadership style and a guiding principle in every program he facilitates.
Dr. Pascal Brenya on Youth Empowerment
Dr. Seth Pascal Brenya, in his passionate remarks, spoke about the mission that has guided his work for over a decade: helping young people find their voice, build confidence, and step into leadership.
“I’m so touched,” he said. “I dedicated my life to helping young people who feel neglected, bringing out the best in them, and restoring their voice to be heroes of change.”
He added a challenge to everyone, emphasizing the wider purpose of leadership: “We were set up with one mission, to challenge the status quo, help young people reach their full potential, and make a difference, regardless of the circumstances.
Each of us is mandated to make this world a better place for the unborn. The question is: whose life are you going to touch today?”
For now, the Commonwealth Award cements Dr. Brenya’s legacy and serves as a challenge to continue shaping the next generation of leaders.
