While many Kenyans planned a long weekend of rest and travel, a group of 15 Strathmore University students chose a different path. From Thursday, 9th to Saturday, 11th October, coinciding with the Mazingira Day holiday, the volunteers embarked on a work camp in Kwale County, a journey that redefined what a “break” can mean.

Invited as a storyteller to document their mission, I expected coastal scenes near Diani Beach. What unfolded instead was a profound story of learning, mentorship, and service that stretched far beyond the scenic horizon.

A Journey into the Heart of Kwale

The trip began with a long, bumpy drive through Kwale’s rugged hills to Mteza Central Primary School in Matuga. There, a trio of Strathmore students wasted no time. After briefing with teachers to identify key academic needs, they dived straight into energetic sessions on English, Mathematics, and Kiswahili, engaging learners eager to soak in every word.

When asked what drove them to trade comfort for community, Derrick, a final-year Electronics Engineering student from Tanzania, said, “Many people have invested their time, knowledge, and experience in me over the years. Being here is my way of passing that forward.”

For Gathoga, a third-year Business IT student and seasoned volunteer, representation was everything. “It’s important to show these learners that university is not out of reach. When they meet students from Strathmore, they begin to dream bigger. They begin to see that they, too, can get there.”

The Stark Reality and a Beacon of Hope

The magnitude of the students’ impact became even clearer through Binti Hamisi, Head Teacher at Mteza Central. She explained that over 70% of families in Kwale live below the poverty line, and only 40% of learners complete primary school, compared to the national average of 70%.

“Education is the strongest tool we have to empower our communities,” she emphasized. “It gives this generation a fighting chance.”

Binti is one of several local educators benefitting from Angaza, an innovative Strathmore University initiative that equips school leaders with the skills to improve learning outcomes. Alongside the Teachers Enhancement Program, it is part of Strathmore’s wider effort to empower Kenya’s education stakeholders.

Learning on a Holiday: The Spirit of Dedication

Even on Mazingira Day, the classrooms at Kwale Primary School were full. Eager to engage with their Strathmore mentors, learners chose study over celebration. 

There we met John Gassare, the school’s Head Teacher and a Master’s in Education Management student at Strathmore. His gratitude was heartfelt. 

“The Angaza program opened our eyes. Lessons on mental health, professional development, and school culture have been transformative. We are changing mindsets,” said Gassare. 

Lekatoo, another Electronics Engineering student, was inspired by the pupils’ determination. “They ask endless questions about university life. Their curiosity is boundless. You can see how much they want to learn, and that’s what keeps us going.”

The Heart of Service

As the work camp drew to a close, Benjamin, a Computer Science student, summarized what the experience meant.  “There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching understanding dawn on a student’s face. We are lucky to have mentors at Strathmore, so this is our way of giving back. My hope is that these learners see their potential and believe they can achieve anything.”

A Journey of Service and Hope

Leaving Kwale, I carried with me memories of dusty roads and eager faces, as well as a renewed appreciation for what education and service can achieve.

The Angaza Program, though still in its early stages, is already reshaping lives in Kwale. And behind it stand students who chose a work camp over a beach holiday. A choice that reflects Strathmore University’s ethos of service, excellence, and leadership.

Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys take us far from comfort into classrooms, communities, and hearts that remind us what true education is all about.

Article written by Victor Anyura