At the heart of every thriving society lies a spirit of generosity and sacrifice. Giving back to the community is not just an act of kindness, it’s a transformative journey that shapes both the giver and the receiver. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting social causes, community service nurtures personal growth and creates lasting impact.

In recognition of the profound role that community service plays in society and in an effort to deepen awareness and student involvement, Strathmore University recently wrapped up a vibrant and meaningful Community Service Week. The week was filled with a variety of events that touched lives, built connections, and reignited the spirit of service across campus and beyond.

Awareness and Activation Tent

Held from August 25th to 29th, 2025, Community Service Week was organized by the University’s Community Service Centre, with the goal of introducing new students to the program, spreading awareness of its mission, and re-engaging returning volunteers.

A central feature of the week was the Awareness and Activation Tent, strategically set up outside the University Student Centre. The tent served as a vibrant hub of information and inspiration, drawing in curious passersby and turning them into potential volunteers.

Inside, a striking display of photographs showcased recent outreach initiatives, offering a compelling visual story of the program’s wide-ranging impact. Student representatives were present throughout, engaging peers in conversation, answering questions, and highlighting the many ways students could get involved.

They emphasized that the Community Service Centre is committed to serving a wide spectrum of society through volunteer efforts at various communities including mentorship of high school students through the Macheo Achievement Programme, children’s homes, facilities for the elderly and disabled, and rescue centers that support victims of gender-based violence, early pregnancy, and street involvement. Volunteers participate in activities like mentoring, cleaning, cooking, gardening, feeding programs, and engaging with children through play and conversation; simple acts that leave a profound impact.

Blood Donation Drive: Small Act, Big Impact

One of the standout highlights of the week was the blood donation drive, organized by the CSC and met with overwhelming support. Taking place over two consecutive days ;Tuesday the 26th and Wednesday the 27th, the drive saw a large turnout of volunteers eager to contribute to a life-saving cause.
The event aimed to replenish critically low blood supplies in regional hospitals, where shortages can mean the difference between life and death. Conducted under the supervision of trained medical professionals, the donation process was safe, hygienic, and comfortable for all participants.
Volunteers were screened beforehand to ensure eligibility, and after donating, they were provided with refreshments( Mkate na soda ilikua must) and presented with certificates of appreciation , a small token of thanks for their big-hearted contribution.

Beyond the blood collected, the drive succeeded in raising awareness about the ongoing need for regular blood donations, underscoring how one small act of kindness can save multiple lives.

Visit to the Sisters of Charity: A Humbling Encounter

On Wednesday, a group of students and staff took part in a meaningful outreach visit to the Sisters of Charity in Langata, where they work with individuals living with disabilities. The visit offered more than just a volunteering opportunity , it was a chance to connect, listen, learn, and reflect.
Volunteers spent time interacting with residents, assisting them in light activities, and gaining insight into their daily routines. The experience served as a moment of deep compassion and perspective, reinforcing the values of inclusion, empathy, and shared humanity.

It was a visit that didn’t just make an impact on those being served , it profoundly affected the volunteers as well, broadening their understanding of the importance of supporting and embracing all members of society.

IESE Mentorship at Oasis School with Macheo Mentors & Nairobi West Prison Visit

Day 4 of Community Service Week was filled with two incredibly powerful initiatives that spoke to the themes of resilience, redemption, and the ripple effect of mentorship.

At Nairobi West Prison, students and staff were invited into a world that challenged assumptions and stereotypes. What they encountered wasn’t despair, but resilience. Inmates were immersed in carpentry, mechanics, and panel beating, showcasing how creativity and dignity can flourish even in the most constrained environments. The visit revealed stories of growth and purpose reminders that rehabilitation is possible when people are given the tools to succeed.

Simultaneously, in Kangemi, another team engaged in a transformative mentorship session at Oasis Secondary School, organized in partnership with IESE Business School, Macheo Mentors, and Strathmore University staff. The day was packed with dynamic moments: From spirited cultural performances and electrifying dance sessions, to moving one-on-one conversations with students dreaming of better futures.
What began as a typical mentorship visit quickly evolved into something extraordinary. Volunteers connected with students over shared hopes and personal stories, encouraging them to pursue ambitions like becoming doctors, entrepreneurs, and engineers. There was laughter, dancing, discovery (including the joy of sugarcane snacks!), and above all, deep emotional exchange. By the end of the visit, it was clear that this was more than a school outreach , it was a planting of seeds, the start of lifelong inspiration for both mentors and mentees.

Sports Day: Unity in Motion

As the week progressed, energy levels remained high and so did team spirit. Sports Day brought the community together in a celebration of fitness, fun, and friendly competition.
The university field came alive with races, volleyball matches, rugby games, zumba dances and more, drawing in students, staff, and even parents as participants and spectators. Decked out in colorful uniforms, teams showcased their determination, cooperation, and athleticism, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds.

At the end of the event, medals and certificates were awarded, not just for victories, but for effort, participation, and sportsmanship. It was a day that highlighted the importance of balance, wellness, and unity, showing that community spirit thrives both on and off the field.

Final Visit: Wings of Compassion – Marurui

The week came to a close with a deeply moving visit to Wings of Compassion, located in Marurui, a sanctuary for pregnant teenagers and young mothers working to rebuild their lives and futures.
Volunteers were welcomed into a space filled with resilience and hope, where young women receive support through education, counseling, and vocational training. The group engaged in open conversations and joined in activities that reflected the center’s values of dignity, empathy, and empowerment.
For many volunteers, the experience was both sobering and inspiring. A final reminder of the importance of being present, listening with an open heart, and standing in solidarity with those overcoming adversity. It was the perfect closing chapter to a week grounded in service, love, and transformation.

A Call to Keep the Flame Alive

As Community Service Week came to an end, one thing was certain: the spirit of service doesn’t fade with the closing ceremony. From student tents and blood banks to prisons, schools, sports fields, and safe houses; every moment of the week stood as a testament to what is possible when people come together for something bigger than themselves.
The experience wasn’t just about checking boxes or clocking hours, it was about creating authentic impact, building human connections, and igniting lifelong commitments to service.

As the University continues to champion the values of service and outreach, students are reminded that true leadership lies not in titles, but in acts of compassion, courage, and community.

Article written by Yoweri Omollo