On Friday, April 26th, 2024, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Strathmore University came alive with celebration as the April cohort of the Film-making and Life Skills program gathered for their graduation ceremony. The students, dressed in elegant black attire accented with hues of blue representing their school’s colours, exuded a palpable sense of anticipation and accomplishment.

The day’s festivities commenced with an inspiring opening address by Fr. Martin Mundia, setting a tone of inspiration by reflecting on impactful movies and their underlying themes of truth, goodness, and beauty. Drawing parallels to classics like ‘A Man for All Seasons,’ Fr. Martin urged the graduates to utilize their filmmaking skills to tell stories that reflect virtues and inspire positive change in society.

Following Fr. Martin’s moving words, Mr. Hezron Otieno, the studio producer and instructor of Film-making, took the stage to commend the graduates for their outstanding performances throughout the course. With genuine appreciation, Mr. Otieno highlighted the collective effort and creativity displayed by the students, particularly in their documentary productions that eloquently captured the essence of their educational journey.

The winning documentary, centered around the School of Humanities and Social Sciences itself, deeply resonated with the audience, shedding light on the unique experiences and perspectives of the students within the program. Happy Kaunda, one of the jubilant graduates, expressed profound gratitude for the meaningful bonds formed during the course, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections beyond graduation.

Peter Mburu, another graduate, echoed this sentiment with heartfelt thanks to the school and his classmates for their unwavering support. Reflecting on his transformative journey during the course, Peter emphasized the acquisition of valuable life skills and a heightened sense of responsibility that will serve him well in future endeavours.

Dr. Stephen Macharia, Head of the Writing Centre, also shared insights from his own educational journey, encouraging the graduates to embrace knowledge and personal growth with enthusiasm. Dr. Macharia emphasized the importance of continuing the educational journey and fostering a thirst for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

This graduation ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education and the boundless potential for positive change that each graduate carries. Armed with newfound skills, values, and a clear sense of purpose, these students are poised to make meaningful contributions to society and act as catalysts for positive change in their respective fields.

The Film-making and Life Skills program, originally rebranded in 2019 to align with a practical and hands-on educational approach, has proven instrumental in equipping students like Mark Mburu and Jaheim Levan with essential tools for personal and professional growth. From photography and videography classes to collaborative documentary projects, the course has fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.

As the graduates embark on new endeavors, they embody a spirit of resilience and determination, ready to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and creativity. This ceremony not only celebrated their achievements but also marked the beginning of a promising journey filled with opportunities to make a lasting impact on the world.

Article written by: Irene Janet Owiti, President, Strathmore Communications and Consultancy Clinic