There’s always room for one more at COP!

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As a first-year student, brimming with excitement and curiosity about what the world had to offer, I found myself deeply inspired by the words of Dr. Ogutu, the Vice Chancellor of Strathmore University, during the 2024 Convocation. He encouraged us to “discover yourself and explore everything the university has to offer—both in and out of the classroom.”  Motivated by his advice, I eagerly signed up for the Community Outreach Program (COP), an initiative by the Community Service Centre that touches lives in a multitude of meaningful ways. It didn’t take long for me to realize that COP was more than just a platform for service—it was a community in its own right, a space where passionate individuals came together to make a difference.

That same weekend after signing up, an exciting activity was announced: a visit to Limuru Cheshire, a home for girls living with mental impairments. I’ll admit, I was scared. The idea of stepping into an unfamiliar environment, where I wasn’t sure what to expect, made my heart race. Yet, despite my nerves, I signed up, motivated by the desire to serve and learn.  I wasn’t sure how to interact with the other COP volunteers, let alone the brilliant girls we were about to meet, and I wondered what the experience would truly be like.

The visit to Limuru Cheshire was a profoundly eye-opening experience. I learned not just about the challenges these girls face, but also how we, as volunteers, could support and uplift them in meaningful ways. It was a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. That day, I realized the true value of service: it’s about connecting, understanding, and making a real difference in someone’s life. And then came the fun part! After our time at Limuru Cheshire, the COP team gathered back on campus for some turf games and the wildly competitive “Kenya at 50” game, where we battled it out in a fun, light-hearted way. These after-COP activities became a highlight, bringing all of us closer and creating lasting memories that are as valuable as the work we do.

And to think that I hadn’t planned on returning the following Saturday—or any Saturday after that! But, of course, I did. Each activity, every experience, and every interaction became a valuable learning moment, deepening my connection to the cause and reinforcing my commitment to creating positive change. With every new encounter, I found myself more driven to serve and give back to society in meaningful ways.

All thanks to a great friend of mine, an alum, who also helped seal my decision to stick with COP. She once told me, “Let me tell you a secret about COP. Stick with it, because it has a way of making you not age.” So, why not join COP? Come, and let’s make an impact as we serve society together. Sign up here:

This article was written by May Jelimo, a first year student of Bsc. Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu