Since the government ordered a shutdown of all churches and organizations which offer non-essential services to the members of the society, most childrens’ homes, schools and rescues centres across the country have been thrown into a crisis following movement restrictions, hindering their access to donations and support from well-wishers. Therefore, through a campaign dubbed ‘COVID-19 Charity Drive’, AIESEC in Strathmore collaborated with the President’s Awards- Kenya, Strathmore Chapter, and the Student Council to rally students and well-wishers to support the less fortunate during these harsh times. “We decided to start this drive to support these institutions that have always hosted our volunteers during their exchange programmes,” says Jane Mich, the AIESEC in Strathmore Vice President, Incoming Global Volunteer Portfolio.

Social impact

AIESEC is an international youth-run non-governmental not-for-profit organization that promotes leadership development, cross-cultural internships, and global volunteer exchange experiences among young people. The organization has inspired students from several universities such as Strathmore to take part in making a progressive social impact. In this spirit, AIESEC in Strathmore organized a charity drive aiming to curtail the blow of COVID-19 pandemic in some centres.

Through M-Changa, an online and mobile fundraising platform, AIESEC in Strathmore went ahead to create an account whose proceeds will be directed towards supporting its projects based in Kibera, Mathare and South B through the provision of food, sanitizers, washable masks, toiletries, and other necessities. Many well-wishers came forward to provide funds which totaled  KES 85,000 enabling the purchase of these items which were then delivered to Ready Aiders Organization and Babu – Dream with Code in Mathare, Safeguard Orphans and Widows’ Organization (SOWO), Kibera Hamlets Primary School and Fruitful Talent School and Home for Internally Displaced Persons in Kibera and, finally, Songa Mbele na Masomo Primary School in South B.

Fruitful talent

“On behalf of Fruitful Talent Centre, I say thank you for the lovely concern during this time of the pandemic. The children really appreciate your support of food, soap, and other things. May God bless you all. You made a smile of hope to us all. Be blessed,” says Beatrice from Fruitful Talent School. On the other hand, Ken Apopa, a representative from Ready Aiders Organization, says, “I would like to thank you very much for the donations we received. May God bless you and the whole team of wonderful people that you lead to perform such acts of charity and selflessness.”

With the help of her board members at AIESEC in Strathmore, Jane Mich, a Bachelor of Business Science in Financial Engineering student, was inspired to start the COVID-19 Charity Drive because of her passion for sustainability, empowerment, and social impact. “It was a very fulfilling experience. I am grateful to the donors,” she says.

 

The article was written by Odhiambo Obonyo.

 

Would you like to share your experience of living through the circumstances brought by the Covid-19 pandemic? Kindly email: communications@strathmore.edu