Strathmore Reading Club hosted their first ‘Value Addition Forum’ that brought together students from Strathmore University and other institutions of higher learning that included Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya and The Cooperative University of Kenya. The event sought to act as an eye opener to students on the opportunities available at their disposal.

 

The speakers who graced the event included Tony Mochana, popularly known as ‘Smitta’and a prolific contributor for Standard Newspaper who is famously known for his humorous columns. Besides sharing his newly published book with the students,he made a presentation, urging students not to sleep on the ideas they have. Other speakers at the event included Mr Felix Musango – the English Editor at Longhorn publishers, Mr Steve Obongo- Head of Kenya’s ACCA portfolio and Mr Kelly Ondieki, currently based in South Sudan, who turned a passion for Salsa into a Business.

 

Speaker by speaker emphasized the need for students to pursue a professional course or a talent-based undertaking to complement their bachelors degree courses. Students learnt that while academic trainings give students theories and principles, professional studies link the classroom learning to the real practise.It was also noted that the concept of networking is also important for students, sinceit leads to connections which ultimately lead to wider sources of employment opportunities and markets.

 

The event was held as a partnership between the Strathmore Reading Club,Writers Guild Kenya and Strathmore University Writing Centre.

 

Article by Karanja Ng’ang’a & Larry Merrick