According to a study on the future population growth by Max Roser, an economist, the population of Africa currently stands at 1.3 billion, equivalent to 17% of the total world population. This figure is expected to rise to 40% by 2100. In addition, by the end of the century, more than 8 out of every 10 people in the world will live in Asia or Africa.

Leaders for the continent

Prof. Izael Da Silva, DVC, Research and Innovation referred to these projections of population growth to emphasize the need to train future leaders from Kenya and other countries in the continent.  He was speaking at the online open day held for students who have recently completed A levels, BTEC or IB diploma. Their parents and guardians were also in attendance.

“We are in the business of training future leaders. Our main aim in Strathmore is to mould all-round human beings,” said Prof. Da Silva.

He outlined Strathmore’s mission to provide all round quality education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility, excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, ethical and social development, and service to the society.

Service to society

“We are naturally wired to put ourselves first, an attitude that does not make good leaders. We train our students to put service above self through the community-based attachments,” said Prof. Da Silva.

Once students sit for final examinations at the high school level, they are faced with the choice of studying in the country or going abroad to pursue their undergraduate degree.

Dr. Caroline Kariuki, Director, Office of Educational Development, gave her experience of studying abroad as an undergraduate student and the pros and cons that come with this decision.

“I enjoyed the faculty and great facilities, interaction with students from different countries in the world. I experienced challenges as well, for instance, being away from home and my country, learning how to live with people from different cultures, and feeling comfortable in my own skin,” said Dr. Kariuki.

Dr. Kariuki holds a PhD in Economics, a Master of Accounting and an Undergraduate Degree in Economics and Financial Planning from Curtin University, Australia.

At the end of the open day, students and parents had an opportunity to find out more about the courses offered at Strathmore and the entry requirements needed for different courses.

The September intake for undergraduate, diploma and professional courses is currently ongoing. You can register here.

 

This article was written by  Wambui Gachari. 

 

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