Strathmore University Writing Centre has completed its inaugural Communication and Life Skills training that targeted fresh high school leavers. The three week programme is part of the new programmes that the up-and-coming Writing Centre has initiated.

 

Established in 2014, the Centre, under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), aims at improving the quality of university graduates by teaching them soft skills such as public speaking and effective writing.  The success of the inaugural class was marked by a high turn-up by form four leavers.

 

The training was conducted by 15 different facilitators who were both teaching and non-teaching staff from various faculties and departments within the university. It was an enriching experience to have different professionals training the youthful class. From a survey conducted during the training sessions, students were most interested in learning about etiquette, interpersonal skills, and communicating with poise and confidence. Among other topics taught included career choice mentorship, public speaking, critical thinking and excelling in college studies.

 

Training came to a graceful close with a modest closing graduation ceremony and a luncheon. During the ceremony, representatives of the inaugural class praised the programme and assured the audience that they would recommend it to their peers.

 

To demonstrate the skills learnt in the course, two students, Elma Mumbi and Kevin Theuri received standing ovations after their speeches. According to Kevin, “Strathmore University is a cut above the rest”. On her part, Elma, conveyed the fact that the 3 weeks were short, and that the bonds they formed as friends was the most memorable part of the training. It was an emotional and exciting end to the first training of the year.

 

The Writing Centre are exceedingly appreciative to all the staff, parents and students involved in making it a success.

 

Parents of the high school leavers were equally impressed with the course. According to one parent, Mary Karie, the results of the training can already be seen through the conduct of her daughter. She wishes that all schools leavers would be taken through such training programmes.

 

Out of the many enquiries and public demand, a second CLS training is scheduled for 27^th February to 17^th March 2017. Interested form four leavers can get in touch with the centre through writingcentre@strathmore.edu or call 0703034191.