Barack Obama once said that “If you go out and make things happen, you will fill the world with hope…” At Strathmore University, Service to Society is one of our strategic pillars because through service to the community, we find purpose as change agents by  enhancing, impacting and uplifting those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Over the years, it has become a tradition to set aside time to create awareness on the numerous ways one can impact society. This year, 11th to 15th July, 2022 marked the annual Community Service Week. Stratizens, alumni and staff participated in the activities outlined for the week in a bid to #ServeTheSociety.

COP Awareness Day

The Community Outreach Program (COP) encourages student, alumni and staff participation with the aim of equipping them for a lifetime of outreach and volunteerism. An awareness day was organized on Campus to persuade students and staff, through testimonials and memorable experiences, to join COP for a good cause.

“I joined COP in 2016 and to be honest this still stands as one of the best decisions I have made. There is nothing as rewarding as putting yourself out there to serve  others, for a good cause. The great team of volunteers also make the whole experience fun” – Trevor Radido, Bachelor of Commerce, Class of 2019 and member, 10th Student Council.

Visiting Thomas Bernados and Happy Life Children’s home

Nothing pleases one’s heart than touching somebody else’s life. To make an impact on them and see their lives change for the better because of one’s kindness. We visited Thomas Bernados and Happy Life Children’s home where we shared our warm spirits with the children. We took part in different activities, from cooking, to cleaning, to babysitting the infants, to sporty activities. Singing and dancing contributed to the success of the day.

An afternoon at Texas Cancer Centre

We got the opportunity to spend an afternoon at Texas Cancer Center that aims to give hope and quality care to cancer patients.

It being our first at the Center, we were driven by the slogan Be Prepared! We cleaned the ambulances on site. The environment too, and left it with a sparkle!

Visiting Nairobi West Prison

Incarceration separates families.  Regardless of whether it is a minor or major offense, one thing is certain, it is not easy; for the prisoner as well as those connected to them. This leads to the question of how one can impact those in prison.

The better part of Friday afternoon was spent visiting inmates at the Nairobi West Prison. We motivated and encouraged them to engage in activities where one may gain some skills through programs that are offered in prison.

Later that afternoon, nail-biting football and volleyball matches between the COP members and inmates marked the highlight of the day. The inmates won the football match 3-0. What a game!

Team Building and fun activities!

To culminate the week’s activities, we set time to bond and participate in fun team activities in Naivasha. New members who joined the COP team this week received a hearty welcome.

“At the end, it is not about what you have or even what you have accomplished. It is about who you have lifted up, who you have made better. It is about what you’ve given back.”- Denzel Washington. As we may make #ServiceToSociety a way of life, be of impact!

 

This article was written by Bany Sabore, a fourth year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student.

 

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