I had no intentions of being here, rather it was a chance I took. In 2020, I was planning to pursue higher learning. With the pandemic hullabaloo, I had my reservations and I had proposed to only attend a reputable university in Africa. In my search and research, Strathmore University kept popping up. Thanks are to google for making my selection easier through the videos posted about the University. The YouTube testimonials from current and former Stratizen on “I am Strathmore” hooked me in. Today, I can humbly say “I am Strathmore”.

What course are you pursuing and why?

I am pursuing a Diploma in Business Management at the Strathmore Institute. The course offers me a global perspective on the grassroots challenges our continent faces. It further allows me to acquire the new skills and knowledge needed to execute actions that offer a greater impact. Its diversity has introduced me to different areas of interest and I look forward to joining the undergraduate programme where I will undertake a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Human resources. I also appreciate the fact that I will get credit for my diploma which only reduces my years at the degree level. Someday, I will positively influence employers or my employees on how to better nurture a win-win relationship that benefits both. For now, I am building networks through the students and instructors I engage with.

How do you spend your time away from your studies?

Studying at the university level is demanding. It requires a lot of time and effort for one to succeed. However, I like to take time out and burn out the monotony of class work by painting. It is such a mind cleanser as my whole being shifts to the works at hand. My works are displayed at our home and I look forward to a time I can share my talent with the world. Some of my favorite paintings are the ones of the solar system and butterflies. Secondly, I am actively involved in community service initiatives in my country, DR Congo. One that is dear to me is Domus Angeli meaning “Angel’s home” a children’s home for deserving children run by Catholic Sisters. I enjoy spending time with the young kids there as we engage in work and play. The smiles and giggles of the kids are what keep me going back.

Your country is known for Lingala, What more can you tell us about DR Congo?

The Democratic Republic of Congo was formally Zaire. Its capital, Kinshasa, is the second largest-speaking French city in the world after Paris. We have the deepest river in the world – the Congo River and the phenomenal mountain gorillas found in Virunga National Park. The park exists to protect 1/3 of the world’s wild mountain gorillas. https://virunga.org/. On May 22nd, 2021, the very active Mount Nyiragongo erupted displacing many from my home city Goma. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/volcano-eastern-congo-erupts-lava-expected-goma-says-volcanologist-2021-05-22/. I remain grateful that my family is safe and no one was hurt.

My name is Nyota Hoareau.  I joined Strathmore Institute in January 2021. And Yes, Nyota is my birth name and it means “Star” in Kiswahili.

 

This article was written by Annete Karanja.

 

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