Strathmore University students and staff celebrated the spirit of oneness in an effort to unite the Strathmore community in an event dubbed One Heart Beat with You, an initiative solely organized by the university’s student council team. The event worked at bringing together Strathmore community after last year’s unsuccessful drill that saw the death of one of our own catering staff the Late Esther Kidambi, with injuries and trauma experienced by many students and staff.

 

The event started with a Holy Mass led by the Pro Chancellor Rev. Dr. Sillvano Ochuodho, which was followed by an address to the students by the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Odhiambo and Rev. Ochuodho. Prof. Odhiambo took this opportunity to answer the questions by students on the plans the university has undertaken to tighten security around campus, where he gave a security plan that was implemented and is expected to be executed by 30^th March, 2016. Prof. Odhiambo also lauded the students on their zeal and tenacity fully expressed during this traumatic period.

 

Rev. Ochuodho encouraged the spirit of hope, and love, stating that these two bring out the light of God amidst all issues faced. “Hope is the opposite of pessimism, the light of God that can never be extinguished. Hope translates to our willingness to carry on, with God as our source of hope…we never lose our value, we are priceless to our creator, and God will never give up on us. The unquenchable hope,” he said.

 

The beautiful Strathmore Chorale took the opportunity to sing a song of hope and love, encouraging the oneness spirit before the next session.

 

After the speeches, students and staff gathered at the Student Centre building where they lit candles in honour of the late Esther Kidambi. This was combined with students writing messages of hope and love that were pinned around the building. The management team joined by Prof. Odhiambo and Rev. Ochuodho then planted trees to celebrate the beginning of a new journey at Strathmore.

 

The event climaxed with staff and students competing in soccer where the staff members won.

 

#OneHeartBeat