The Strathmore Spanish Club recently visited the Destined Children’s Home in Uthiru; a home that houses nearly 20 underprivileged children. Through the help of their very able patron lecturer Ms Rocio Vicens, students participated in games, gave out donations, and held heart to heart talks with the children to hear them out and to encourage them. The home is built on the Director, Esther Mbugua’s, land and was generously donated by Esther in support of the children. The home also sponsors 47 other school going children in its outreach program.

 

During the course of their activities with the kids, the students learnt that the children have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else at their age, to be; pilots, doctors, teachers, even pastors. They learnt that the kids wish to enjoy the simple privileges that are so often taken for granted; a stellar education, a warm bed, a parent’s love, a safe future. Most of all, they learnt that family isn’t just blood; it is what we do to better those around us and make them feel safe.

 

It wasn’t all introspection and philosophy though. For a few hours, club members shook off their normally austere Strathmore persona for a dance with three-year olds and a game of football with mini-Ronaldos and Rooneys. Not even the driver, Charles, was left out of the festivities as he captained a team. The club even had a particularly fun session demonstrating the benefits of oral hygiene using toothbrushes and toothpastes so generously donated by one of the other spanish lecturers Ms. Rachel Koigi (ironically after a cup of sugar filled juice!).

 

It is perhaps a moot point, but the best of the Strathmore fraternity is regularly demonstrated by its commitment to community building initiatives and staff and students of the Spanish club were a perfect embodiment of this charitable and generous culture.

 

The visit was closed in prayers, with the impression that in many ways, the visitors benefited more than the children giving them the urge and desire to carry out more visits to the home in future.

 

Article written by student Tony Areri.

 

 

Anyone who would like to help the children can contact Ms. Mbugua at 0722959857