The illuminating event that saw EABL Foundation celebrate a decade of enriching lives took place on 9^th November, 2015 at Strathmore University Auditorium. The chief guest for the event themed; Leadership and Career Preparedness was the Education Permanent Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang. The highly enlightening event was all about real time testimonials from beneficiaries of the EABL Foundation and round table discussions that focused on the day’s theme.

 

The EABL Foundation that has journeyed with Strathmore University for the last 10years was established in 2001 at a time when Strathmore operated under the senate of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. It aims at giving support to students who have excellent academic performance but not able to raise school fees, as well as offering mentorship programmes.

 

The Vice Chancellor Strathmore University, Prof John Odhiambo gave the welcoming remarks, thanking the Permanent Secretary Dr. Kipsang for gracing the event. He stated that the collaboration between Strathmore University and EABL has blended well with the strategy of the university which is to provide transforming information to Kenyans. The professor found the collaboration very beneficial and revealed that they were looking forward to creating more opportunities for more Kenyans to benefit, especially from the mentorship programmes offered by the foundation.

 

Students had the opportunity to hear real time life stories from some beneficiaries of the foundation. Atlanta Kufwafwa, an early beneficiary of the EABL Foundation scholarship heard of the program after completing her secondary school education and decided to try her luck. She later received an opportunity to join Strathmore University through the scholarship. The go-getter alumnus was involved in various activities as a student such as; Community Service work and being the vice chair for Strathmore Student Council. The activities nurtured her in leadership, which is offered in the mentorship program. She later graduated with a first class honors and is currently a graduate assistant at Strathmore.

 

Dr. Kipsang on behalf of the Ministry of Education, acknowledged the effort EABL Foundation has put into enriching lives of young people. The PS appreciated the fact that the program has sponsored more than 200 students this far, which translated to a great future for the Kenyan youth. ‘The only way we can develop our country is by changing lives, especially for the less fortunate,’ he said, commending the foundation which gives opportunities to people from less fortunate families. Dr. Kipsang also challenged not only scholars but the youth at large to uphold proper discipline in their institutions. He concluded by congratulating the EABL Foundation on behalf of the ministry and government for their achievements over the years as they celebrated a decade.

 

John K’Otieno who joined Strathmore in 2001 to undertake a course in Bachelor of Business Information Technology is also a beneficiary of the EABL Foundation scholarship. He spoke of his great achievements in life which he said were fruits of the transformation he encountered through the foundation. Having graduated with a first class honors as well, John attributed his success to the collaboration between EABL Foundation and Strathmore.

 

There were two sections of round table discussions moderated by Citizen TV news anchors Anne Kiguta and Terryanne Chebet. The first section, with 6 panelists vastly discussed about Leadership. The panelists who have wealthy experience in leadership pointed out leadership traits that had enabled them maintain top positions over the years. They also stated their limits as leaders, highlighting that one’s character and decision-making are basic ingredients of leadership.  The second round table discussion majorly discussed on career preparedness. The panelists discussed on how one should prepare themselves for an interview, including personal and CV presentation. Students were advised to always have mentors who will guide them in their career journey.