UON COMPASSION DAY

The University of Nairobi, on Thursday, May 4, 2023 held the 2nd UoN Compassion Day themed ‘Give a Hand to that Needy Student’ in Taifa Hall, Main Campus from 11am to1pm. The event was meant to sensitize the University community and stakeholders on the need to support the less fortune and vulnerable students in the University.

The event kicked off by an awareness walk from the Hyslop parking to Taifa Hall led by UoN Scouts. Mr. Johnson Kinyua, Dean of students, delivered his opening remarks and took the audience through the rationale of the UoN Compassion Day, he challenged the UoN Community to partner with the Dean of Students office to support the needy students through tuition fees, basic needs such as food, shelter, learning devices, personal items, accommodation and other essential services in order for them to achieve their academic and career goals. He urged each one to  ‘’Adopt-a-Needy-Student’’ noting that the students face so many challenges that cause them to indulge in substance abuse, depression and some even drop out of school.  Mr. Kinyua announced a paybill number: 4061619 solely dedicated to this fund; account name: Faculty name.

On her part, UNSA president Ms Monica Malith, talked about the Malith Care Fund that focuses on the needy students who receive financial support while in the University. She announced that she was once needy and she understands how giving towards a needy student is of great impact.

On the same breadth, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic affairs, Prof. Julius Ogeng’o announced that he is a perfect example of a beneficiary of bursary and donations.  Throughout his remarks, he urged the University community to hold hands and educate a student or two and that will have a great impact in the society.  

The Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama was delighted to be part of the event. He cited the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish and encouraged the audience , ‘When you give, you don’t have less, but it instead multiplies.’ He asked, ‘What do you have in your hands?’ He noted that, whatever little you have in your hands is exactly what will be necessary for that big change that society needs. He urged the University to embrace the needy students and emphasized that they are in the University because they are changing their narrative.

There was a Mental Health Talk by Dr. Pendo Ochola, Hospital Psychologist from Chiromo Hospital Group who discussed in length on the effect of health mental challenges such as depression and stress on students’ performance.