On the morning of March 9, 2026 the Community Outreach Programme volunteers left Strathmore University full of anticipation, not entirely sure what the week ahead held, but ready for it nonetheless. Our destination was Voi, a serene town where culture is not just preserved, but also beautifully lived. The journey itself felt like a transition, from the fast-paced city life to a slower, more grounded one.
The next day, we stepped into Murray Girls Secondary School and that’s when everything started to feel real. Together with a passionate mentoring team from Taita Taveta University, we spent time with some of the most inspiring young women I’ve met. I had the golden opportunity to mentor the Form 3 class. Girls full of potential, curiosity and dreams that stretched far beyond their current environment.
What struck me most was their openness. They didn’t hold back when sharing their challenges such as lack of textbooks, noisy homes, family conflicts and limited spaces to study. Listening to them felt like hearing echoes of my own past. In that moment, the connection was instant and real. I shared coping strategies that once helped me push through, and we reminded each other of the proverb, “Iron sharpens iron.”
One of the mentors, Ashley from TTU, said something that stayed with all of us: “You don’t have to struggle alone. Study together. Stay in school a bit longer. Share books. Support each other. Be each other’s keeper.”
You could see the shift in the room, hope becoming a little more tangible.
The following day, we visited Kenyatta Boys Secondary School, Murray’s neighbouring school, or as we used to call them back in high school, “the brother school.” The energy was different but just as powerful. The boys were full of questions about careers, university life, and what it really takes to succeed. Beneath all that curiosity, though, was a common struggle: self-doubt.
Ashley once again shared a simple but powerful reminder: “Your greatest competition is who you were yesterday.” And honestly, I carried that advice throughout the camp. I may even start living by it more intentionally now.
After our time in Voi, we said our goodbyes to our amazing allies from TTU, grateful for the collaboration and already looking forward to the next time our paths cross. Then we headed to Kwale County for the next chapter of the camp.
As we arrived in Kwale, we were warmly hosted by an incredible family, Mr. Bakari’s family welcomed us into their home with generosity and kindness. From the very beginning, they made us feel like family. In the midst of simple conversations, they shared wise words about navigating life amid its difficulties, reminding us that even in challenging moments, resilience and community go a long way. It was one of those quiet but powerful parts of the journey that stays with you.
In Kwale, the experience then shifted from mentorship to hands-on impact. At Mwamgunga Primary School, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and immediately got to work. The mission? To support the construction of a laboratory for CBE students.
And this is where things got real—really fast. From mixing cement and sand to helping put up gutters, it was all hands on deck. I can proudly say I got my hands dirty (literally) and played a part in building something that will outlast our visit. It was exhausting, yes, but incredibly fulfilling. Teamwork became our greatest tool, turning what seemed like heavy, tiring work into something lighter and even enjoyable.
Looking back, this camp wasn’t just about what we gave; it was also about what we received. Perspective. Connection. Growth. And a deeper understanding that impact doesn’t always come in grand gestures, it often lives in small conversations, shared laughter, and moments of simply showing up for others.
If there’s one thing I’m certain about, it’s this: this wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience that left a mark.
Article written by Lianne Murgor, COP Volunteer.
