There’s something special about the start of a new year – it’s a fresh chance to turn outward, to give back, and to honor the community that helped shape who we are. This year, I made a resolution to focus more on serving others, aligning with the University’s theme of offering Personalized Attention. And what better way to put this into action that by joining my first ever Community Outreach Programme (COP)
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, I took a step toward fulfilling that goal by participating in my very first community service activity at Strathmore University. Organized by the Community Outreach Programme (COP), the event was a memorable one.
The main attraction of the day was the Gumzo Session, a safe space for COP volunteers to share their real-life experiences, reflect, and connect. It was the perfect way to open the day, giving us all a chance to sit back, relax, and bond over shared stories. I was welcomed warmly by a friend who had been involved in the initiative for years, and I immediately felt a sense of belonging. That said, I did feel a little anxious at first, especially because of the unfamiliar faces. But the more I interacted with the mentors and listened to their stories, the more that anxiety melted away, and the deeper I immersed myself in the session.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was when we all shared how 2025 had been treating us so far. It was in those vulnerable exchanges that I realized we all have common struggles and triumphs, things that unite us despite our different backgrounds. There was something so grounding in hearing others speak openly about their journeys. In that moment, I understood that we, too, could build an unbreakable bond through empathy and solidarity. By the end of the session, I had made a couple of friends and acquaintances—connections I truly value.
To my delight, I discovered that two of the mentors were fluent in Chinese, a language and culture I’ve always admired. Our conversations made me realize how much I miss studying Chinese. Inspired by this encounter, I’ve decided to return to class and deepen my understanding of the language, culture, and heritage.
After all the engaging discussions, we settled in for an animated film. Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not really an animated film aficionado. But, did I enjoy it? Surprisingly, yes! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually want to rewatch it. I may not have found the time yet, but I fully intend to. It seems I’m going to have to explore more animated films in the future.
The real highlight of the day, though? The games. COP without the iconic Kenya @50 game is simply not COP. The more I played, the more I appreciated the connections, the friendships, and—let’s be honest—just how competitive these mentors can be! Even as I write this, I can hear the echo of the games in my mind, and to this day, I can’t get over how much fun it was. The servers are still being opened, by the way!
Once the games ended, I thought it was time to head home. But, as is often the case when you’re surrounded by such a dynamic group of people, I followed the rest of the mentors to Siwaka, their local tea spot, for even more great conversations. It was there that we talked about work-life balance, and dare I say, work-family balance too. The discussions were deep and thought-provoking, but what really stood out was the realization that the history I carry as a woman has shaped me in ways I never truly appreciated before.
As I listened to my mentors share their thoughts, I felt empowered by the sacrifices my parents made to ensure I could live out my dreams. Their sacrifices have allowed me to pursue my ambitions, and through community work, I too can help others. I can offer support to those trying to juggle family, work, and the demands of life—helping them tell their own stories of resilience and strength.
Reflecting on the day, I learned two key things as a woman on International Women’s Day:
Family should always come first—but not at the expense of your vocation. You can find a balance between the two, and both can coexist harmoniously.
Kindness, humanity, relentlessness, resilience, and service to others—these are the values that the COP mentors embodied. They taught me the art of selflessness and what it truly means to serve others with compassion and dedication.
This day wasn’t just a community service event; it was an experience that touched my heart, and one I’ll carry with me for years to come. Here’s to community, to connection, and to the kind of courage and compassion that make the world a better place.
Article Written by Joy Waithira, Community Outreach Programme Volunteer
