As a way of giving back to the Society, the Strathmore University Cafeteria took it to a different angle, but as many of the beneficiaries attest, it is the most impactful touch they have received. With over 20 beneficiaries, I conducted a number of interviews with some of the beneficiaries to highlight the programme’s impact during the cafeteria awareness week taking place from the 12th – 16th of May.
Strathmore University’s Cafeteria Lunch Programme is not just about providing students with meals, it’s a lifeline that directly impacts their academic success, mental well-being, and overall student experience. For many students, this initiative has become a source of stability, allowing them to focus on their studies, form connections with others, and rise above the challenges they face.
For many students, hunger is a silent barrier to academic success. Without reliable access to meals, concentration wanes, and focus slips. The Programme has changed this reality for countless students. Diana Kitonga, a second-year Computer Science student, describes how hunger often distracted her from her studies before she joined the programme. “I would sometimes only have breakfast and go through the entire school day without lunch. It was hard to focus. But now, with the programme, I can concentrate better in class and perform better in my studies,” she shares. Derrick Otieno, an awaiting graduating student shares how he and his friend, Evans Ijakaa described having a meal at lunchtime as a mental setting. “Lunch ilikuwa mentality. Tulilikua tunainama ipite.” John Ochieng, Tumaini Mutua, and Wayne Mwangi had the same opinion.
Life after joining the Lunch Programme became stress-free. Without the worry of where their breakfast and lunch meals would come from, the students’ academic life flourished. The programme has allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to their coursework, which is essential in a rigorous academic environment like Strathmore. “Before the programme, I was juggling school, hunger, and a lot of stress. The cafeteria lunch was a huge relief, allowing me to focus on my studies without the worry of where I’d get my next meal,” Derrick says. All these beneficiaries reported feeling more mentally and emotionally at ease when they don’t have to worry about basic needs. This sense of security helps them to not only excel academically but to engage more deeply with campus life, building friendships and a sense of community with others who are part of the programme.
The programme also has a profound impact on social connections among students. What was once a solitary or isolating experience at lunchtime has now become an opportunity for students to come together. For John, being part of the programme has allowed him to build relationships with his peers. “Before joining the programme, we’d often sit alone during lunch. But now, we sit with others. We’re not just students from different backgrounds; we belong together,” John says. This sense of belonging is not just limited to the students. Living this year’s theme, Personalized Attention, the cafeteria staff, like Metrine Naliaka, has become a second family to students, offering support and camaraderie. The shared experience of overcoming hunger fosters strong bonds that extend beyond the cafeteria , contributing to a more inclusive and connected campus environment.
For many students, the Cafeteria Lunch Programme is not just about immediate relief but about providing a platform for long-term growth. Students like Derrick, who was once beneficiaries, now dream of giving back to ensure that future students can have the same opportunities they received. “Imagine if every student donated even 50 shillings a month. We could expand the programme, touching even more lives,” Derrick suggests. “The programme has already changed my life, and I want to make sure others get the same chance,” he adds.
The programme is a reminder that small gestures, like providing a meal, can have lasting effects. It’s not just about filling stomachs, it’s about giving students the tools and the peace of mind they need to pursue their goals, knowing that they don’t have to choose between their education and their basic needs.
For many students, the Cafeteria Lunch Programme has been a lifeline during difficult times. Whether it’s coping with the financial stress of tuition or dealing with the uncertainty brought on by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme has been there to support students when they need it most.
As students share their stories, it’s clear that the impact of the programme extends far beyond the cafeteria. It’s about building resilience, fostering a sense of community, and enabling academic success. For those who have benefited from it, the programme is not just a service—it’s a key part of their Strathmore University experience, one that empowers them to reach their full potential.
Looking to the future, the Cafeteria Lunch Programme aims to continue growing and adapting to meet the needs of Strathmore’s diverse student body. Derrick’s idea of a small donation from each student to help sustain the programme is one way to ensure that it can continue to thrive. With the continued support of the Strathmore community, this initiative will remain a vital part of student life, transforming the academic experience for years to come.
Article Written by Teresa Nekesa
