Service-Based Learning (SBL) is an integral component of Strathmore University’s commitment to fostering civic engagement and empowering students to contribute to societal development. The SBL program allows students to connect their academic learning with hands-on experience in real-world settings, providing them with the opportunity to apply their knowledge while making a meaningful impact in the community. Through the SBL competition under the Strathmore Community Service Centre, Strathmore students are encouraged to propose innovative projects that can address critical issues within the communities where they serve. The competition offers students the chance to win funding to further their initiatives, amplifying the reach and sustainability of their efforts. This year’s competition has highlighted three exceptional stories of students who used their passion, dedication, and creativity to drive change in their respective communities.
Orlando Bwashi, a third year Actuarial Science and the 2024 SBL champion volunteered at Talitha Koum Autisme Burundi, an organization dedicated to children with autism, used his SBL experience to highlight the unique challenges faced by children with special needs. During his time at Talitha Koum, Orlando worked directly with children aged 4 to 15 years, helping them with basic communication skills and engaging them in physical activities to improve motor skills and social interaction. However, Orlando also noticed that the organization faced significant resource limitations, particularly in the area of sensory tools, which are essential for children with autism who often struggle with overstimulation.
Orlando’s proposal for the SBL competition focused on acquiring these sensory tools, as well as raising awareness about the center’s services to increase enrollment. His idea also included building partnerships with other organizations to expand the center’s resources and visibility. Orlando’s thoughtful, innovative approach won him the top prize of 200,000 KES. The funds will be used to purchase sensory tools to aid children with autism, and a portion will be allocated to outreach initiatives that will help increase awareness of the center’s offerings, ultimately supporting more families in need of these services.
Orlando’s work at Talitha Koum and his winning SBL proposal underscore the importance of understanding the specific needs of children with autism and developing specialized programs that cater to them. Orlando is committed to continuing his work in this field and hopes to expand Talitha Koum’s ability to provide individualized care and support for these children.
Bwashi Orlando
Charlotte Mwathi, a second-year law student and the 1st runners up in the SBL Competition applied for her SBL experience with the Strathmore Law Clinic, where she participated in various community service projects, including one that focused on providing legal support to girls who had been sexually assaulted and were raising children as a result. Through the Wings of Hope program, Charlotte and her peers were able to offer practical and emotional support to girls aged 12 to 19, many of whom had been shunned by their families and communities. Beyond providing counseling and helping to raise their spirits, Charlotte and her team worked on legal cases to ensure the girls received justice.
Charlotte’s experience at Wings of Hope, along with her involvement in other community initiatives, gave her a unique perspective on how legal support can uplift marginalized communities. Motivated by her work, Charlotte applied for the SBL competition to secure funds that would further enhance the resources at Wings of Hope. Her proposal, which focused on improving the living conditions at the shelter, was successful, and her team was awarded the prize money, KES 150,000. Charlotte plans to use the funds to renovate the shelter’s kitchen and improve its facilities, ensuring a more comfortable and supportive environment for the girls. Additionally, she intends to expand their fundraising efforts and provide more essential supplies, such as toiletries, sports shoes, and baby clothes.
Charlotte’s dedication to social justice has shaped her future career ambitions, and she hopes to continue advocating for vulnerable populations, particularly in criminal law. Her SBL experience reinforced the idea that legal work can be transformative, and she is committed to using her education to drive change.
Charlotte Mwathi
Timothy Mwashi, a third-year Financial Economics student emerged third in the SBL competition .He had a unique opportunity to complete his Service-Based Learning (SBL) at Ushirika Children’s Education Centre in Kibera, a school supported by the Uwezo program of the PAL African Foundation. The initiative aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills for children in underserved communities, an area where significant educational disparities exist. Timothy’s journey at Ushirika began after he was introduced to the school by Lydia Wanjiku, Strathmore’s SIMS coordinator. He received training through the PAL African Foundation to prepare for his role as a volunteer educator, focusing on improving literacy and numeracy skills among students in the informal settlement.
His experience in Kibera opened his eyes to the deep-rooted educational challenges faced by children in the area, including a staggering statistic that over 33% of children in Kenya reach grade 6 without basic literacy skills. On his first day, Timothy was struck by the fact that many grade 6 students could not even recognize basic letters of the alphabet. Determined to make a difference, he worked closely with Ushirika’s headmaster to redesign the school’s approach, introducing two daily sessions focused on literacy and numeracy. Through these sessions, Timothy aimed to help children recognize letters, build reading confidence, and improve their self-expression.
At the end of his SBL experience, Timothy applied for the SBL competition, recognizing the opportunity to bring further support to Ushirika. His proposal focused on sustainable improvements to the school’s infrastructure, teacher capacity-building programs, and acquiring learning materials. He deliberately excluded capital expenditures like salaries, as he wanted to propose initiatives that could continue long after the competition. Timothy’s careful and thoughtful approach won him recognition in the competition, and the funds will be used to address the school’s most pressing challenges. The money will go toward securing lockers for students’ books and acquiring essential teaching resources, including books and visual aids.
Timothy Mwashi
The stories of Orlando Charlotte, and Timothy demonstrate the transformative power of Service-Based Learning (SBL) in shaping not only the students who participate but also the communities they serve. Each of these students identified real, pressing needs within the organizations they worked with, and their proposals reflect a deep commitment to making a lasting impact. Through their innovative ideas, these students have demonstrated that service learning is more than just an academic requirement—it is an opportunity to drive change, raise awareness, and improve the lives of those in need.
With the funds they won in the SBL competition, Timothy, Charlotte, and Orlando are poised to continue their work, enhancing the initiatives they’ve started and addressing the challenges they’ve identified. These stories serve as a powerful reminder that when students are given the resources and opportunities to engage with their communities, they can create meaningful, lasting change. The SBL experience, backed by the Strathmore Community Service Centre, is helping to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only committed to their academic success but also to the success and well-being of the communities they serve.
Congratulations to the Trio for their outstanding achievements in the Service-Based Learning (SBL) competition! Your dedication to creating real change in the communities you served is truly inspiring.
But it doesn’t stop there! Your story can be a part of this too. For those taking their SBL or are yet to, please see more information here.
You might be the next Bwashi, Mwathi or Mwashi 😉
Article Written by: Teresa Nekesa
