On 10th May, all roads led to Kitui. As mentors under the Community Outreach Programme (COP) in the Community Service Department, we embarked on what would become one of the most intensive and rewarding mentorship experiences I have ever been part of.
It was a two-week camp running from 10th to 21st May. While the thought of spending two full weeks away from home was exciting, I was equally curious about the people I would meet, the schools we would visit, and the impact we would create together. Little did I know that by the end of those two weeks, I would leave Kitui with a renewed appreciation for mentorship, service, and the incredible resilience of young people.
Reaching New Schools, Reaching New Lives
Our first week introduced us to new schools in Mwingi, nearly two hours from where we were staying. The long drives meant early mornings and demanding days, but the enthusiasm of the students made every kilometre worthwhile.
At St. Mary’s Thitian and St. Augustine, I immediately noticed something unique about engaging with schools we had never visited before. The students were eager, curious, and deeply invested in every discussion. Conversations about university life, personal growth, goal setting, and career aspirations quickly transformed classrooms into spaces of possibility.
What stood out most was the students’ willingness to dream. They asked thoughtful questions, challenged ideas, and actively participated in discussions about their future. Their energy reminded me why mentorship matters. It provides young people with a platform to imagine possibilities beyond their current circumstances.
The Power of Showing Up
Mentorship is not always easy.
At St. Uslaar, I was battling a severe flu and had almost completely lost my voice. Fortunately, fellow mentor Jeff stepped in as my unofficial “amplifier.” I would whisper my points, and he would repeat them loudly for the class. What could have been a frustrating experience became one of the most memorable moments of camp.
That day taught me an important lesson: impact is not always about delivering the perfect session. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up. Despite the challenges, a few students stayed behind to express their gratitude. Their appreciation reminded me that even on difficult days, the conversations matter.
One of the greatest joys of returning to schools we have visited before is seeing the growth of students over time. Listening to former mentees share their achievements, new ambitions, and personal victories was incredibly fulfilling. Their progress was proof that mentorship plants seeds that continue to grow long after a session ends.
Learning as a Mentor
One of the misconceptions about mentorship is that mentors do all the teaching. In reality, some of my greatest lessons came from fellow mentors. At St. Joseph Seminary, I had the opportunity to work alongside June, John Ndeda, and Jeff. Listening to their perspectives, observing how they engaged students, and hearing the discussions they facilitated reminded me that mentorship is also a learning journey for those who serve.
The students themselves offered valuable insights. Their perspectives on relationships, careers, education, and society challenged us to think differently and adapt our approach to their realities.
Every classroom became a space for mutual learning.
Creating Safe Spaces for Growth
At St. Angela’s, I quickly realized that returning to a familiar class required a fresh approach. The students had already experienced previous mentorship sessions, so repeating the same methods would not be effective. Through interactive activities, games, and discussions focused on communication, confidence, and social skills, we created a more engaging experience. What followed was one of the most powerful moments of the camp.
After the sessions, several students sought one-on-one conversations. Some shared personal struggles, others sought guidance, and many simply needed someone willing to listen. There were tears, difficult conversations, and moments of vulnerability. Yet there was also relief, hope, and renewed confidence. Those conversations reminded me that mentorship is often less about giving answers and more about creating a safe space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most meaningful moments happened outside formal mentorship sessions. Our visit to St. Michael School for the Deaf remains one of my favourite experiences. Each visit allows me to learn new sign language skills, and this time, the students remembered and signed my name. That simple gesture meant more than words could express. The volleyball matches, shared laughter, and interactions with the students reinforced the importance of inclusion and connection. It reminded me that communication goes far beyond spoken language.
Similarly, moments spent with fellow mentors; whether learning new games, celebrating birthdays, swimming after a long week, or simply reflecting on the day’s experiences helped build bonds that made the entire journey memorable.
Witnessing the Ripple Effect
As the second week progressed, we continued engaging students across different schools, including St. Ann’s Muthale, St. Monica, and St. Charles Lwanga. One of the most rewarding experiences was meeting students I had interacted with during previous camps. Some remembered specific advice I had shared months earlier. Others proudly spoke about improvements they had made in academics, leadership, and personal discipline.
In one school, students excitedly shared that they had improved their academic performance and were now leading their class rankings.
Moments like these are difficult to describe. They are reminders that mentorship is not always about immediate results. Sometimes, it is about planting seeds of confidence, discipline, and ambition that continue growing long after we have left. For me, these moments are the true reward of volunteering.
Service to Society in Action
Throughout the two weeks, one lesson became increasingly clear: every mentorship session is different.
Every school has unique challenges.
Every student carries a unique story.
Every classroom requires a different approach.
The experience challenged me to become more creative, adaptable, and intentional in how I engage young people. More importantly, it reminded me why Strathmore University’s commitment to making Service to Society a way of life is so important.
Through mentorship, we are not simply sharing knowledge. We are helping students broaden their horizons, discover their potential, and believe in possibilities they may never have considered before.
Leaving Better Than We Arrived
By the time we began our journey back to Nairobi on 21st May, many mentors were exhausted. The back-to-back sessions, long travels, and emotional investment had taken their toll.
But we left fulfilled.
We left knowing that conversations had sparked confidence, that students had gained new perspectives, and that lives had been touched. Most importantly, we left having learned as much as we had taught.
The Kitui camp was more than a mentorship camp. It was a reminder that meaningful change happens through relationships, consistency, and service. It showed us that while we may arrive as mentors, we often leave as better listeners, better leaders, and better people.
And that, perhaps, is the greatest impact of all.
By Terry Christole, Volunteer, Community Outreach Programme (COP)
