After a period of reduced activity due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alumni group of Technical University of Kenya sought to re-engage and strengthen its community ties. The period of Lent presented an ideal opportunity to come together for a cause that resonated with their faith and commitment to service. The chosen activity was a charity visit to the St. Teresa Home of Charity in Ruaraka, a nurturing haven not far from Nairobi's bustling Central Business District. The decision to support St. Teresa Home was rooted in past positive experiences and its alignment with the Alumni's Catholic values.
Preparation: A Renewed Sense of Community
The planning began a month in advance, spearheaded by a dedicated subcommittee of Alumni Officials. Their responsibilities ranged from venue selection to outreach for member participation. The response from the Alumni was overwhelmingly positive, with generous contributions accumulating over the weeks.
A Spiritual and Charitable Journey
The event kicked off early on the morning of 15th March 2025, with one of the Alumni members taking the initiative to purchase cereals the previous day from Nyamakima market, a testament to the hands-on approach embraced by the group. The day began with a Holy Mass at 9:00 AM at Queen of Apostles, led by the cherished Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Prof. John Ndikaru wa Teresia. His welcoming words and briefing about the day's schedule set a heartfelt tone for the event.
Following the mass, the group toured Queen of Apostles beforeheading to St. Teresa Home of Charity. They were warmly received by the sister in charge, who guided them through the day’s activities.
Attendance and Contributions: Strong Support and Commitment
The event saw active participation from about 30 members on-site, with contributions from 74 in total. This level of involvement highlighted the strong spirit of community and charity within the group.
Challenges and Recommendations: Learning and Improving
Despite the success, the event faced challenges with time management, with some members missing parts of the program. This led to recommendations for stricter adherence to the scheduled times and activities in future events to ensure full participation and cohesion. The total contributions amounted to KShs 48,530, encompassing cereals, cleaning detergents, toiletries, and foodstuffs, underscoring the generosity of the Alumni members.
A Day of Blessings and Gratitude
The charity visit was not only a testament to the Alumni's dedication to service but also a day filled with blessings and gratitude. The successful event reaffirmed the group’s commitment to their community and set a positive precedent for future activities. The Alumni group extends its deepest thanks to all members, the organizing committee, and their esteemed Chaplain for making the event a remarkable success.
This day exemplifies how unity and charity can rejuvenate a community, especially during the reflective period of Lent. The Technical University of Kenya have indeed set a high bar for community service, and their actions will surely inspire many.
Edwin Wachira - Moderator
TUK CATHOLIC ALUMNI