Mount Kenya University (MKU) has launched a health and wellbeing project for its students in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The programme, a collaboration that involves the University of Nairobi (Uon) that is set to be spread to other colleges in Kenya and in the region, is referred to as the O3 PLUS Project or (Our rights, Our lives, Our future project. The national launch was held at the UoN three weeks ago under the theme: “Promoting Health and Wellbeing among students in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya.”
The overall goal of the UNESCO’s Our Rights, Our Lives, and Our Future (O3 Plus) project is to ensure that young people in higher and tertiary education institutions in the Eastern and Southern Africa realise positive health, education and gender equality outcomes through sustained reductions in new HIV infections, unintended pregnancy and gender-based violence.
Launching the project at MKU, Dr Vincent Gaitho, Pro-Chancellor at the institution said academicians, mentors, parents and partners in institutions of higher learning, are charged with the onerous responsibility of ensuring that students and the youth enjoy their lives to the fullest without any health hazards and dangers. “Young persons you need constant guidance so that you can safely transit to responsible adulthood. As an institution we shall remain grateful to UNESCO for this noble initiative to protect the lives of young people,” he said.
He warned that there are strong forces that have emerged which are working negatively and against our efforts to train and empower you to be formidable, future workforce for our society, he added.
“These emerging challenges include rising incidences of HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, gender-based violence, alcohol/drug and substance abuse and mental health issues among others. Unfortunately we have witnessed the lives of some of young, brilliant and promising minds ruined, destroyed or even lost and education curtailed as a result of the these challenges,” he cautioned.
Dr Gaitho urged the students to take advantage of the project, “learn as much as you can from it so as to live a clean life free of drugs and substances, responsible sexual behaviour and keep of incidences of violence,” he said.
Re-affirming the commitment of the MKU management to the project and assure the implementing team of the institution’s resolve and support to see that the planned activities are carried out.
Prof Kennedy Mutundu, the project’s communication manager at MKU, said higher and tertiary institutions are home to a large number of sexually active young adults who are vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health-related concerns and risks. “They get into new relationships, have new responsibilities and experiences on their own and in unfamiliar settings,” he said.
As a result, he noted, these youths are exposed to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol and substance abuse mental health and gender-based violence. These affect student’s well-being, causing disruptions in educational attainment, career progression and life goals, ultimately limiting their potential.
“MKU is conducting a survey to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of its students in sexual and reproductive health. This will be followed by an information campaign that will include a 5km walk in Thika town to raise awareness,” said Prof Mutundu.
Dr Jane Nyutu, MKU Founder asked the students to embrace the project which is already having a positive impact on some of their lives. “This is something to add value to your lives; I hope will help you to stand out and make an impact on your family life and careers,” she said, urging the students to retain the connections they will make during the programme.
She said the university would fully support the project being coordinated by Dr Mary Mugwe with Prof Kennedy Mutundu as the communication manager.
MKU Dean of students, Emmanuel Owuor told students that they should abstain from promiscuity, alcoholism and drug abuse which were wrecking the lives of young brains. “You can make wise decision to avoid the current lifestyles enjoyed at higher institutions of learning by focusing on your studies, thus, molding your future,” said the dean.
The VC Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said that current students were facing challenging times and temptations. He said he was impressed by the way MKU students had embraced 03 plus project by starting awareness campaigns through poems, drama and fashion shows. “I appreciate the talents that our students have to tackle the reality of the issues on the ground,” said the VC.
Prof Jaganyi urged students not to engage in college relationship and if they do, they should avoid those that are violent. “If for bad luck you fall into such relationship you are supposed to speak up and get assistance or walk out of them completely because nothing is permanent and there is always an opportunity to change one’s life,” said the VC.
UNESCO representative, Jane Kamau, promised that, upon successful implementation of this project at the Thika Main campus, it will soon be scaled up to other campuses and universities in Kenya and even in other universities in the entire Eastern Africa region.
She said MKU and University of Nairobi were selected as the pilot projects but the same would be spread to other higher institutions of learning including tertiary colleges. She said the program is currently being undertaken in 32 countries around the globe.
The project being implemented in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe aims at enabling young people to reach their full educational potential and contribute more effectively to the development of their countries and region as graduates, professionals and young leaders
Jesse Mwangi was the Master of ceremony during the occasion held at Mwai Kibaki Convention Center.
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