To be human is to LOVE

For starters, the Rotaract Club of Chuka University is situated in Tharaka Nithi County (stronghold), not Meru County as some of you may think. As the only Chartered Rotaract Club in the County, we decided to create a Haven of Peace, Love and Prosperity for the less fortunate in the community. Children, orphans, the physically and mentally disabled are the ones we hold dear in our hearts as Rotaractors.

Charter President Naomi, together with fellow Rotaractors formed the Kairuni School Initiative in 2016. It’s a school for the physically and mentally disabled located in Chogoria. Initially, the aim of the project was to provide basic needs for the disabled kids. We have conducted various donation drives, but our major one is the Diapers Drive where students in our campus donate cash or in kind to support the kids with diapers. This is aimed at making them feel comfortable and that they are part of the society. We believe that this initiative will encourage parents with differently abled kids to put them in school rather than hide them in their homes.

Beside donations, the initiative was extended to spending most of our weekends and holidays with them. We would clean, cook for, feed, dance with and engage them in team building activities whose aim was to make their weekend and holiday experiences memorable and hopefully bring happiness into their lives.

On 29th February, we conducted a “Fun and Cook Fest” for the kids, which attracted some interested Clubs on campus (Peace Ambassadors Kenya) and groups in the community (Gifted Hearts). Partnering with other Clubs/Groups has really worked for us, and yes Rotary Connects the World. The day was beautiful with a clear sky and fresh air. The Mt. Kenya view was spectacular. The cooking session was quite some work but at the same time, fun and exciting. We were singing without a radio and cracking jokes. Indeed, work without play makes Rotaractors dull.

Feeding the kids was one of the most memorable experiences. You could see happiness in their faces, smiles and laughter. The dance session with the kids was one for the books too, not forgetting the photo sessions, and the moments captured. Putting smiles on the kids’ faces is always our desire.

The Kairuni School Project is not just a project to Chuka University; it has become our identity and who we are as members of the Rotary family. We (RAC Chuka University) have this slogan, “To Be Human Is To Love” which motivates us more to Serve Above Self.

My sincere gratitude goes to all the Rotaractors and friends of Rotaract. Thank you, guys, for putting in the effort and time to make the event a success. To the Kairuni School Management, we appreciate your constant support and permission to interact with the kids. Let’s keep serving in truth and fairness, and let’s keep doing things that are beneficial to all concerned.