It was on 16th June 2018 and the venue was Strathmore university main campus, Macheo Achievement Program-Community service center. This trip was attended by 297 standard eight pupils from Viwandani Mukuru Nairobi Kenya. The purpose of this visitation was to build relationships between the mentees and mentors as well as to demonstrate to the mentees that their educational dreams could become a reality. Mentees were divided into ten groups. Each group consisted of two Macheo mentors and U-Tena mentor. The groups were given a brief introduction from the Macheo mentors and tour around Strathmore University. At the auditorium there was a presentation from Macheo beneficiaries from Viwandani and Kibera. The speakers emphasized the value of hard work and discipline. Each group was then given a topic to discuss and present to the rest of the groups in the auditorium. Since the mentees were subdivided into different groups this was a good opportunity for them to work on leadership skills. They were able to select one mentee in each group to act as a representative of each group. The various presentations made, taught the mentees about values, attitude and even career goals. Additionally, some of the groups discussed etiquette, study techniques and goal setting. The main aim to discuss etiquette was to show the mentees how to have good conduct in terms of communication, work place behavior, and in their respective religious places. The mentees then went back to their groups where they were given a talk on study techniques. The participants had a chance to sit in the University’s lecture hall and even look at snippets about the history of the University. The participants also got a chance to tour the university and take photos. After the tour they had lunch and gathered for a talk with one of the Macheo Directors who emphasized the importance of hard work. The current Macheo Beneficiaries talked to the participants and left them with a motto, "If you’re busy life will be easy'" Through this trip, we were able to achieve great learning experiences, interaction, fun, and exposure. This experience illustrated to the mentees that their dreams can be reality, despite the background, or school they come from.
It was observed that after the trip the mentees seemed to be more motivated and dedicated to their studies. They appeared to become more serious and consistent on the sessions and clearer sense of direction was noted.
It was observed that after the trip the mentees seemed to be more motivated and dedicated to their studies. They appeared to become more serious and consistent on the sessions and clearer sense of direction was noted.