Tharaka University today marked Day Five of Mazingira Week by donating food and planting trees at Kamatungu Senior School for the Hearing Impaired.
The University staff, students and Tharaka University Students’ Association leaders participated in the community engagement activities to promote environmental conservation and support learners with hearing impairments.
Speaking during the visit, the school’s Principal, Jane Gitonga, appreciated the continued support of the University, which visits the institution once or twice a year.
“We appreciate Tharaka University for remembering us and continuing to support our students. The food you provide is sweet and nutritious, and our students always look forward to your visits. They have come to associate Tharaka University with feeding them,” said Ms Gitonga.
The school has a population of 32 students.
The principal expressed the school’s willingness to strengthen its partnership with the University.
“We are ready to work with Tharaka University in student attachments, teaching practice and any other areas where we can partner. We value this relationship and look forward to strengthening it,” said Ms Gitonga.
Dr Alex Muthengi, Director Research, Extension and Publications commended the school’s management and staff for their dedication to caring for learners with hearing impairments, urging the students to remain focused on their education and pursue their ambitions despite the challenges they may face.
“Your disability should not define your future. Believe in yourselves, work hard in your studies and pursue your dreams. You have the potential to achieve great things,” he told the students.
Dr Muthengi also highlighted areas of collaboration between Tharaka University and the school, including the provision of interpretation services during graduation ceremonies and the translation of the University’s Service Charter.
Dr Muthengi encouraged the learners to aspire to join Tharaka University and pursue courses that align with their interests and career ambitions, emphasising the importance of education in opening up future opportunities.
The tree-planting exercise underscored the University’s commitment to environmental conservation, in line with the national Mazingira Week campaign ahead of Mazingira Day on October 10.
The food donation, meanwhile, reflected the University’s continued commitment to supporting the welfare of learners and strengthening its ties with the surrounding community.
Also present during the visit was Ms Wendy Micheni, Director of Performance Contracting.
