By Esther Kairungu

On Friday, September 20, the USIU-Africa Community came together to celebrate Freida Brown Day under the theme "Sustainable Future: Educate, Innovate, Act." Freida Brown Day is an annual university wide community service day-a day set aside for the university community come together under the university’s core values of giving back and working for the common good- and contribute to the surrounding neighborhood by engaging in acts of service activities such as environmental cleanups, renovations, donations among others. This year, we were proud to be joined by our valued partners from Aga Khan Primary School and Friends Anduru Educational Centre.

In a unique and impactful out-of-campus experience, participants visited several sites within the Kasarani neighborhood, where they actively engaged in community service activities. The sites included:

• Nyumba ya Wazee in Kasarani, where the elderly were uplifted through companionship, donations, and heartfelt interactions that brightened their day;
• Brook School for the Deaf & Autistic, where the team contributed by cleaning, maintaining facilities, and providing mentorship and guidance to children with special needs;
• Friends Anduru Educational Centre in Korogocho slums, where participants carried out environmental cleaning, repairs, and shared inspiring conversations with students and staff;
• Wings of Compassion in Marurui, where our team not only cleaned the environment but also shared moments of hope and inspiration with young mothers, offering both donations and counseling.

The activities across all these sites aimed to leave a lasting impact by engaging with the communities in meaningful ways, reinforcing the importance of service and sustainability.

From hands-on cleaning and facility maintenance to counseling, mentorship, and the sharing of snacks and in-kind donations, participants demonstrated USIU-Africa’s commitment to building a better, more sustainable future - both for the environment and for the communities we serve.

On-campus celebrations

The day concluded with a lively on-campus celebration, where participants gathered for games, Zumba sessions, entertainment, and a shared meal. A symbolic cake-cutting ceremony represented the unity and collective impact achieved throughout the day. This joyous moment highlighted the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, reminding us of the power of community when we come together to educate, innovate, and act for a better tomorrow.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making Freida Brown Day 2024 a tremendous success. Your dedication and effort truly embody the spirit of community service and sustainability!