School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

By Triza Oyamo and Mary Magdalene Njoroge

Students from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS), through their CMS3700 Community Service Learning course organized a transformative first aid training session at the Wings of Compassion Rescue Centre. The Wings of Compassion Rescue Center serves as a sanctuary for teenage girls who have experienced sexual abuse at the hands of family members. Currently, the home shelters around 30 young mothers and their children.

During their initial site visit and follow up site assessment visits, the group of students noted that the centre did not have a first aid kit, despite housing several children. Recognizing the immediate need for a first aid kit, the team felt that simply providing one was not enough and organized training to the staff and young mothers at the center. This was to ensure not only the full utilization of the kit but also to minimize wastage. The training was facilitated by Dennis Ombasa (Facilitator), Triza Oyamo, Mary Magdalene Njoroge, Esther Wahome, Joan Waititu, Geoffery Mungai, Tracy Oigara, Eldin Kisoka, Kenfa Ajumesi, and Divine Mahitiko, all SPHS students. The training focused on equipping these young mothers with vital first aid skills and covered essential topics, including prenatal and postnatal care, addressed common household accidents such as cuts, burns, choking, and fainting. They balanced both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on exercises to make the learning experience more impactful.

For the students, this day was far more than training as it turned out to be an experience that left a lasting impact. The students arrived hoping to impart knowledge, but in the end, they walked away transformed. The team was welcomed with open arms, and the young mothers displayed a deep eagerness to learn and engage. Their energy was contagious as they participated wholeheartedly, and together they shared moments of laughter, treats, and even some fun games. The session concluded with heartfelt songs and a collective prayer that united them all.

Despite the educational nature of the session, it was a heartwarming and joyous occasion. The bonds that were formed, the lessons learned, and the smiles exchanged made it a day that will forever be cherished. Through this engagement, the team found a renewed appreciation for the Community Service Learning course, which opened their eyes to establishments such as Wings of Compassion, which has showed them that every member of the society can play a small role in making the lives of others better. Looking ahead, the team hopes that more CMS3700 Community Service Learning project groups will take up the call, not just to donate items but to empower these young women with life skills that will empower them and serve them every day. This is how we can truly make a difference, one meaningful interaction at a time.