Ufungamano A Newsletter by Christian Students Leadership Centre V O L U M E 1 M A R C H, 2 0 1 7 MCCU Orientation team eager and ready to serve Orientation Week,2017 As has been the tradition, the Christian Students Leadership Centre partnered with the Main Campus Christian Union and the Catholic Students Community to welcome the 2017 First Year students. The theme for the Main Campus Christian Union (MCCU) was The Way to Follow according to 1st John 2:17b. While the theme for the Catholic Students Community (CSC) was Psalm 32:8; I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel and watch over you. The Catholic Students Community (CSC) held a recreation bonding session in City Park. This week-long orientation is instrumental for giving new students crucial guidance. The event connects students with friendly mentors who are trained to walk with them in days to come. The University of Nairobi Chaplaincy gives spiritual guidance to the students and staff in the University. Rev. Fr. Peter Kaigua serves the Catholic Community and Rev. Hosea Mitei serves the Protestant Community. This year s orientation provided information on key issues that Catholic Students Community (CSC) during the 2017 Orientation bonding session held at City Park relate to campus life. These include academics excellence, relationships and study-life balance. Among others
V O L U M E 1 M A R C H, 2 0 1 7 U F U N G A M A N O N E W S L E T T E R I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Orientation 1 Light Your Candle At the finalists party held in honour of the outgoing students the Chairman of the Board, The Very Rev. Dr. Charles Kibicho lit a candle and handed it over to the finalists to symbolize that they should spread to others the light received during their years in Campus. Chairman s Word Chairman s Word Testimony 2 This was in line with the theme empowered to serve. The Speaker of the day Dr. Makanda a Board Member in CSLC, gave a short devotional which covered the need to be thankful to God for their time in campus and shared principles for life after campus that touched on career, spiritual life and relationships. The Director, Ms. Pauline Mungai congratulated them for being good Christian examples while in campus and urged them to continue in the faith and values instilled to them through the Christian Community. A cake was cut to celebrate the occasion. CSLC Historical Perspectives 3 A Conqueror In Christ Very Rev. Dr. Charles Kibicho lights a candle Glimpse of 2016 4 Testimony Glimpse of 2016 5 Testimony Pictorial 6 Pictorial 7 Back Page 8 Testimony Rose is part of the Conquerors in Christ. This name represents the 3 rd year student s fellowship. She is a third year student pursuing BA, Communication and Sociology. She recalls that some of her friends were concerned about the effect of campus on their personal life. Some thought that they will return home with three children and a husband. They felt helpless even though they had not yet joined the university. She was fortunate because her sister was already in the university and she assured her that it is possible to be a Christian and defend your values. She passed this information to her friends. This was confirmed during the intense orientation programme carried out at CSLC. Parents also play a role in this fear. Rose explains: I called my parents to prepare them for my Christian friends to minister in my home church. My father asked me twice whether this was a marriage proposal or a Christian mission. It was after my friends had ministered and conducted themselves well that my parents were convinced that I was really growing as a Christian. Her leadership role started as Vice Rose Mutheu sharing her experience secretary in the Investment Committee which helps raise funds for the Main Campus Christian Union (MCCU) through selling items like sugar to the students. She is now the Evangelism Coordinator in the executive team of MCCU. She leads a team in the evangelism subcommittee who oversee daily, weekend and periodic activities. As a leadership team they also meet weekly. What has worked for you? Prayer and the word of God. She has learned from the different leadership training programs to operate as a servant leader and surrender her ministry to God. This is evident in the busy program of activities that involve weekday lunch hours, Weekly Nurture discipleship meetings, Nonresidential fellowships, evangelism weeks and then add to the academic work in the University. She appreciates the support of CSLC and sees the Director as a mother who has maintained an open office to support the students in time of need. Rose has also served as an intern at the Centre. Christian Students Leadership Centre (CSLC) Vision A Christian Centre of excellence empowering university students holistically in order to transform society. Mission To provide university students with a place and forum for holistic Christian formation and transformational leadership training.
PAGE 3 Ufungamano House Milestones and Facts 1965 Property Bought 1976 Building Completed 1977 Officially Opened Christian Students Leadership Centre Historical Perspectives The Christian Student Leadership Centre, popularly known as Ufungamano, was completed in 1976 and officially opened on 25th February 1977. The property on which the centre stands was purchased in 1965 by the university chaplaincy with the funding from the British Christian Aid Fund. The Centre, a not-for-profit Christian organization, is a unique ecumenical endeavour jointly owned, sponsored, administered and managed by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). It is run by a Board of Directors appointed by the two bodies in accordance with the provisions of its constitution. The Centre is a ministry to the University of Nairobi Community. Its key mission is to provide a place for fellowship, worship, pastoral care, guidance and counselling, and to facilitate the development of leadership and other skills to the students and the academic community, particularly within the context of the University of Nairobi. The overall aim is to assist and enable members of the University community to be effective servants of God and society. To achieve its Mission the centre organises various activities as within each calendar year. The main ones being: First years orientation, Leadership development training, conferences, Final year s programme and Immediate former Director Mr. David Maina Nguyo, (Left) Former Chairman of the Board, Very Rev. Dr. George Wanjau and Former Administrator Ms. Tabitha Ngatunyi (Right) with CSLC staff after the Breakfast to welcome incoming Director Ms. Pauline Mungai in 2015 Campus life Forums. Generally the activities seek to meet the key objectives which are; equipping students for campus life, leadership in and out of campus and imparting life skills to the students. The Chaplains and university staff are also trained so that they can offer effective support to the students. Though the Centre works directly with the Christian Union members (CU) and Catholic Students Community (CSC), the other Christians groups, the Campus student government and the general student populace are also beneficiaries. Other areas of engagement include internships, supporting needy students, offering counseling services, mentorships and scholarships to students wishing to pursue Christian ministry among others. Meeting Facilities: Ambient and Serene Surroundings Conference Room Grounds for Hire 600 Seater Auditorium Tel: 0725 032 484 / 0722 456 735 Email: info@ufungamano.org
V O L U M E 1 Glimpse of 2016 Welcome Rev. Hosea Mitei, The incoming Protestant Chaplain Inaugural Students Annual Leadership Summit (9 th July 2016) The year 2016 was a year that saw over 700 students from UON and other city campuses attend the inaugural Students Annual Leadership Summit. This event gives opportunity to students from various campuses to grow their leadership skills, served to multiply the impact made by the programmes of CSLC. The event held in July 2016, was attended by students from Daystar, Technical University of Kenya, Mount Kenya University and Catholic University of Eastern Africa among others. The student groups included CSC, MCCU, Journey (KAG), SALT (Nairobi Chapel), Life Ministry and Believers Love World. It is hoped that this event will equip leaders in the student body across Campuses. Student Ministries Consultative Meeting (31 st March 2016) Every year CSLC brings together key ministries working with students. This important consultative meeting was held in March. This was aimed at harmonizing the work of these ministries. Those The CSLC Director, Ms. Pauline Mungai addresses meeting organised by the Centre represented included FOCUS, SDA, Journey, Life Ministry, YMCA, Catholic Chaplaincy, All Saints Cathedral, Navigators, Jesus Discipleship Ministry, Campus Baptist Fellowship and CSLC. P A G E 4 0ver 700 students from UON and Other City campuses attended the inaugural Students Leadership Summit Is it boring to be a Christian in Campus? Testimony by Davis Mwania My love for Christian Union began before I joined university. As a result of the influence of my brother who was already in Chiromo Campus, I used to accompany him to the Chiromo Campus Christian Union (CCCU) whenever I visited. It was only natural that I joined the Chiromo fellowship when I was called to the University of Nairobi main campus to pursue Bachelor of Economics. Davis Mwania says with a good natured demeanor that seems natural to him. Davis, now in his Second year of study admitted that he has been very active in all the Christian Union activities right from first year. He is now in the Executive leadership of the CCCU and is responsible for Discipleship. This docket involves Nurture and Bible Exposition Self Training Programme (BEST P). At one point in the interview Davis explains his shock when one day he came from a Christian Union meeting, feeling very good only to find his roommate in a compromising situation. The roommate had the audacity to use Davis bed with a girlfriend. After recovering from the shock he still found the compassion to have a chat with each of them. He recalls meeting one in a Christian Union event and he hoped for complete transformation. He credits his success in academics and personal life to the incredible support he has received from the Director and staff of Christian Students Leadership Centre (CSLC). The various programmes have had a great impact on him; specifically Campus Smart and Student Leadership Summit. Davis learned to redefine his focus in campus life while also recognising that he has a voice and a role to play in society. The Centre has also assisted him to break down the barriers between the two major Christian groups that is the Christian Union (CU) and Catholic Students Community (CSC). Through the joint activities, he has come to appreciate that there is unity in diversity. God is a God of diversity he says. I especially admire the compassion expressed through the activities of the CSC he adds. These activities include visits to Nyumba ya Wazee A Home for the Elderly. Continued next Page Is it boring to be a Christian in campus? No! To explain, Davis says that they hold regular meetings and activities which allow him to learn, grow as well as to have fun within Christian values. He admits that the temptations are still there but with the mentors, colleagues and the CSLC staff it is possible to overcome.
P A G E 5 Glimpse of 2016 Continued from Page 4 Elders Dinner The CU organized a dinner in honour of 90 members who had completed their studies. They were encouraged to practice the Christian values in their life outside campus. The dinner was held in early 2016. VET Camps (CSC) The CSC organized 3 Vet time to evangelize. This method is effective in Pastoral communities. CU Executive Committees Training (2 nd April 2016) CSLC brought together 100 student leaders drawn from UoN CUs Executive committees known as JCC. They were trained on effective leadership of the student groups. They were challenged to be active agents of change in all spheres namely; spiritual, social and political arenas. Finalists Party Finalists Dinner The main goal of CSLC is to prepare effective Christians for life. In December 2016 CSLC treated the finalists to a dinner at the United Kenya Club. 170 finalists attended. This was the first time a dinner was held for the finalists. CSC Students in West Pokot, Psigor Parish during the Vet Camp Camps in West Pokot, Psigor Parish, they were hosted by Father Alfred and they treated over 2000 animals which represented around 20 families in the target area. After the Vet sessions in each area they took Internship Program CSLC offers internship to students during breaks and after campus to equip them with working skills and link them with opportunities. In this CSLC partners with like minded organisations to connect students to professionals for mentorship. In 2016, ten students worked at the Centre in various capacities. Among the ten, one student managed to get employment in a faith based NGO and another proceeded to Seminary. December 2016 Finalists Cake: Empowered to Serve Guest Rooms Enjoy our ambient and serene environment with free Wi-Fi and friendly Service Tel: 0725 032 484 0722 456 735
VOLUME1 PAGE Pictorial Joint Worship Service, 10th Feb, 2017 The Staff & Directors The People who make it Happen The CSC students during the 2017 Orientation The Christian Students Leadership Centre Board of Directors during an induction and bonding retreat held at Jumuia Conference & Country Home-Limuru ( 15-16 February 2016) Participation during the Leadership Summit Group discussion during the Strategic planning meeting at Rosa Mystica Retreat Centre. (CSLC Staff and Board of Directors) Very Rev. Dr. George Wanjau and his wife receive farewell gift from Very Rev. Canon Peter Karanja and CSLC Director, Ms. Pauline Mungai during the Board farewell party in January 2016 CSLC Staff and Board of Directors during the strategic planning meeting held at Rosa Mystica Retreat Centre (January 19, 2017) Down Memory Lane CSLC Board and Staff 1996 6
PAGE 7 Pictorial A participant gives his views during the Campus Ministry Leader's Breakfast. This comprises of key ministries that serve the students at Campus Very Rev. Fr. Daniel K. Rono, the General Secretary for Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and Very Rev. Canon Peter Karanja, the General Secretary of National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) during the farewell for the outgoing Board Members in January 2016 Finalists Party December 2016 Our Excellent Cafeteria serves delicious meals and is available for outside A team of Missionaries stayed in our guest house and enjoyed our facilities. Our 600 Seater Auditorium is Ideal for large meetings, and Theatre Experience. Ladies Hostels Hot Water Breakfast & Supper Quiet & Student Friendly Free Wi-Fi Christian Values CSLC friendly staff Life Skills & Mentorship Tel: 0725 032 484 / 0722 456 735 info@ufungamano.org The Very Rev. Dr. Charles Kibicho (Right) and Rev. Fr. Peter Kaigua during the Finalists Party
Ufungamano A Newsletter by Christian Students Leadership Centre (CSLC) I can Attest that I have Grown Testimony of Mary Nabwire I can attest that I have grown. In my time as an intern at CSLC I had the privilege of serving the priests during the Pope s visit in Kenya. I also met Janet Mbugua during the booking of Inua Dada event and even made a Gambian friend. She was one of the guests I served. Orientation Night Mary was a shy girl who avoided interaction when she arrived for first year as a student. She is taking a Bachelor of Arts Literature and Psychology in University of Nairobi, Main Campus. In her early days Mary was so timid that when her friends directed her to the St. Paul s Chapel, she went and knocked at a gate that is usually never opened. Convinced in her naivety that they had locked her out she returned back to campus without attending mass that day. It was then that her roommates who were members of MCCU explained to her where the right gate was. Since then she has been a regular worshipper at St. Paul s Catholic Church and is now a leader in the Catholic Students Community (CSC). She holds the post of the Assistant Liturgical Secretary in the Council. Her role includes assisting the Secretary and training those who serve mass at the Chapel. As a 3 rd year student she has come a long way in her confidence through a combination of the different leadership programs supported by CSLC. She has found the prayer meetings very fulfilling and is also involved in a bible study group. This a long shot from the time she burst into tears at the cafeteria because she was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of that day. I was struggling to keep up with work and had difficulty getting the change at the cafeteria, then one client spoke harshly to me and I could not take any more. I still appreciate that, for each customer that was rude or impatient, there were many others that were very kind and gave me valuable advice. She appreciates CSC for organizing events that have been educative and fun. Some of these activities include the Bible Trivia, Crazy Olympic and Cultural Night. In one Cultural Night the now not so shy Mary says that she took the stage playing the African drums and as a dancer that day, was the center of attraction. The joint activities have also helped her realize that most of the values promoted by CSC and CU are largely similar. There was a time she thought that those in CU were hostile but now realizes that they are fellow Christian students and even admires the CU activities that are open to all students like the morning devotion and prayer. She has also found the CSLC staff to be very supportive and that the Director is able to assist her as a mother. One time she was pleasantly surprised when in a particularly busy event, the Director joined her in the kitchen to dry the dishes. This is a motivation for her to practice humility in whatever position she will hold. Elders Night Appreciation Upcoming Events Campus Smart Students Prayer Day Leadership Summit Mentorship Series Finalists Programme Students Leaders Training Counseling Sessions Christian Student Leadership Centre (CSLC) - Ufungamano House Student Ministry Ladies Hostels Accommodation Conference Facilities Cafeteria P.O. Box 48802-00100,Nairobi www.ufungamano.org Email: info@ufungamano.org Tel: 0725 032 484 0722 456 735