The rise again of JOOUST student clubs
Student Clubs provide a great way to get involved, develop leadership skills, pursue personal interests, and engage in community service as well as form a network of friends and contacts on and outside campus. Furthermore, through these organizations, students are able to participate in professionally related events, exchange visits with students in other countries, attend international conferences and meetings and generally develop their social and other skills which are beneficial to them after graduation.
JOOUST has over 20 registered Student Clubs, reflecting a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, religious and political activities. These clubs, registered at the Office of the Dean of Students allow students to enjoy activities on campus that are not normally part of academic life. For instance, our students have been able to participate in community activities, professionally related events, sports, talent shows, Mr and Miss University shows, exchange visits with students in other universities/colleges among others.
One of the leading student clubs is the JOOUST Enactus Club which is recognized internationally in the world of innovation and has scooped various awards in the recent past. Over the weekend the Club represented the Institution at the Enactus Kenya student leadership forum which took place at Kabarak University. All the university students under the umbrella of Enactus Kenya converged for a two day workshop of brainstorming various ideas. The workshop was officially opened by the vice chancellor Kabarak University, Prof. Henry Kiplang’at.
The student members of Enactus had an enriching and inspiring as they actively participated in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, immersing themselves in discussions about leadership, creating a fairer carbon society, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Engaging with leaders from various sectors, they gained valuable insights and practical skills to drive positive change in their communities.
On Saturday afternoon, they had a full learning session on Artificial intelligence and Big Data from Enactus Taita Taveta University faculty advisor Dr. Nashon Adero. The forum provided a platform for collaboration and idea sharing among Enactus chapters across Kenya, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the student members as they embark on their projects in readiness for the National Expo. ENACTUS Kenya head, Mr. Shikwati James could not hide his happiness for hosting a large number of students since the Covid era. He insisted on Enactus partnership with Electric Schneider programme that students should apply and be part of.
As this was happening, student members of the Business and Economics Students Association of JOOUST led by their patron Dr. Nyagol, had an exhilarating and enlightening day at Mount Kenya University during the Tech and Innovation Summit. The event was organized by the Economics Students Association of Kenya (KESA) in partnership with companies like TIE events, DTE consultancy and Artecs among others. They enthusiastically participated in a wide range of workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions, immersing themselves in the latest advancements in technology and innovation. Engaging with industry experts and fellow students, they exchanged ideas, networked, and explored potential avenues for collaboration, from exploring cutting-edge technologies to discussing innovative business strategies and how to actualize their business ideas.
The summit provided a platform for the students to expand their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and gain inspiration to drive positive change in their academic and professional pursuits. Overall, the experience left the members of the association energized, motivated, and eager to apply their newfound insights to their studies and future endeavors. JOOUST was also awarded for being the best newest member of KESA with the best AgriTech innovation of Sericulture.
JOOUST Charity club has not been left behind either. Over the weekend, the team comprising of 60 students and one staff member, visited River Jordan Ministry Children’s home in Bungoma County, with the aim of giving back to the society. The team, led by the Club’s chairperson, Mr. Innocent Mbeche, SAJOOUST president Mr. Allan Thuo Humwa and SAJOOUST Deputy President Ms. Diana Nekesa brought with them food items, clothing, beddings, personal items including sanitary pads and tissue papers which they presented to the persons in charge of the facility.
The team also engaged in various activities with the kids, including washing clothes and utensils, cooking, playing, as well as mentorship talks with the children who were keen and eager to learn from them. “Engaging with the children was a humbling and enriching experience. Their eagerness to share their stories, dreams and aspirations was both touching and enlightening.” Attested Miss Laurine Apio, one of Charity Club members.
This does not mean the other clubs are dormant or extinct. Most of them are doing amazing work, in their respective fields. With support from the University management, these students clubs have increased the Institution’s visibility out there in a big way. Through them, JOOUST has become a force to be reckoned with. For the student members, their involvement with the various clubs has enabled them work on group projects, plan events and participate in campus activities and also the opportunity to develop their leadership, teamwork and communication skills as well as developing a feeling of community and cooperation with others to accomplish common objectives.
Student involvement in extracurricular activities has the potential of contributing to a variety of valued University outcomes including self-determination, competence and enjoyment through their club involvement. Furthermore, students are able make a difference in the success of their clubs, academic programmes, and community through their club involvement. More importantly, they are able to develop important interpersonal and professional skills, as well as enjoyment of their academic program and the creation of meaningful memories. By carefully selecting clubs that align with their interests and goals, students can unlock a world of opportunities, enriching their college journey and preparing them for future success.
