The Directorate of Outreach, Linkages and Partnerships, presented stationary, food stuff, clothes, toiletries and cash donations to Smile Community Centre Children’s home, in Soweto, Kayole on 27th June 2025. The TU-K team led by Dr. Judith Waswa, was received by the Founder of the Children's Home, Ms. Margaret Nekesa.
The presentation of the gifts marked a month-long campaign appeal for donations from members of staff, students and the alumni, in support of Smile Community Centre Children’s Home, Nairobi.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Judith Waswa, said that aside from research and training, outreach programmes to the community is also a key mandate of the University. She added that this initiative would not have been possible without the support from the University Management, staff, students and the alumni.
As such, she thanked everyone for their support and assured the Children's Home that the University was ready to work with them so that they can come annually to smile with the children.
"This is the first time we are doing this, and we hope that next time we shall do it bigger," said Dr. Waswa.
“We are ready to support you and work together to make this an annual event so that at least we can come to smile with the children every year," she added.
Ms. Nekessa, in her remarks thanked the University for choosing to support them.
"I know you have many other institutions to choose from, and I really want to appreciate you for choosing us," she said.
She added that the Children's Home was founded in 2009 and it stays afloat through support from well-wishers particularly the young people from universities and non-governmental organisations.
"These are young people who say that they are denying themselves, maybe they have their birthday, and they want to do something, instead of going out for clubbing, they decide to put something together, come, and cut the cake with the children," Ms. Nekesa mentioned.
"And out of that, we have been making a step ahead. Because when we share our needs with them, some come again, and some come back with their parents or work colleagues," she continued.
She added that through their support, so far, some of the children that the Children's Home started with, have completed university and graduated, others are in college, high school, primary school and a majority are in kindergarten.
She also mentioned that one of them is studying a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial and Applied Chemistry at TU-K and is currently in his final year.
