Technical University of Mombasa hosted the Second Lady HE Pastor Dr Dorcas Rigathi on Thursday December 6, 2023 for a day long collaboration event meant to sensitize youth against drugs and substance abuse.
Her Foundation known as the Dorcas Rigathi Foundation, in partnership with TUM, and Dignified Future, organized the colorful event to sensitize students on the adverse effects of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse, especially among college going men.
The core theme of the event was 'A Dignified Future Bila Steam' where the youth were urged to carefully design their futures while avoiding the pitfalls that can lead to their eventual downfall, such as drug abuse and drug peddling.
Different clergy, partners and TUM fraternity were present at the event. They included the Vice Chancellor (VC), the Deputy VC in charge of Academics Research and Extension (DVC-ARE), Deans, Registrars, Acting County Commissioner, TUM Directors and students, among others.
The high-powered event began in the afternoon when Dr Dorcas Rigathi, was received by the VC Prof Laila Abubakar, TUM Protocol team and Mr and Miss TUM. She participated in a tree planting activity before proceeding for a courtesy meeting with the VC who briefed her on the history of TUM.
TUM has always been a champion in nurturing and empowering the talents and innovations of students. As such, Dr Rigathi was taken for a student innovation tour which was headed by the Acting Registrar of Partnerships, Research and Innovation, Dr Sylvia Mutua. Different outstanding innovations were showcased to the dignitaries by TUM students. The Second Lady congratulated them for their impressive and inspiring creations.
Thereafter, Dr Rigathi and her entourage were escorted to the venue and welcomed with a ‘gwaride’ performance from Primary School students. A series of skits and poetry performances followed with key messages on the effects of substance abuse and the importance of saying no to drugs.
The DVC-ARE, Professor Peter Gichangi, advised students against substance and drug abuse and highlighted the university's efforts in partnership with the Dean of Students, among others, in changing the tainted narrative of Manyani as a drug zone.
His plea was echoed by Prof Abubakar who addressed the youth in her capacity as a mother and mentor, concerned about the wellbeing of youth. The VC emphasized the university's goal to make the institution a completely drug-free zone.
She also applauded Dr Rigathi's efforts in the drug abuse campaign, a critical move in a critical era where drug abuse is very rampant in the society. The VC also emphasized on the university’s commitment to fight against this menace will never stop. Working with key partners such as MEWA and Reach-Out Center, the combined effort is set to transform the lives of the TUM fraternity.
Dr Dorcas Rigathi, who was the chief guest, delivered an inspiring and stirring message stressing productivity and time management among students as a strategy to avoid drug abuse. Speaking as a mother, Dr Rigathi shared her genuine concern about the drug crisis that she said is affecting the poor, the rich, the Christians, and Muslims, and is transversing race and colour, in Kenya and the whole continent.
Touching on her long-gone college days, Dr Rigathi mentioned the similarity of challenges between now and then, including peer pressure and drug abuse.
"Your background does not matter. Your parents who gave birth to you, whether rich or poor, are just a vehicle God has used to bring you into this world. Decisions that you make and the way you use your time make all the difference," she stated, reminding the students that the decisions they make are what make one's life trajectory.
She advised the students to embrace knowledge and choose their friends carefully so as to maintain their good values.
"The village and the community believe in you. We are ready to sell everything we have. We are willing to go all the way to ensure you come to this place (University level). Because we believe that education is key; it is the equalizer that will bring everybody to the same platform and give you equal opportunities," she quipped while urging the youth to make the best use of their University years.
The Second Lady, who identifies as the mother of the boy child, encouraged the students, especially the boys, to strive for a dignified future bila steam (without drug abuse). She warmly revealed her love and affection to the students in attendance describing herself as a second mother to them all.
Prof Laila closed the event with the presentation of TUM gifts to Dr Dorcas Rigathi, and a word of prayer from a cleric.
