MKU signs MOU with United Nation Volunteers
MKU Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Wanderi together with UNV Executive Coordinator Oliver Adam during signing of MOU
Mount Kenya University and the United Nations Volunteers have signed a partnership paving the way for students from the institution to serve as United Nations University Volunteers.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Wanderi said the key role of the partnership is to promote higher education and encourage students and the community at large to volunteer.
“The formalization of our engagement with United Nations volunteers today creates yet another opportunity for our students to gain practical experience by becoming volunteers in United Nations entities and activities,” said Prof. Wanderi.
The main goal of the partnership is to enhance the capacity and engagement of youths from the region as the key actors of change in global development issues.
A selected number of Mount Kenya University students will be deployed annually, for up to six months, in various UN agencies in Kenya- as UN University Volunteers to apply their knowledge and skills in several areas of UN peace and development work.
The UNV Executive Coordinator Oliver Adam said this arrangement provides opportunities for students to offer volunteer services at United Nations entities.
“I want to inform our students that in life, there are some opportunities that only happen once, but have life-changing potential,” he said.
The board of directors has been at the forefront in supporting efforts geared towards development of student skills at the university.
The UNV programme will benefit Mount Kenya University students and promote volunteerism among students.
The students will be exposed to resources at UN organisations such as libraries. Volunteering will give the students an advantage when applying for jobs or when they want to advance career opportunities.
So far, a total of 486 UN youth volunteers have served in the region since the perception of the programme, with Kenya leading as host country over the years.
Among them, 37 were universities youth volunteers. The volunteers serve in different areas of development, humanitarian and peace-building initiatives.
