Mt Kenya University students will have a chance to volunteer at the United Nations after the two institutions signed an MoU.
The students will be deployed in the East and Southern African region. The university said learners will gain practical experience away from the theoretical knowledge acquired in class.
MKU council chairman Simon Gicharu on Friday said students will be able to interact with the industry and gain practical skills. He spoke during the signing of the deal.
“The formalisation of our engagement with United Nations Volunteers creates yet another opportunity for our students to gain practical experience by becoming volunteers in United Nations entities and activities,” he said.
The programme has been ongoing following agreements between the UN and other institutions. Last year, 7,203 volunteers served at 35 UN entities in 131 countries.
“We are happy that Mount Kenya University is becoming part of this successful programme,” Gicharu said.
The MKU boss said the university strives to expose its learners to relevant fields locally and internationally through collaborations. Previously, MKU students engaged with the UN through their Diplomacy Club.
“We expose our students locally through attachments, and internship programmes as well to partnering institutions locally and regionally, including visits to Makerere University Business School,” he said.
“These efforts have created opportunities for our students to travel to Europe on student exchange programmes.”
He said the university has also been hosting students from the US and Europe.
Some of the gains expected from the engagement include exposure to resources at UN facilities such as libraries and events. Some may eventually land jobs with the organisation.
“The students will also receive a certificate of volunteerism that will help further their career,” Gicharu said.
