In a spirit of generosity and community, our week unfolded with a rich array of activities. A highlight was the captivating choir performance by our secondary school students, amplifying the joyful essence of our educational community. This melodious showcase, integral to our weekly routine, reached its peak during a mass celebration that also marked the commencement of the term’s mid-point break. The mass, presided over by the esteemed Fr. Beautus Mauki, SJ the Father in charge at St Joseph the Worker Parish, transcended the ordinary, uniting congregants in a harmonious blend of spirituality and reflection.

Infusing an international flair into our programmmes, distinguished professors from Bonn University, Germany, graced us with their scholarly presence during their visit to Hekima Jesuit University College in Nairobi. Under the insightful guidance of Rev. Fr. George Macharia, SJ these luminaries not only delved into our programs but also actively engaged with our staff and the children of Upendo. Their visit served as an inspirational exchange of ideas, fostering a profound sense of global collaboration.

Bonn University professors from Germany, who are visiting Hekima Jesuit University College in Nairobi, paid a visit to our programmes.

As we pause to reflect on the past week’s festivities and encounters, a resounding message emerges – a harmonious blend of talent, spirituality, and global connections is the hallmark of our educational ethos.

By, Deacon Mutunga Francis Kyalo, SJ.,

St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Saint Joseph Development Programmes (SJDP),

Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya.

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St. Joseph Development Programmes (SJDP) is the developmental wing of the broader St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Kangemi. St. Joseph the Worker Parish, a parish in the informal settlement areas of Kangemi, is a Catholic Parish under the Nairobi Archdiocese. The parish was established in 1985 by the Jesuit Fathers of Eastern Africa Province. As the developmental wing of St. Joseph the Worker parish, St. Joseph Development Programmes Office was created in its current form in 1987 to coordinate and manage the various social apostolic works of the parish. Since its inception, St. Joseph Development Programmes has supervised a number of projects under the parish including Uzima HIV/AIDS programme, St. Joseph’s Technical Secondary School, Upendo Programme, St. Joseph Dispensary and Dollycraft Women Project.Upendo Programme in particular has had significant contribution in the lives of vulnerable children within Kangemi community. SJDP through its education intervention has ensured support and retention of about 300 students in pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary schools during the 2022 academic year. Out of the 109 beneficiaries of Upendo at the primary school, the program had a total of 18 students in Class 8 who sat for their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) at St. Joseph Primary School in Kangemi.