PHU 2023: A Year of Commitment and Transformation
By Maureen Obare
In 2023, the proposed Hekima University (pHU) emerged as a beacon of pioneering endeavors, unveiling a cascade of activities that have set this year apart in a symphony of firsts. From the first strokes of January to the crescendo of December, pHU has woven a tale of programs and activities, marking each milestone with the glow of novelty and the sparkle of unexplored possibilities.
In the pattern of achievements and transformative experiences that defined 2023 for PHU, the pages of this year unveil tales of leadership evolution, collaborative fundraising feats, educational empowerment, and the intersection of technology and humanistic values. The narrative begins with the success of a leadership training program, a collaborative venture between pHU and renowned leadership expert Chris Lowney. Held from 23rd May to 3rd June, the program drew participants from diverse sectors, immersing them in a journey of embracing evolving leadership paradigms with attendees being encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, prioritize service and collaborate while up-taking the crucial traits of active listening and reasoned decision-making. Chris Lowney’s tailored versions for specific institutions spoke volumes about the commitment to shaping effective leaders across varied industries.
The 22nd of June marked another pivotal moment as pHU held a fundraising dinner at Muthaiga Golf Club, dedicated to financing the university’s inaugural story building. With Fr. Karl Kaiser, SJ, the USA Midwest Provincial as the distinguished guest speaker, the event drew inspiration from Jesuit universities in the U.S., emphasizing transformative visions born from small beginnings. The evening became a nexus of networking and collaboration, fostering discussions among diverse organizations in support of pHU’s mission.
September 18th witnessed a reception at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, updating donors on pHU’s progress. The Provincial, Fr. Kizito Kiyimba highlighted the need for STEM education in Africa. Enthusiastic donor responses signaled ongoing support for the university’s mission, marking a chapter of gratitude and anticipation for PHU’s promising future.
In the heart of Molo, Nakuru County, pHU Directorate team joined forces with VUNA Technologies on 12th August 2023, to empower determined youth. Through a flipped classroom program, the Directorate aimed to cultivate entrepreneurial minds, emphasizing the importance of creative thinking, needs assessment, and ethical conduct in social entrepreneurship. Success stories underscored the transformative power of data and narratives, reinforcing the significance of storytelling to communicate visions effectively.
The crescendo of pHU’s 2023 philharmonic reached its peak with a transformative Professional Certificate Course in Data Science from 2nd – 7th October which was inaugurated by Rev. Marcel Uwineza, SJ and Dr. Elias Mokua, SJ the program and is still ongoing brought together diverse participants. Expert-led sessions covered everything from foundational concepts to advanced topics like predictive analytics and machine learning. The comprehensive program underscored the marriage of data science and humanistic values, positioning participants as contributors to social and economic development. Furthermore, on 23rd – 24th November 2023, the Directorate team led by Fr. Dr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ led a two day training on Financial Literacy for Nakuru county residents.
As the curtain falls on 2023, these highlights showcase pHU’s commitment to quality education, transformative leadership, and the interdependency of technology and humanistic values. To delve deeper into the year’s stories and explore more events, visit pHU’s LinkedIn account “The proposed Hekima University”.
