A group of university students from Siaya County studying at Moi University have taken mentorship beyond the lecture halls, spending their weekend empowering secondary school learners through career guidance and menstrual hygiene awareness.
Led by student leader Walter Oyoo Lando, the Siaya County Moi University Students Association on Saturday conducted an outreach mentorship program at Boro Mixed Secondary School in Alego-Usonga and Got Osimbo Girls High School in Ugunja Constituency.
The initiative aimed at inspiring students—especially girls—to stay focused on education while equipping them with practical knowledge about career choices, personal development and reproductive health.
During the sessions, the university students shared their academic journeys and life experiences, urging learners to remain disciplined and ambitious in their studies. They also offered guidance on selecting subjects aligned with future careers and navigating the transition from secondary school to university.
Career mentorship programs have increasingly become an important bridge between universities and secondary schools, helping students understand academic pathways, subject combinations and opportunities available in higher education. Such engagements allow learners to make informed decisions about their futures while boosting motivation and confidence.
A key focus of the visit was menstrual hygiene awareness, with the team educating girls on proper menstrual health management and encouraging open conversations around a topic that often remains stigmatized in many communities. The mentors stressed that menstrual health should never be a barrier to education.
Walter Oyoo Lando noted that young people who have successfully transitioned to university have a responsibility to uplift those coming behind them.
“Giving back to our community is part of leadership. We want students here to believe that their dreams are valid and that with focus and discipline they too can make it to university and transform their lives,” he said.
Teachers from the two schools welcomed the initiative, saying peer mentorship from university students makes career discussions more relatable and inspiring for secondary school learners.
The student leaders also called on the County Government of Siaya County to support mentorship initiatives and strengthen programs that promote girl-child education, noting that such partnerships can help address challenges like school dropout and lack of career awareness.
They emphasized that sustained collaboration between universities, county governments and local schools can create a strong mentorship culture that nurtures future professionals and leaders from rural communities.
The outreach ended with interactive question-and-answer sessions where students sought advice on academic performance, campus life and scholarship opportunities—leaving many motivated to pursue higher education and broader career ambitions.
