Feeling sad? Crack open a beer. Stressed out? Well…a glass, or two (maybe) of wine can fix that. Battling any mental illnesses? Ka-quarter moja will, for sure, numb that pain.
The use of alcohol in today’s society has been equated with freedom, fun and excitement. It is glorified as ‘happy’ juice and as an occasion to have a ‘polite one’. Beer and liquor companies churn out fancy and flashy advertisements that elicit impressions of success, fun and entertainment with intoxication being part and parcel of the whole picture. Alcoholism, many times cloaked as social drinking, is a huge problem among our youth and in society in general. It seems that everyone can tell their own struggle with the bottle, or that of someone dear to them.
Many young people start drinking out of peer pressure or as an avenue to mask life’s problems. This often becomes a habit, which turns to an addiction that takes over one’s life. The prevalent use of alcoholic beverages in all facets of our social occasions confirms its acceptance; that is in family gatherings, in social get-togethers, and even in corporate events. The increasing abuse of alcohol destroys future leaders of our country.
Wholly collaborative affair
On Monday and Tuesday, over high tea, our Catering, Housekeeping, Security, Groundsmen, and Maintenance teams discussed issues pertinent to alcohol consumption. In one of the sessions, Chris Lyimo, an addiction interventionist, succinctly unpacked the theme, highlighting that in being a cause in the matter, you are responsible for your actions.
On Wednesday, University staff members logged into a Webinar to listen and learn from Joe Mutugu, former Chief of Staff, Ministry of Transport, who gave a session on his personal struggle with alcoholism. Previously, Mr. Mutugu served in other organizations such as Old Mutual Kenya, AMU Power company, Acorn Holdings, NIC Bank, ABSA, Deloitte Consulting and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He has been named twice, in 2012 and 2016, as one of the Top 40 Under 40 most successful and promising professionals in Kenya by Business Daily . He is also recognized as one of the best Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in East Africa.
He took us through the innumerable dangers of alcoholism and its ripple effect on our lives, work and families.
“Staying sober was not easy; it was difficult to stop completely. Having a drink before work, using it to unwind at lunch. I couldn’t even visualize facing the day without it. The impact of alcoholism spiralled to affecting my work and ultimately I lost my job… that’s when I knew I needed help.”
He encouraged and stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with people who can help you get out of alcoholism. “Go to rehab. There is help. Do not struggle alone.”
Parents too were not left out in this vital discussion in bringing up the next generation as it starts with them, the foundational support system of the student. As personalized attention is one of our values here at Strathmore University, it is a wholly collaborative affair in modelling the next generation in the right way. Each session highlighted the need to create a safe space to discuss the challenges and the impact of excessive consumption of alcohol so as to keep the conversation of #FreedomAndResponsiblity and #ResponsibleDrinking going.
On Thursday, the University held a Eucharistic Procession, which begins and ends in a holy place. Our University Chaplain, Fr. Charles Mundia, led the staff and students in the procession through the streets of Strathmore, carrying the consecrated host within a monstrance. The procession was an opportunity to pray for all in the University, their families and all connected to Strathmore. The University continues to hold the centrality of Christ and the Holy Eucharist dear to its life and operations.
Form ni kumaintain, au sio?
In partnership with Kenya Wine Agency Limited (KWAL), the University organized a Blog writing competition whereby the students addressed what responsible drinking means to them and how we (the society) can positively influence Gen Zs to use their freedom well and be responsible in matters of alcohol consumption. Expounding on the theme were Nelley Ntenyah and Craig Wardy who gave tips on how to drink responsibly. “Know yourself. Usi-overdo. #DrinkResponsibly”
The winners of the competition (below) walked away with a gift hamper from Strathmore University and KWAL;
- Lynette Wanjira Ng’ang’a, a 3rd Year Bachelor of Commerce student.
- Tim Makale
What is a founder’s week without a movie night? The day ended with Stratizens gathering at the Graduation Square to watch the all-time favourite, Coach Carter. Cozy hay bales for seats and ambient outdoor fairy string lighting under the tents set the mood while they munched yummy burgers with juice.
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