On Friday 22nd October 2021, the University of Nairobi held its first ever International Students day themed, ‘Cultural developments and interactions.’
This was a very significant day in the university's calendar of events given that UoN is home to around 2,000 international students representing various nationalities from across the globe most of which come from neighbouring countries like Somalia, Southern Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
International Students desk is domiciled in the Directorate of Corporate Affairs which assists students from various nationalities process their student visas in order to study in Kenya. Corporate Affairs also facilitates international student exchanges between the University of Nairobi and various international universities.
The inaugural celebrations provided a platform for students to celebrate and appreciate their diversity; students were encouraged to mingle while two groups of dancers representing South Sudan and Somali showcased their cultural dances. The students watching couldn’t get enough of the South Sudanese and Somali dancers.
Speaking at the inaugural celebrations, the Deputy Ambassador of Somali to Kenya emphasized on the importance of good neighbourly relations and celebrating cultural differences.
“On behalf of the government and people of Somalia we thank you brotherly country, we have enjoyed good relations. Kenya and Somalia have the best cultures that need to be celebrated and showcased; these provide social and economic benefits to the community.
The Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. John Orindi thanked the various nationalities represented for choosing to study at the university. He was proud that the university was able to provide quality education that contributed to the development of those countries.
Mr. Orindi informed the students of the opportunities afforded to them like free language courses in Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, French, German and Kiswahili, exchange programmes, scholarships, fellowships and internships.
On his part, Dean of students, Mr Johson Kinyua preached the message on the vital role international students play in cultural diplomacy.
“Kenya being a regional player in global peace and diplomacy we want our students from other countries to be the ambassadors of Kenya in those countries.
UNSA’s International Students Representative Vincent Wiso appreciated the opportunity to show case and appreciate cultural diversity.
“As we convene here I would like to urge each one of you to interact with one another so as to develop our different cultures, ideas, customs and even traditions. I have come to realize that the people in Kenya integrate well with the foreign community. I hope they will continue being good hosts.
While UNSA’s Secretary General Main campus Khalid Mohammed noted that:
“Cultural diversity is a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity. We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than that which divides us as a people.
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