Delegates from Mount Kenya University joined other delegates Worldwide to attend the TNLC2021virtual conference organized by Talloires network of Engaged Universities, USA .The conference which began on Thursday 30th September will run until 3rd October 2021. Over 300 staff and students joined the conference from Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre.
The conference whose theme is Global Institutions, Local Impact: Power and Responsibility of Engaged Universities is a global gathering of higher education leaders and students from all regions of the world. The conference has provided a platform for the delegates to share experiences on community outreach activities. It also brought together students from the member partner countries to share experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Mount Kenya University has three pillars which guides its’ activities. Teaching & learning, Research and Community Outreach .The Directorate of Research & Innovation, coordinates community outreach activities and disseminates research findings to the local and global community through public lectures and conferences” said Dr. Peter Kirira while briefing the students ahead of the launch of the conference.
The conference was opened with welcoming remarks from Tufts University President Anthony P. Monaco, Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow and President Nieves Segovia of the Universidad Camilo José Cela (Spain).
Dr. Peter Kirira , MKU Principal College of Graduate Studies and Research was a panelist during the Thursday session on “University-Community Partnership Responses to COVID-19: Reflections on Innovative Civic Engagement” .During the session Dr. Kirira presented on community outreach activities performed by the University courtesy of the University Award for Innovative Civic Engagement. The activities include jigger eradication in Kilifi and Marsabit, distribution of water backpacks for carrying water and storage to Laikipia County pupils and Donation of masks& sanitizers to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. He also applauded the national and county governments as well as key partners who work closely with MKU to impact the society such as Partners for Care.
TNLC2021 is a movement-building event that will provide opportunities to critically reflect on the power and responsibility of engaged universities to work together–and in partnership with communities–to sustainably and equitably address global challenges.
