President’s Award Club at Machakos University: Empowering Students through Service, Skills, and Recreation

The President’s Award at Machakos University (MksU) is a vibrant student-led club that focuses on three core pillars: service, skill development, and physical re-creation. Through these activities, members commit their free time, mostly on weekends, to participate in charity work for the less privileged, learn new skills like first aid, and engage in recreational activities such as hiking. This program not only contributes to students’ personal growth but also creates a strong bond between the University and the local community.

Activities and Benefits for Students

The President’s Award MksU offers students an ethical, dignified, and productive way to utilize their free time. Through its charity work, students give back to the community while seeking blessings from those they help. Whether it’s lending a hand to the less fortunate or organizing events to brighten lives, members learn the value of sacrifice, compassion, and social responsibility.

Beyond community service, the program offers a platform for students to learn new skills outside the classroom. By acquiring practical knowledge like first aid, participants build their confidence and preparedness for real-life situations. Physical activities, particularly hiking, also allow students to maintain fitness and build endurance, teaching them to persevere through life’s challenges.

This holistic approach to student development fosters a sense of belonging within the club. Members feel connected not only to each other but also to the broader community, extending love and care to those in need. As a result, the club enhances Machakos University’s reputation as a caring and responsible institution, bridging any gaps between students and the larger society.

A Brief History of the President’s Award Kenya

The President’s Award, originally part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, is a globally recognized youth development program aimed at individuals aged 14 to 24. It encourages young people to engage in activities that enhance their skills, promote physical well-being, and foster community service. The program helps participants develop resilience, teamwork, and essential life skills, with different levels of achievement recognized through various awards.

Founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the award has expanded worldwide, including regions like Africa and the Caribbean, where it has been adapted to meet local needs. In Kenya, the President’s Award places a strong emphasis on personal growth, adventure, and community service while incorporating local customs and challenges.

Today, the President’s Award continues to inspire students at Machakos University and beyond, offering a platform for youth to grow, challenge themselves, and become responsible members of society.

The club is an embodiment of these values, providing an avenue for students to grow personally while positively impacting the lives of those around them. Through their participation in the President’s Award, MksU students not only improve their own lives but also contribute to creating a better, more compassionate world.