Solidarity fund launch
We educate students in solidarity above all in welcoming into the same school young people of different religious and social backgrounds, as we as the those students who are disadvantaged or marginalized (A Vision For Marist Education Today, Art 152)
Less than a month after the institution was gazetted as a University College, the need to strengthen one of the dimensions of Marist Spirituality – solidarity, became paramount. Marist International University College (MIUC) joined the class of higher institutions of learning by launching the MIUC Bursary Fund to take care of the needy in the college.
The MIUC Bursary Fund is an initiative of the staff of the college as a result of their experiences with unfortunate students who are faced with the real danger of dropping out of College due to poverty. They then proposed this beautiful project in the College which brought together staff, students and well wishers in the act of generosity.
The idea of coming up with this Bursary Fund, is laudable and further more a sign that lay people working with us are, to a commendable extent, grasping the spirit of St Marcellin in ways that show their oneness with his Spirit of love for the poor and the marginalized amongst us.
The launching of this fund on October 1, 2011 overwhelmed many beyond imagination.
Although the turnout for the function mounted some doubts in the hearts of many as to whether the aim of the launch would be realized, the event became a resounding success. The weather, which was pretty dull initially, was beautiful till the end of the function.
The occasion started with the celebration the of the Eucharist at 8:00 am and continued with the arrival of the Chief Guest – Hon. Kizito Mughali – MP of Shinyalu Constituency at 12:00pm
In his welcome address, the Principal of the College, Br. Dr. Joseph Udeajah, gave a brief history of the foundation of the institute of the Marist Brothers of the Schools and emphasized the prime concern of educating the less privileged. He made mention of the status of the college – low school fees compared to other private universities. Despite this, many students are unable to afford the requisite fees. He concluded by adding that in the recent past the college has tried to meet the fee expenses of these students as far as education is concerned, but the responsibility has overwhelmed the College which has a modest income.
The Chief Guest on his part equally related the subject of the day’s event to his biography- as one coming from a less fortunate background. He ended with the official declaration of the launch. Everyone present wholeheartedly then made their contribution. Worth mentioning was the contribution of Ksh. 300, 000 made by friends from the USA under the coordination of Br McDonnell who had lived and had some experience with some of the students.
The few who were present offered what they had as if being without a penny later was never a problem. Everyone was moved to give their best, for the most part. This was a great spirit of generosity – one of the core values of MIUC, deeply rooted in the hearts of both staff and students. Over 2.6m KES was realized at the end of the day.
The occasion motivated men and women of good will and of reputation to show their love for God and humanity. Our solidarity with the poor in order words means our generosity towards them. Generosity is concrete and genuine if it is an expression of our heart – to love God in the marginalized, in the less fortunate. For them we become a voice; in us they find hope which brings them back to life.
May we live the dream of Marcellin and may the loving and caring heart of our mother Mary continue to keep this gesture to perpetuity.
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MIC Digest