NOT JUST ANOTHER DAY

It’s graduation season in Kenya, and on Friday the 13th (talk about breaking traditions!), I found myself doing something I’d never done before—playing “Dad” at the 56th Graduation Ceremony at the sprawling Kenyatta University. With over 5,600 students graduating, each had just two tickets to share their big day. Faith Muthoni, a proud graduate of the School of Business and Economics, insisted I take one to join her and her mom in celebrating her Second Class Honors Degree. Despite my usual reservations about long ceremonies, blazing sun, and potential traffic chaos, I committed to making this day special for Faith. Little did I know, it would become an unforgettable experience.

Mum was half an hour late for our rendezvous, but I was surprisingly calm about all this. I had given the ‘day’ to this event and knew I would be lucky to be home before 9:00 PM. It was an MCG-style crowd, all milling around, trying to get inside the graduation area. We joined the throng of people all pushing and shoving to get in. I walked, and as the crush increased, so did my keenness to keep my hands in both trouser pockets. When we emerged inside, Mama Faith said, “Oh my God, my phone/camera is gone,” and she spent the next ten minutes bemoaning her carelessness at not putting it down the front of her dress.

Faith standing at the graduation square.

We found a seat in a roped-off section of the huge open courtyard in the middle of the campus. I was immediately teased by the nearby grandstand for ‘big people,’ and the sight of some empty seats sucked me in. “Come on, Mama, hold my hand and look important. No one will challenge the old, well-dressed mzungu.” Sure enough, the 30-metre crossing to the nice seats in the shade with a good view of all proceedings was uneventful.

A bit of musical entertainment preceded long speeches by various grand faculty members, including the Chancellor and the Chair of the University Council, inducing me to quickly get out my laptop and do some work. Then the presentations began with 85 people being awarded doctorates. Upon conclusion, I figured there were now only 5,515 to go. Fortunately, after awarding the 285 Master’s graduates, the modus operandi changed. For all other eight schools offering degrees and diplomas, students would collect their degrees from the registrar’s office on Monday.

Finally, the grand, pompous occasion came to an end with all 5,600 students reciting a pledge to use their education for the good and betterment of their country, community, and, of course, themselves. Fortunately, Mama was able to use my phone, and a beaming Faith found us. Mother and Father (for the day) hugged Faith while showering her with bouquets and flowers.

L-R
Rahab, Frank, Rahab’s daughter & Faith’s mother.

As we exited, I heard a familiar voice call out, “Br. Frank, Br. Frank!” It was Rahab, one of Ruben Centre’s long-time knitters and trainers. She introduced her daughter, a confident young woman who had just graduated with a degree in education. Rahab reminded me that, two years ago, Ruben Centre had stepped in to support her daughter’s education when she was struggling to cover the fees. The pride on their faces was heartwarming, a testament to what education can achieve.

Reflecting on that moment during a long traffic jam, I realized the true magnitude of the Ruben Centre Scholarship Program. Since 2012, 283 young lives—the majority being girls—have been transformed through these scholarships, enabling them to complete secondary and tertiary education. This program, built on the generosity of supporters, is the foundation of countless success stories like Faith’s and Rahab’s daughter’s. These young people are the “great nation” we are building, one scholarship at a time.

As we celebrate the season of giving and reflection, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the Ruben Centre throughout the year. Your generosity, love, and commitment have enabled us to transform lives and create opportunities for hundreds of young people. This Christmas, let us remember the power of education, community, and hope. Together, we are building a brighter future for all. May the joy and peace of this festive season fill your hearts and homes.

On behalf of the Ruben Centre family, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025!

Warm regards.

By: Frank O’Shea OAM

Edits: Gregory Barake