We Won Our First Award! – The Journey to the Community Service Award
Celebrating the Community Service Award with Mviringo Africa.
I remember the first time I stepped into the Dean’s Office to pitch Mviringo’s idea.
It was terrifying. I was anxious, but I had never been one to chicken out. I remember exactly what I felt like entering the Dean’s office as a Second Year student at that moment. I wanted to do anything but enter her office. This is because the atmosphere was tense, and the Dean herself, a formidable and no-nonsense woman, was in the middle of reprimanding someone as I entered. This, if you can’t tell already, was not the best time to pitch an idea—no matter how good of an idea you think it is.
I was nervous, but I was determined. I had a vision to solve a persistent problem at the university: the plastic waste clogging our drains. It felt like an overwhelming challenge at the time, but I knew that clearing the drains would benefit the entire school community.
As I waited nervously outside her office, I called my co-founder, Ruth Tanui. I needed her reassurance—some sweet, comforting words to boost my confidence. It truly does take a village, and at that moment, Ruth was mine. We had a clear problem, plan, and solution, but it wasn’t the perfect, polished solution that people would think of in years to come like the invention of sliced bread.
Our call made all the difference—not just for me, but for the future of Mviringo as well. Her encouragement and constant belief in us gave me the strength to walk into that meeting and present our vision. If you’re curious about how it all went, let me put it this way: the meeting ended with a hug. You can probably guess the rest.
Building Trust and Partnerships
Looking back, the growth since that moment has been incredible. Today, I’m no longer afraid of the Dean. She answers my calls, albeit with the occasional sharp remark—always well-meaning—and she has become one of Mviringo’s strongest advocates. She has championed the project within the university and helped us navigate the school’s administration. What once felt like me, a Second Year student pleading for answers, has shifted; now, the university comes to us with questions, seeking my input on how best to engage students.
Our Achievements
To date, Mviringo has engaged 500 students through workshops, cleanups, and social media campaigns. For me, the students remain the most important stakeholders in this project. They hold the key to its sustainability, especially as I prepare to graduate in the coming year. Winning this award wasn’t just a personal milestone or the organization’s win; it was a victory for the students—a testament to the university’s belief in our work and a promise of continued support.
Mviringo team members celebrating their win at the gala dinner.
The challenge now is to ensure that the project outlives the celebrations and remains impactful long after I’ve graduated. That is what true success would look like.
The Power of Community
As I always say, Mviringo Africa’s journey is a testament to the power of community. This organization wouldn’t exist without the generosity, guidance, and belief of so many people—whether through advice, funding, or hands-on support. Together, we’ve organized cleanups, hosted educational workshops, created interactive activities, and, ultimately, earned the university’s Community Service Award.
Mviringo Africa leading a community cleanup event to promote environmental sustainability.
"This isn’t just a trophy; it’s a symbol of what collective effort and determination can achieve."