On Friday, 16th August, Karatina University made history as it became the first university in Africa to launch the World Academy for the Future of Women (WAFW) program, a transformative initiative designed to empower young women and prepare them for leadership roles on a global scale. The launch event, which took place at the university’s Conference Hall, was organized by the Directorate of Resource Mobilization and International Programmes, led by Prof. Kellen Kiambati, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students and in partnership with the Africa Leadership Transformative Network (ALT) and KCB Foundation. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering leadership and social change among women.
A part of the successful students and the facilitators during the lunch of the WAFW program at Karatina University.
The WAFW program at Karatina University aims to train one hundred young women annually, equipping them with essential skills in leadership, project management, and global citizenship. The program is part of a broader collaboration between Karatina University and the Africa Leadership Transformation (ALT) Framework established last year. As the 104th member of the WAFW program, Karatina University joins a global network that includes successful programs in China and Nepal. The first cohort of students will undergo a year-long training that focuses on projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tailored to the local Kenyan context.
Unified in Purpose: Karatina University’s Partners, the WAFW facilitators the VC, and DVCs pose for a photo to celebrate the launch of the groundbreaking initiative
During the launch, key university officials emphasized the importance of the WAFW program and its potential to impact the participants’ lives. The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Hellen Kamiri, encouraged the students to fully embrace this unique opportunity, expressing her gratitude to the WAFW facilitators for selecting Karatina University. She also appreciated the parents who attended the event, recognizing their vital role in supporting their children’s educational journey.
Echoing these sentiments, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration, Prof. Richard Kiai, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting the program in the years to come. He assured the students that they would receive the necessary support and resources to thrive in the program, emphasizing the university’s dedication to their success.
On the other hand, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Linus Gitonga, expressed his deep appreciation to the committee responsible for organizing the launch, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring the event’s success. He also thanked the WAFW facilitators for choosing Karatina University as the first African institution to host this prestigious program. The VC encouraged the students to seize this opportunity to learn from the experienced facilitators and to contribute to shaping the future roles of women globally. He described the WAFW initiative as a proud moment for the university and a significant step towards empowering the next generation of female leaders.
The VC (Prof. Linus M. Gitonga) addressing the audience during the launch of the WAFW program
Representatives from the university’s partners also shared their thoughts during the event. Ms. Patricia, a representative from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), urged the students to emerge from the program as empowered and mentored individuals, ready to make a profound impact on society. She expressed her gratitude for being part of the dialogue at the launch and thanked WAFW for creating such a transformative program. The KCB Foundation, as the main local partner, played a pivotal role in supporting the launch and ensuring the program’s sustainability within the region.
The VC warmly welcomes WAFW CEO Jerrie Ueberle, marking the beginning of a powerful dialogue on empowering future women leaders at Karatina University.
Jerrie Ueberle, the Founder and CEO of WAFW, expressed her appreciation for Karatina University’s commitment to the program and praised the institution for “thinking bigger.” She provided an overview of the WAFW program, highlighting its mission to empower women globally and its success in other parts of the world. The event concluded with the induction of the first cohort of 100 girls, who took an oath to uphold the values and mission of WAFW.
The CEO Ms. Jerrie Ueberle during the launch of the WAFW program at Karatina.
The event concluded with the induction of the first cohort of 100 girls, who took an oath to uphold the values and mission of WAFW.
The first cohort of the 100 girls saying the WAFW oath.
The successful launch of the WAFW program at Karatina University represents a major step forward in the university’s ongoing efforts to empower young women and contribute to societal transformation. As the program begins its journey at Karatina University, the institution looks forward to witnessing the growth and development of these young leaders and the positive impact they will have on their communities and beyond.
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The University management, facilitators, valued partners, members of staff, students, and supportive parents pose for a photo to celebrate the launch of the World Academy for the Future of Women.