Daystar University is the first university in Africa to benefit from the Youth Empowerment for Success (YES) initiative by The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation.
This was made possible through a partnership between Daystar University and Coca-Cola Sabco, which saw the launch of the YES Hub at Daystar’s Nairobi Valley Road campus. The YES Hub started off with an eco friendly refreshments kiosk located at the Freedom Corner, which will also provide free WIFI. In an effort to raise funds for financially challenged students the profits from the kiosk will be used to cater for needy students in the university.
DVC Academic Affairs Professor James Kombo (right) and Managing Director of Coca Cola SABCO Nairobi Bottler’s Limited, Mr. Daryl Wilson officially unveil the Yes! Hub Kiosk
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-chancellor, the DVC Academic Affairs, Professor James Kombo thanked Coca Cola SABCO for their continued partnership with Daystar. He recognized their effort to provide scholarships to Daystar students, and particularly thanked them for donating the Kiosk. He said, “What you see here is more than just a kiosk; it is not just a place to quench your thirst; but it is a demonstration of the effort by Coca Cola to transform lives,” said Professor Kombo. In addition to the initiative, he urged those present to think of creative ways of addressing the perpetual school fees challenge faced by many students. He pointed out that, out of the many students admitted every semester, about 30% do not report because of financial challenges.
The Youth Empowerment for Success (YES) is an initiative of The Coca Cola Africa Foundation. It aims to empower 500,000 young Africans by the year 2020. YES targets to reach at least 1000 needy students at Daystar University. The program was launched in June 2015 and the first phase of a $4.5 Million youth project being introduced in Kenya, South Africa and Tunisia. The second phase will expand to Liberia, Nigeria and Uganda. Daystar University is the first university in Africa to benefit from the program.