After-the-bell initiative is an outreach programme to Kenya secondary schools that was pioneered and is being domiciled in the Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management (DESLRM) of South Eastern Kenyan university (SEKU), under the School of Agriculture, Environment, Water and Natural Resources (SAEWNR).
The initiative was envisioned as a comprehensive programme to advertise and publicize the courses offered in the department and the school at large. Coordinated by the department’s publicity and outreach committee, After-the-bell initiative provide academic support services through motivational talks that cover a wide range of topics that raise the aspirations to improve the academic performance among high school students.
The mission of this initiative is to advocate for a positive attitude, promote confidence and instill a positive self-esteem, with regards to academics, among highschoolers.
Additionally, the programme raises awareness of university opportunities, at all levels (Certificate, diploma, Bachelor’s degree, master degree and PhD) by reaching out to the future students where they currently are- in their secondary school, so as to bring higher education within their reach.
Dr. Matheaus Kauti giving a talk to the students of Ikatini Secondary
Members of After-bell-initiative with the students of AIC Kiuanzukini secondary school, after a successful mentorship session
A photo of After-bell-initiative members with the teachers and students of Kilembwa Secondary School after a successful mentorship session
The core mandate of programme is to create and raise awareness of environmental courses offered in the department and the potential jobs available in the market, as well as advising students regarding subject combinations and cut-off points needed to meet university admission requirements for different courses, providing instructional strategies to guide students while revising different subjects for improved academic performance and provision of after-visit services to students who may require further guidance beyond the visit.