In the spirit of creating a space where varsity students can converge and go back home with nuggets of knowledge and wisdom, the YMCA Central Branch in Nairobi hosted the Inter-University Dialogue on Wellness.
The gathering brought together students from across the city to reflect on the critical issues shaping their futures with dialogues on three key pillars of student development: mental wellness, financial literacy, and leadership.
In his opening remarks, Chris King’ori, YMCA Central Branch Programs Manager, emphasized the importance of creating spaces that nurture the whole person, not just academic achievement.
“University life is not only about books and exams. It is about preparing for the realities of life, and that requires conversations on wellbeing, financial discipline, and healthy relationships. At YMCA, we are proud to provide a platform where students can feel heard and supported.”
His words set the tone for a day that encouraged participants to step outside classroom routines and engage deeply with issues that shape their futures.
The dialogue, in broad, opened the floor to candid discussions on mental health, recognizing that stress, anxiety, and burnout are growing concerns for young people navigating university life. Students were encouraged to normalize conversations about mental health and to embrace practices that foster resilience, balance, and self care.
Students discussed and shared their thoughts on improving wellness while at school. This was particularly important as balancing school work and general life can be quite overwhelming sometimes.
Another highlight of the dialogue was the financial literacy sessions, which emphasized the importance of managing money wisely, even as a student who doesn’t have a stream of income yet. Topics included budgeting, saving, and cultivating smart financial habits early on.
For many participants, the lessons offered a new perspective on financial independence. As one student reflected:
“The dialogue made me realize that wellness goes beyond academics. It’s about balance—taking care of your mind, your relationships, and your finances. I left feeling more prepared for life after university.”
By framing financial management as a vital life skill, the sessions gave students tools they could immediately apply, setting the foundation for long-term security and success.”
Leadership was a recurring theme throughout the dialogue. Students were challenged to see themselves not only as learners but also as emerging leaders who can shape the direction of their communities. Through interactive discussions, they reflected on the qualities of effective leadership and how these can be practiced in daily life.
At the heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring experts and youth leaders who shared insights on how wellness, finances, and leadership intersect in shaping the student journey. Panelists unpacked real-life challenges, from navigating academic stress and financial constraints to cultivating leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.
The panel encouraged students to view wellness not as an individual pursuit but as a collective responsibility, while also reinforcing the need for financial preparedness and visionary leadership. Students were able to ask questions, share personal experiences, and engage directly with the speakers, making the session both practical and inspiring.
The event’s ice breaking sessions reinforced this message, connecting students from different universities and encouraging them to build supportive networks that extend beyond their campuses. These exchanges showed the importance of collaboration and peer mentorship as essential components of leadership development.
While the day was filled with serious conversations, it also included entertainment and interactive activities, adding joy and energy to the program. The balance depicted the holistic nature of wellness—embracing mind, body, and community.
