Cross-Border Student Culture at Delight Technical College
At Delight Technical College in Nairobi, the campus isn’t just a place for learning — it’s a vibrant intersection of cultures, languages, and ideas from across East and Central Africa. As one of the region’s most inclusive and diverse TVET institutions, Delight has cultivated a thriving cross-border student culture that celebrates diversity while fostering unity.
- A Melting Pot of East and Central Africa
Students at Delight come from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and beyond. This cross-border mix turns every classroom, dormitory, and student event into a rich cultural exchange.
- Example: In one fashion design class, a Rwandan student may collaborate with a Somali classmate, while being mentored by a Kenyan lecturer. Their final project might blend Kitenge, Dashiki, and traditional Oromo patterns — showcasing a truly Pan-African creative spirit.
- Language Bridges and Multilingual Friendships
Although English and Kiswahili are the main languages of instruction, French-speaking students from DRC and Burundi receive language support to help them integrate smoothly. This mix encourages students to pick up new languages and appreciate each other’s linguistic backgrounds.
- Fun fact: It’s common to hear conversations jump from Kiswahili to French to English in one sitting — a testament to Delight’s culturally adaptive environment.
- Cultural Showcases and Heritage Days
Delight regularly hosts Cultural Days where students dress in traditional attire, share music, dance, and serve food from their home countries. These events help students feel at home, reduce homesickness, and build pride in their heritage.
- Highlights include: Ugandan Rolex demos, Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, Congolese rumba dances, Burundian drumming, and South Sudanese storytelling.
- Shared Living Spaces, Shared Lives
Student hostels often house learners from multiple countries. These shared living arrangements naturally foster friendships and understanding across borders.
- Story: A Tanzanian student might learn to cook Somali samosas from her roommate, while a South Sudanese classmate might teach a Rwandan peer how to braid hair — building lifelong bonds in the process.
- Cross-Border Student Clubs and Leadership
From entrepreneurship clubs to tech teams and creative societies, student-led organizations thrive on collaboration. Leadership roles rotate among students of different nationalities, encouraging equal participation and shared vision.
- Example: A digital media club might be led by a Ugandan student, with a Congolese videographer, an Ethiopian editor, and a Kenyan writer — a true reflection of regional synergy.
- Pan-African Values in the Curriculum
Delight doesn’t just welcome students from different countries; it teaches the value of continental integration. Courses often include modules on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional job markets, and intercultural business practices.
- Outcome: Students leave with not just technical skills, but a continental mindset — ready to work across borders or start businesses that serve multiple countries.
- Celebrating Diversity, Promoting Unity
From classroom discussions to group assignments, students are constantly encouraged to share their perspectives, traditions, and innovations. Diversity isn’t a challenge at Delight — it’s a strength.
- Impact: Many graduates report that their time at Delight helped them develop intercultural communication skills, deeper empathy, and a broader worldview — all essential in today’s global economy.
Conclusion
Delight Technical College offers more than just an education — it offers a Pan-African experience. In a time when regional cooperation and integration are key to Africa’s future, the cross-border student culture at Delight sets a shining example. Here, youth from different nations don’t just learn together — they live, create, and grow together.
