AKA Mombasa teacher awarded scholarship to complete a Master’s of Education

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is congratulating one of their teachers on receiving a scholarship to study a Master’s of Education (M.Ed).  

Oliver Baya WanjeOliver Baya Wanje, a teacher from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, has been awarded a scholarship by the International Baccalaureate to complete an M.Ed with the University of the People.  

Over 100 people applied for the programme which involved a rigorous selection process. Applicants initially had to submit a CV and a personal statement. Once shortlisted, candidates then had to write an essay and submit a video. The selection criteria included assessing the impact the applicants have had in their local communities, what the candidates feel can make a difference to education in their home country, what values make a good teacher and why they believe to be deserving of a scholarship.  

Oliver was one of the 20 successful candidates. He is a teacher in the Humanities Department at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa. Continuing his professional development has always been important to Oliver; he is a graduate of the Teacher Preparation Programme (TPP) which is the principal means by which the Academies identify and develop talented teachers. Whilst the M.Ed can be completed full time, many candidates, including Oliver, choose to study whilst continuing their professional role. Oliver is very excited to begin, and says “I have no doubt that this is one of the finest programmes a teacher can attend. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this programme because not only will it positively impact my future professionally but also the future of many students I interact with.” 

University of the People is a tuition-free, American accredited online university. The scholarship will cover all payments for assessments, meaning the course will be entirely free from payment. The university partners with various academic institutions NYU, the University of Edinburgh, and UC Berkeley. 

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is part of a global network of schools being established in 14 countries across Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East. The Academies are part of AKDN (Aga Khan Development Network), the world’s largest private development organization. Contributing more than 6.5 billion USD to projects in 30+ countries to address the big global problems of poverty, health, education and heritage challenge, the Academies aspire to offer excellence in education to exceptional students displaying leadership potential, irrespective of their socio-economic background or ability to pay.