Spotlights

Although it has been a few years since he graduated from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, Alqaim Lalani, Class of 2019, says his years at the Academy had a major bearing on his academic career and strongly influenced his outlook on life. Now, as a graduate of Columbia University in New York, Alqaim is giving back to the Aga Khan Academies community that he says shaped his life and gave him so much.

Muskaan Bhaidani is an alumna of the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa who was in the Class of 2020. Graduating with an impressive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) score of 44 out of 45, Muskaan is now attending McGill University in Montreal, Canada.  

Since he was 4-years-old, Ayaan Allarakhia has had a passion for music that has shaped his whole life. Over the years, the Grade 9 student at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa has developed and strengthened his musical and performance skills. Now, after writing and releasing his own song and music video, Ayaan is on a mission to spread his love for music to all.

Naail Lakhani, a Year 5 student in Junior School, has demonstrated incredible maturity, leadership, and initiative since joining the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa in 2018. His proudest achievement is founding the Junior School Coding Club, an after-school extracurricular activity to teach coding to young minds.

Residential school nurse Milka Gatungoh has supported the physical, emotional and mental well-being of the Academy community since 2010. Known for her compassion, she played a vital frontline role during COVID-19, providing care, education and psychosocial support to students and staff.

Qamili Dave, Class of 2017, discovered her passion for culinary arts through an Academy internship at Serena Beach Hotel. The experience shaped her career path, building confidence, professional skills and a strong foundation in hospitality.

Mwanapwani Said from Msambweni, Kwale County, joined AKA Mombasa in 2017 on a full scholarship through the Talent Identification Programme. Embracing every opportunity, she excelled academically and in sports, particularly football.

Titus Mutemi joined AKA Mombasa in 2015 as part of the Teacher Preparation Programme. This became a turning point for his career as he has since further developed his extensive knowledge and skills.

Lilian Odera has a passion for actively being involved in community-based initiatives to influence change and creatively find solutions to issues in whatever way she can.

Raphael Mwachiti, a DP student at AKA Mombasa, joined in 2015 on a full scholarship through the Talent Identification Programme. Inspired to give back, he created a device to assist the visually impaired, winning the Ryerson Sandbox Basecamp prize and a CAD $5,000 grant.

During her time at AKA Mombasa, Samantha Caras has transformed the University Counselling department by providing numerous resources to students and helping them apply to different universities around the world.  

Aleesha Suleman, a graduate student at UCL-Qatar, has never lost sight of what has always been important to her: giving back to her home country of Kenya. 

Growing up on Funzi Island, Diploma Programme student Cinzia Torriani has seen the effects of climate change on marine life and local livelihoods. Through projects in sustainable farming, public speaking and community service, she advocates for environmental action that supports both ecosystems and communities.

Raghuveer Vyas, Class of 2016, pursued global liberal studies at NYU and developed a strong focus on climate policy and international relations. Through research, advocacy and leadership roles, he continues to work on global challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

Year 9 student at AKA Mombasa Alyssa Jamal has played golf for almost her whole life – a sport that has taught her the importance of determination and focus. 

Fiona Makena Kinyua graduated from the Teacher Preparation Programme at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa in June 2019 and is taking classrooms by storm, one student at a time. 

Hussein Jiva graduated from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa after what he feels was a transformative journey.

Mahek Shah, a Diploma Programme student at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, is driven to change the fact that the aviation industry is male dominated through her initiative called "Wings for Women." This young aviator chooses to be a pilot and not a passenger. 

With a determination to change her country into a land of opportunity for all, Anzhela Mirzoeva, a recent graduate from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, will further her education at the Connecticut College in the United States by studying International Relations and Human Development. 

By using mentorship and seeing the potential in all of her students, Harriet Chadwick, a humanities teacher, helped her students understand and appreciate the humanities, while also encouraging them to become leaders.

Being a global citizen, leader and environmental enthusiast is no easy task. Prabhdeep Lochab’s story is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment that goes into innovating “green” solutions for a sustainable future.

Nuala Alibhai, Learning Student Support Coordinator, leads inclusive education across the Junior and Senior School. With a background in speech and language therapy and curriculum design, she supports differentiated learning, pluralism and whole-child development across the Academy.

Faliha Mukhi, Class of 2017, is studying Global Business and Digital Art at the University of Waterloo. Her parents credit the Academy for helping her discover leadership and creativity through environmental initiatives, IT projects and internships.