Spotlights

AKA Mombasa alumnus Ziyaan Virji received the prestigious International Leader of Tomorrow Award from the University of British Columbia.

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.

The Academy held its annual inter-house sports event in February 2020 for Junior School and Senior School. Students competed in track, field and swimming events, with Hawks finishing first overall after closely contested competitions across all Houses.

Senior School students participated in the inter-school athletics championships in March 2020, competing in track and field events across multiple age categories. The girls placed first in several categories, with the Academy finishing second overall

The Academy’s girls’ and boys’ basketball teams defended their titles at the Mombasa County basketball games in March 2020. Both teams recorded decisive wins throughout the tournament, including strong victories in the finals at Shimo La Tewa

Through Service Learning, students apply classroom knowledge to real community needs. During service learning demonstration days, they present their projects, reflect on their learning journeys and share how the experience has helped them develop skills beyond the classroom.

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.

Affordable and Accessible Sanitation for Women, founded by alumnus Ziyaan Virji, partnered with organisations to launch the first International Period Month. The initiative includes virtual events, the #PassThePad campaign and the distribution of menstrual care packages across multiple countries.

AKA Mombasa alumnus Bilal Adamjee received the Pomona College International Scholarship.

AKA Mombasa alumnus Ziyaan Virji received the prestigious International Leader of Tomorrow Award from the University of British Columbia.

As Global Manager of University Counselling for the Aga Khan Schools, Theresa Urist helps students access world-class universities and realise their potential as ethical leaders.

Following in the footsteps of previous cohorts, the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa’s Class of 2020 received record-breaking results in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) this year. In addition to the Academy once again scoring highly, the percentage of top scorers was also above the global average– with nine students scoring an outstanding 40 points and above. Of these, two students Muskaan Bhaidani and Alisha Doshi scored an impressive 44 points out of a possible 45.

AKA Mombasa Visual Arts teacher Donna Scott recently asked Year 6 students to express their feelings about the COVID-19 pandemic using art. Students were required to use the six elements of art – lines, value, space, shape, texture and colour – as their expressive tools.

In honour of recognising May as the first ever International Period Month, students at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad partnered with numerous organisations worldwide to help make sustainable menstrual hygiene a reality for everyone.

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.

Titus Mutemi joined the Academy through the Teacher Preparation Programme in 2015 and has since strengthened mathematics teaching by aligning learning across grade levels. Now PYP Coordinator, he continues to support teachers and students to achieve strong learning outcomes.

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.

Faculty and staff came together for a team-building day to mark the start of the academic year. Through collaborative activities, the event strengthened communication, morale and a shared sense of purpose, reinforcing the Academy’s culture of teamwork.

In June 2020, the Teacher Preparation Programme marked its largest and first-ever online graduation. Bringing together Kenyan and Mozambican educators, the cohort exemplified pluralism, collaboration and the programme’s commitment to Nuala Alibhai: Enriching educational and social programmes at the Academy

Since 2010, the Academy has partnered with Concordia University to pilot ABRACADABRA, a digital literacy programme supporting early English learning. The initiative has improved literacy outcomes, strengthened teacher practice and expanded to schools across Kenya.

Governor Hassan Ali Joho and NBA agent J.R. Hensley visited the Academy to recognise its basketball teams’ achievements in national competitions and Giants of Africa camps. Students shared how basketball builds leadership, life skills and community impact.

 In November 2022, the Parents’ Association raised funds at Zawadi Bazaar to support new Talent Identification Programme students. Through raffles and sponsorships, they contributed towards laptops for scholars, with the Academy covering the remaining cost and future support planned.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Titus Mutemi joined the Academy through the Teacher Preparation Programme in 2015 and has since strengthened mathematics teaching by aligning learning across grade levels. Now PYP Coordinator, he continues to support teachers and students to achieve strong learning outcomes.

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.

During the winter break, Naail Lakhani gained firsthand exposure to professional environments through internships at organisations, demonstrating learner agency and real-world application of skills.

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.

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.