“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
— Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Dear Friends and Partners,
As we reflect on the first quarter of the year, we are filled with immense gratitude for the progress and growth we have experienced together. Our programs continue to make a significant impact on our students and community at large, and we are excited to share some key highlights from this quarter. From scholarship achievements to ministry activities, apprenticeship programs and Inspiring Hope Academy, Chakama updates. it has been a rewarding start to the year. Thank you for your continued support in helping us shape lives and build futures.
High School & College Scholarships: Empowering Future Leaders
This quarter, we have seen our high school and college scholarship programs continue to provide opportunities for students to grow and excel.
Akiba Primary and High School Scholarship students:
Our Akiba Primary and high school scholarship students have successfully closed school for their term one holiday break. We are incredibly proud of their progress and the hard work they have put into their studies. We look forward to their continued success as they head back to school next term.
College Scholarship Students:
This year, we are thrilled to announce that eight students have been selected for the prestigious Chichy Amina Scholarship, enabling them to join various colleges and universities across the country. The recipients of this scholarship include Melindah Kilaya, Stephen Ochieng, Aseka Taabu,Emmanuel Jabuya, Claris Muhonja, Jimmy Mgao, Sandra Kemunto, Maxwell Ogutu and Eliana Loving, who are currently pursuing their careers in their respective fields. We are excited to see them grow academically and professionally in the coming years.
Ministry Programs: Building Faith and Knowledge
New Beginnings Program
We are overjoyed to report that the New Beginnings program has officially kicked off with 21 active participants after the Orientation Day hosted at CHAK Guest House and Conference, Waruku on 8th March 2025. The program, which takes place every Thursday and Friday at St. Austin Parish, is designed to mentor and empower young people in their faith journey. We are excited to see how this program continues to shape their spiritual growth in the coming months.
Ufalme Parents Bible Study Program
Our Ufalme Parents Bible Study Program is progressing wonderfully. With 18 active participants, the group is currently engaged in an enriching study of The Ten Commandments. This ten-session course, which began in January, has been a source of deep reflection and growth for everyone involved. Special thanks to Marsella and Asherrey, who have been running this program twice each month on Saturdays. Their dedication and leadership have been invaluable in making this program a success.
Apprenticeship Programs: Nurturing Talent and Service
We are grateful to have launched several impactful apprenticeship programs for our students. These programs allow participants to use their talents to serve others while gaining valuable mentorship.
Chakama Apprenticeship Program
The Chakama Apprenticeship Program continues to thrive, offering recent high school graduates an opportunity to serve at Inspiring Hope Academy. Currently, Daniel Kahindi, Baraka Katana, and Julius Menza are involved in teaching, tutoring, sports activities, and environmental initiatives like cleaning and tree planting.
On March 15th, the apprentices participated in a Basic First Aid Training session led by Daniel Karanja, a Red Cross expert, alongside their mentor Tr. Ronald Owino and the teachers. This training equipped them with essential skills to support and care for pupils and others in their community.
(Images: Basic First Aid Training Session)
Nairobi Apprenticeship: Research Enthusiast Program
Our Nairobi Apprenticeship Program has launched the Research Enthusiast Program, which gives young people in the New Beginnings program an opportunity to collaborate in groups on faith, culture, and innovation. They are currently brainstorming ideas, conducting research, and preparing to pitch their projects for an award. This initiative is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and cultural understanding, all while empowering the students to walk in faith. We are excited to see where their ideas take them!
(Images: Nairobi Research Enthusiast apprentices working on their research projects in groups)
Inspiring Hope Academy: A Beacon of Growth and Development
By the grace of God, there have been significant developments at Inspiring Hope Academy this quarter. We are thrilled to share the following updates:
Consistent Feeding Program: The academy has successfully maintained a feeding program, ensuring that students receive nutritious meals on a regular basis. This initiative continues to support the overall well-being and performance of the students.
New Uniforms for Girls: As part of our ongoing commitment to the students’ development, we have provided new uniforms for the girls, ensuring they have the tools they need to feel proud and confident in their academic journey.
Provision of New Books: To further enhance the learning environment, new books have been provided to students across all classes. This allows them to access updated learning materials and continue growing in their education.
Consistent Mentorship: The three apprentices—Daniel Kahindi, Baraka Katana, and Julius Menza—continue to provide mentorship to the students, offering support in various subjects and extracurricular activities, creating a strong bond with the students, and helping them to grow both academically and socially.
Site Mapping for School Construction: In January, an architect conducted site mapping for the upcoming school construction, marking a significant step in the expansion of the academy. We are excited about the future possibilities this new facility will bring for both the students and the community.
Akiba School: Celebrating Founder’s Day
On March 14th, Akiba School hosted its annual Founder’s Day celebration. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Lucy Chaves, Gabriel Achayo, Prof. Koi , Sam Owen, and Phillip, who are board members and associates of the school and also some Alumni were present. The ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of the school’s growth, with stunning performances from the students that showcased their talent, creativity, and hard work. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and education through the legacy of Dr. Edith Wanjiku Gitao, Akiba School Founder.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone for your support—you are truly making a difference in the lives of many.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months! God Bless you.
With gratitude,
The Kenya Connection Team
