The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa Graduates Its Class of 2015

Graduation – it’s one of the highlights of the Academy’s year, and this time was no exception as we bid farewell to the Class of 2015.

This year, we celebrate our biggest cohort yet – 71 graduates! This impressive detail was highlighted by both Mr. Salim Bhatia and Mr. Simon Otieno in their respective speeches, who also reminded them that the diversity of their group is something they can use to dispel the conflicts bred by difference as they work towards becoming the pluralistic leaders of tomorrow, especially in a world that becomes even more connected through technology as it simultaneously expands and becomes more accessible. It is not only the quantity of this group that is remarkable, but the potential of each one of them as they leave the Academy is truly a testament to the exceptional learning they have each benefited from.

The university admissions for this year are astounding, with students attending institutions all over Europe, USA, Canada, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. They have also won a staggering $3.9 million in scholarships! The courses they have chosen to pursue are as unique as the individuals in this class. We have graduates moving on to study subjects from English Literature to Civil Engineering, Biotechnology to Business Management, and everything in between.

The ceremony itself reflected the uniqueness of this class, from their processional set to ‘The Bare Necessities’ from The Jungle Book  soundtrack and a classical instrumental arrangement of ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles, to the special poignant and personal message given by their class speaker, Joshua Ekirikubinza.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Kweku Bentil, the Vice Provost at the Aga Khan University, was also struck by the diversity of this class, and took the time to get to know them a day before the ceremony. He, too, was in awe of the large number of different courses chosen by the students, as well as how far out of their comfort zones they were venturing.

Congratulations to the Class of 2015! Some of you have been with the Academy from the beginning of your education, and some of you have joined us more recently. Whatever the case, we are immensely proud of each of you, and we look forward to seeing you grow as individuals, as well as alumni of this network you will always be a part of.

To read speeches from the ceremony, follow the links below:

- Salim Bhatia's Welcome Address

- Joshua Ekirikubinza's Speech

- Naheed Bardai's Closing Remarks