The Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya Visits AKA Mombasa

Her Excellency Sara Hradecky listens to a presentation about the work of the PDC On Friday 04 November, Her Excellency Sara Hradecky, the Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya and the Head of Cooperation, Luke Myers, visited the Academy to get a better understanding of the school. They engaged in discussions with the school’s leadership as well as the Area Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation, Atrash Ali, about areas such the school’s curriculum, professional development and outreach activities.

Her Excellency said that she was inspired by the IB Programme and the school’s values in striving to create ethical leaders while also playing a fundamental role in providing access to quality education.

Senior Academy students share their experiences at the schoolThe visit also involved talking to some senior students about their plans for the future and about the impact of the IB programme and the Aga Khan strands. Ivy Akinyi (DP 2) said that the meeting was very productive and rich because they got to share their experiences of how the school has influenced their university and career choices with Her Excellency while also giving an insight into their personal backgrounds.

Dr. Maina WaGioko, Head of the Professional Development Centre (PDC) and Outreach, gave a presentation with his team, updating the High Commissioner on the “Strengthening Education System in East Africa” programme, which is funded by Global Action Canada through Aga Khan Foundation Canada. The team also displayed their other projects like the “Educating Girls in Science Project” sponsored by INTEL through Aga Khan Foundation US which was presented by some of the young students benefitting from this project. 

The "Educating Girls in Science" project leaders and beneficiaries talk to the High Commissioner Her Excellency summed up her visit with comment in the Guest Book, saying “What a pleasure it is to feel the passion and energy for learning at the Aga Khan Academy. Thanks for sharing your experiences and for being such a valuable partner in education in Kenya”.

Thank you for your visit and for fully engaging with the AKA Mombasa family! 

By Aleesha Suleman

Photo Credit: Dr. Gioko and Tabitha Shikuku