Meet Harun Laval - Our new Bursar!
Meet Victor Emmanuel Okello - Our new Electrician!
Dr Maina WaGíokò attends first International Conference in ODeL
Junior School organises camping event for year 3 students!
Meet Fredrick Wagah - our new ITGS teacher!
First residential dinner of the decade!
Mwanapwani Said: Inspired to make a difference
Year 10 student Mwanapwani Said, who comes from Msambweni in Kwale County, joined the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa in 2017 on a full scholarship through the Talent Identification Programme (TID). This programme is developed in line with the Academy’s vision to provide exceptional students with an international-standard education and leadership opportunities, regardless of their ability to pay.
When she first received the news that she had been accepted to the Academy, Mwanapwani was elated and thankful. She was excited about studying under the Academy’s unique and holistic curriculum because she knew it was going to be a life-changing opportunity that would open many doors for her.
“I felt so grateful about receiving a full scholarship because it greatly reduced my financial burden. I became more driven than ever to create a fully rewarding experience for myself,” Mwanapwani said.
Having been at the Academy for nearly four years now, Mwanapwani has availed herself of every opportunity to strive for the better. Her growth has been reflected in academics as well as sports, where she has picked up a passion for football. In addition, being selected to participate in the Exchange Programme with AKA Hyderabad exposed her to a new culture, one that enabled her to gain an understanding of her identity and values whilst appreciating the varying perspectives of others.
Commenting on how the Academy has shaped her outlook on life, Mwanapwani stated: “The Academy has changed me for the better as I now know more about myself. Learning to have a pluralistic approach has taught me to be respectful of the opinions and values of others. I have also learnt to work well with others because I believe great things can be achieved when we work together and I feel like this is an important aspect that will help me in the future.”
"Mwanapwani is a very cheerful and conscious student. She is upbeat about life and hardly sees challenges as hurdles, but rather as trophies on her way up. Having been selected from TID, she has proved her mettle over the years in her Middle Years Programme. She is all-rounded, self-driven and radiates an aura of confidence around her peers. I consider myself fortunate to be around this positive personality," said Head of Residential Life Benson Wafula about Mwanapwani.
An aspiring health professional, Mwanapwani’s vision is crystal clear. She is duty-bound to make a difference.
“I feel like I have been prepared for the real world, to be mindful of others and to give back. I want to work hand in hand with members of my community to make a change in society.”
Aman Punjani – alumnus turned state cycling champion
Aman’s riding career began when he bought a road bike to start competing in triathlons as part of his IB MYP Personal Project, which was to write a book for triathletes. His first competitive race was in January 2014, when he was in grade 10, and later that
year he won the overall championship in the inaugural edition of the Hyderabad Racing League. At the national competitions in the same year, he placed 7th in the road race which fueled his desire to continue riding, racing and perfecting his performance.
In 2015, Aman spent a month training in Belgium as part of the Indian Pro Cycling Project’s ‘Class of 2015.’ One year later at the nationals, he placed 5th in the U-23 category. “This is just the beginning of something big,” says Aman. “My goals for the year ahead are to make it to a U-23 development team in the US, and to represent India at the Asian and world championships.”
Aman again headed to Europe (Belgium and Switzerland) for a month in July 2017 where he trained and raced with bikers from all over the world. He is presently studying Psychology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, and wants to better understand these conditions and assist those with similar issues. Biking has been, for him, therapy in itself.
When asked which part of the Academy education most impacted him, he says, “The service component. It’s something I carry forward, even though I’m not in school, even though it’s not required. I tend to look out for people who aren’t as lucky or fortunate or talented as I am because I’ve had the right support. I look forward to putting more people in that position.”
The Academy is incredibly proud to have as its alumnus such a dedicated and gifted athlete who leads in his field at the age of 20. We wish him all the best as he sets his sights on the international cycling circuit!
Ali Nilgiriwala - racing champion and journalist in the making
At the FIRST Lego League robotics challenge held in Bangalore in February 2017, the Aga Khan Academy’s team Queso won the Best Project award. Ali, the assistant coach for team Queso, was moved by his team’s hard work and determination. Ali was also the assistant coach for team Maverick as well, and both his teams scored very well. “We were happy that we got a mentor like Ali,” says Alyque Farishta, captain of team Queso. “He is fun, intelligent and also extremely supportive.”
Ali wants to go on to race professionally, but his ambitions don’t end at the chequered flag. His greater ambition is to own a GT3 racing team. “Team management or ownership is the path to stay involved in the industry long term,” he says.
