Reading and service
Social Capital Seminar
Nurturing future social innovators
Nurturing future social innovators
Service Learning Workshops
Our AKA Mombasa Service Learning workshop will take place from 3-5 May 2024.
About our Service Learning Workshop
At the core of education lies the transformative power of service learning, and this workshop is designed to empower leaders like you to drive impactful change within your educational community. Recognised by the International Baccalaureate Audit 2022 for our "Outstanding Service Learning Programme" and AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa) for “Best Whole School Service Learning Programme” we are eager to share insights, strategies, and experiences that have propelled our programme to new heights.
What to Expect:
Innovative Strategies: Gain a deep dive into avant-garde service learning strategies that deliver authentic impact.
Inspiring Discussions: Engage in insightful discussions with fellow leaders, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
Transformative Journey: Immerse yourself in a transformative journey of self-discovery and professional growth.
Practical Insights: Acquire practical insights that can be seamlessly integrated into your educational environment.
Gala Dinner:
We are hosting a gala dinner on the second day of the workshop to mark the momentous occasion. Our theme is ‘summer in the tropics,' highlighting Mombasa’s vibrant coastal charm. Consider joining us and growing your connections by the scenic waters of the Indian Ocean.
Workshop fees
Early Bird: USD 250: 12 February-17 March
Regular: USD 300: 18 March-8 April
Gala Dinner: USD 50
Workshop Details
For additional workshop details, including the schedule click here.
Registration form
To register click here
An invoice will be sent to you once we receive the payment confirmation. The fees must be paid in full before the deadline and a receipt will be issued.
For any queries, please contact servicelearning@agakhanacademies.org
Kelvin Njue (Class of 2015): Changing lives through education
“I believe that with education, people have the power to tackle and solve problems that affect their communities,” reflects Kelvin Njue, a graduate from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa. Upon graduating from the Academy in 2015, Kelvin was unsure if he would be able to pursue higher education, until he received an email about the Ontario Tuition Waiver Programme from his university counsellor at the Academy. Kelvin explains:
“My intention was to go to university straight after high school, but I needed to take a gap year so that I could find the means to attend university.” During his gap year after graduating, he found out about the waiver programme. “I applied as I knew acquiring a university education would change my life and would open up many other opportunities…Without the tuition waiver programme, I was going to struggle attending an institution of higher education…It gave me hope and is something that has allowed me to access quality education.”
During his gap year, Kelvin interned at Diamond Trust Bank in Nairobi, assisting clients with their day-to-day banking needs and providing customers with banking solutions. Kelvin is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto, aspiring to complete the Financial Economics (Specialist) programme with a minor in employment relations. Kelvin shares his love for economics: “I have always had an interest in economics and have wanted to study it since high school. I wanted to find a job during my gap year that would allow me to apply concepts in economics. I felt that working in the bank aligned with both my academic and career aspirations.” In his first year of university, Kelvin was enrolled in economics, mathematics and sociology courses, of which sociology has been his favourite: “I am really enjoying looking at social inequality and social institutions and how society functions. It ties into economics really well and how society works in different ways.”
When Kelvin is not studying, he spends his time playing intramural volleyball, playing drums with students from his dormitory and exploring Toronto. For Kelvin, one of the biggest adjustments he had to deal with in his move to Canada was the weather: “I have been away from my family for many years attending school, so that wasn’t as difficult for me. The hardest thing for me was getting adjusted to the weather in Canada.” Kelvin has embraced the cold winters in Canada, learning to ice skate this past winter. Kelvin is hoping to become more involved with extracurricular activities offered by University of Toronto next year: “For next year, I would like to join the Business Board on the University of Toronto governing council board. The opportunity allows members to manage different business activities that take place around the university and I am very interested in this. I also want to explore different sports next year and would like to join intramural teams.”
One of Kelvin’s passions that began to cultivate throughout his time at the Academy is ensuring that all people have access to a quality education: “Because I have had so much support from the Academy and different programs that helped to finance my own academics, I would also like to give this opportunity to other children to get the same quality of education that I have been able to acquire. I want to start up an organisation or programme that can offer financial support or scholarships for students so that they can also attend school and get an education.”
During his time at the Academy, Kelvin was able to visit a slum in Nairobi and worked with students from grades 1 to 6 for a six-week period, partnering with the Aga Khan Foundation to distribute reading materials, books, pencils and bags to students living in the community. Kelvin attributes his passion for wanting to make change in the world to his time at the Academy: “I think the Academy was able to give me self confidence and motivated me in believing that I am an agent of change in making the world a better place and that I should always take every opportunity to make a change, no matter how big or small it is."
By Karina Hussein
IB MYP – service
This film by the International Baccalaureate highlights the impact being made by students from the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad through a service initiative at a local government school.
AKA Mombasa student advocates for diversity through 'Project Pluralism' initiative
Job Opportunities
The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad is committed to hiring the best educators and staff from within the local community, nationally and internationally. We welcome your interest in working with us and invite you to explore the opportunities available.
About the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad
Set on a stunning 100-acre campus, south of the historic city of Hyderabad, the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad is part of a network of Academies, which will soon form an inter-connected global learning community of 18 schools in 14 countries. Based on the vision of His Highness the Aga Khan, the Academy recruits exceptional students from diverse backgrounds irrespective of their ability to pay. Our holistic educational philosophy, International Baccalaureate curriculum and commitment to pluralism enables students to become ethical leaders who are empowered to make positive contributions in an ever-changing world. To find out more about the Academy, click here.
Working at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad
Here at AKA Hyderabad, we are united in the belief that education can be a force for good in the world. We look for outstanding educators whose work is characterised by passion, the ability to inspire others and make a difference, and work that is committed to helping students find their grand passion in life.
We recognise that the knowledge, skills and experience of our staff are a vital part of achieving our commitment to excellence. The Academy is strongly committed to continuing education for our faculty, and we provide regular opportunities for professional development.
The Academy is also proud to offer an outstanding work environment with excellent facilities, and a unique and diverse school community.
Current job opportunities
- Primary Years Programme teacher
- Art teacher (Primary Years Programme/Middle Years Programme)
- EAL specialist
- Math teacher (Middle Years Programme/Diploma Programme)
- Humanities teacher (Middle Years Programme/Diploma Programme)
How to apply
- CV (two pages)
- Cover letter (one page)
- Two references and their contact information
- A 250-300 word personal statement on how the Academy's vision and values find expression in your own life and teaching.
For more information on each of the vacancies, visit the AKDN Career Centre. Listings are updated regularly, so be sure to check back often.
Naheed Hirji Keynote Speech at 2016 Peace Summit
Naheed Hirji, Growth and Partnerships Manager at Facebook, Africa was one of the Keynote speakers at the Peace Summit 2016. Naheed has in the past worked with Microsoft, Zynga and various social enterprises that are using technology to make a positive change in the world. He currently works on growing internet penetration in Eastern and Southern Africa using Facebook’s free basics (Internet.org).
Naheed stirred an interesting discussion around the theme of using Internet as a tool for peace. He started off with a conversation around the question “Is internet a human right?” Students responded with some interesting claims including the fact that humans have lived without the Internet before so why can’t they now? However, some brought up the issue of censorship and how governments monitor the public, compromising privacy. A discussion on whether or not internet is a tool for peace followed. Opinion was split in the room at first. The proposers argued how awareness and fundraising for important causes can be done using social media while the opposing side argued that the internet has given birth to cyber bullying.
This discussion finally led up to Naheed sharing how he came to a conclusion about this and why he took the job at Facebook. Naheed was a technology geek growing up but wanted to make a difference using technology. When he was offered the job at Facebook, he was uncertain about the impact he would be able to make, so he used IKIGAI. IKIGAI is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being". Everyone, according to the Japanese, has an IKIGAI. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self. IKIGAI evaluation consists of 4 questions: Are you doing something that you love? Are you doing work or deeds that the world needs or will be better for? What is it that you are really good at? And finally, is it possible to monetize this? His job was going to be to grow internet users in Africa, but how would this benefit people and the world? He thought to himself, the internet is a breeding ground for cyber bullying, spreads false information and hate speech and reduces individual privacy. He used the examples of ISIS and the conflict between Apple and the US government. However, the internet has the incredible power to connect people around the world, enable friends and families to communicate, improve job creation, education and health care levels, gives us information on our fingertips and gives everyone a voice and the power to share their opinion. If he were to help launch free basics, it would make the internet accessible to more people by providing them access to a range of free basic services like news, maternal health, travel, local jobs, sports, communication, and local government information, assisting them to improve their lives. He was going to be able to use technology to make a difference in the lives of billions of people. When he took the job at Facebook, he was sure he had found his IKIGAI.
He believes the internet and technology can be used as a tool for peace. All that is required is a change of attitude, being informed and critical thinking. “We must strive to become responsible citizens of the internet, break cultural, societal and political barriers and engage in respectful dialogue.” he said. He ended by sharing the idea behind peace.facebook.com, which demonstrates friendship and understanding in the most unexpected places and which is what we must aim to achieve using the internet.
By Inaara Gangji, DP1 (The Reporters)
