His Highness the Aga Khan visits the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa

Faculty and staff were pleased to welcome His Highness the Aga Khan accompanied by Princess Zahra and a distinguished group of guests to the Academy and show the progress made on the residential campus. The Residential Programme of the Academy officially opened its door in April 2009 when the first boarding students and dorm parents moved in. The residential experience is about learning and growth stimulated by the constant interaction among faculty and student peers of great talent, character, and leadership and is expected to greatly extend and enrich the overall educational experience. The focus of the residential programme is on students’ intellectual, social, spiritual and physical growth in a structured and ethical environment.

Welcomed by Salim Bhatia (Director of Academies), Moez Jamal (AKES Chair), Peter McMurray (Head of the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa) and Nizar Shariff (PCM), the guests were shown around the new facilities. Naheed Bardai (Dean of Students) presented the student residences. The student residences have been designed to accommodate students and Dorm Parents - teachers who have been selected and trained to live in the faculty apartments in the student residences. "The dorms are beyond what we initially visualized based on the architectural renderings,” said Serem Kipkemoi, a Dorm Parent. “It’s breathtaking, it’s meticulous, it’s real; it’s an honour to be involved in the residential component of the Academy.” The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and large windows. Other facilities include a student lounge with a breathtaking view out to sea. Other amenities include a large-screen television in the lounge and a laundry facility.

The group moved on to see the work underway to finalise the commons building which will house the dining hall and an array of spaces for school activities. It will be the hub of student activity, serving as the Academy’s main space for major school functions, including music and drama performances and public lectures.

The visit concluded by a visit to the Guest House and the Head of School’s Residence, both situated on campus. At this stage, His Highness then met with Dorm Parents to discuss their experiences, understand their relationship with the students and the interaction with their own families. He was particularly interested in ensuring the quality of life of both the students and the faculty. He requested their initial thoughts on how this experience could serve the network of Academies. 

 Photo credits: Ejaz Karmali.