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Hussein Jiva (Class of 2009): A citizen of the world

Hussein Jiva graduated from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa in 2009 after what he feels was a transformative journey.

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If he is adamant about one thing, it is the notion that having an open mind allows for an individual’s personal and professional growth. The willingness to consider new ideas and listen to people whose thoughts may be different from one’s own allows one to embrace new possibilities to solve societal problems.

Originally a resident of Mombasa, Hussein says it was his time at the Academy that forced him to examine his old thinking and rewrite a new chapter in his life.

“I remain a proud alumnus of the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa,” he states unwaveringly. “Given that the institution has had a huge impact in shaping my formative years.” Convinced that the Academy’s International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum played a key role in his growth and personal development, he postulates it is the rigor of the curriculum that made him the person he is today.

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“The IB curriculum education provided me with a well-rounded experience, anchored by values such as diversity, ethics, pluralism, leadership and open mindedness. On a social and cultural front, the pluralistic approach to education embraced by the Academy provided a strong foundation for me to build upon. It helped me in my journey to greater cultural understanding and tolerance, as I grew to appreciate differences in people from various backgrounds.”

Hussein has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies, with a focus on Digital Media at the United States International University–Africa in Nairobi.

Ruminating about his years at the Academy, Hussein recently spoke about how the Academy places enormous importance on its public service curriculum requisite. He feels this requirement gives students a higher purpose in life a belief that they can make a difference in the communities in which the live. Hussein’s cosmopolitan citizen-of-the-world way of thinking was borne out of this requisite.

“I recall participating in creativity, activity, service projects, one of the prerequisites to graduate from the Academy. On the surface, the concept is but a mere requirement. However, the esoteric essence of the practice provides for the development of a well-rounded individual who would ultimately contribute to the betterment of society beyond the academic sphere.”

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As a journalist, Hussein has covered various local and international events including the Cannes International Film Festival from 2013 to 2016, the International Indian Film Academy Awards in 2017 and 2018 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 and ICC World T20 2016. He has also reported on momentous occasions such as Pope Francis’s visit to Kenya in 2015 and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit also to Kenya in 2016.

In addition, for almost eight years, Hussein worked at The Asian Weekly, a publication based in Nairobi with an East African circulation. He contributed to the Weekly as a Writer, Photographer and Sub-Editor. He later led the Sports Desk, and covering sports remains his passion.

“Sports commentary has been my area of interest, with football dominating my preferences. As such, I have written on both local and international sports, for media outlets beyond Kenya. My work has been published on portals in Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom. I have also been on a local television football show as a guest commentator.”

Asked what he would like to see happen in societies to make them more stable and better functioning, Hussien stated,

“Let us become instruments of change and alter the realities we face; let not challenges be viewed as obstacles to success but stepping stones toward it. After all, when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will ultimately change.”

Milka Gatungoh: The dedicated school nurse

When Milka Gatungoh joined the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa in 2010 as the residential school nurse, she knew her experience was going to be exciting and fulfilling. Her main role has been to address the physical, mental, emotional and social health needs of all school members, especially of students, to ensure their success in the learning process.

In the 10 years she’s been with the Academy, Milka’s favourite parts about the school is the pluralistic community, its culture of giving back to others in society, as well as the positive work environment that enables one to grow professionally.

“The cultural diversity and involvement in community service, which provides us with the opportunity to help others in a very special way, are my favourite things about the Academy,” Milka said. “There is also a lot of potential for one to nurture their career if they know what they want to achieve in life.”

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As a little girl, Milka never liked to see anyone in any kind of pain so she always made sure to reach out to help. As the residential school nurse, she continues to be compassionate and empathetic when caring for students because she feels it makes a huge difference to understand what they’re going through in order to offer the necessary support.

“I always have to engage with students emotionally because sometimes their physical pains are caused by emotional distress, also known as psychosomatic illnesses," Milka stated. "Offering emotional support is sometimes the only remedy they need and not necessarily painkillers."

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Milka said her role changed drastically, which has been rather challenging, but has gotten better with time. Being on the frontline, she has had to work extra hard to educate people on the virus, demystify the myths, fight any stigma and ensure all necessary protocols are followed for the safety of all school members.

“I have had to emphasise on the importance of people observing the World Health Organization safety measures regarding the virus, which was a little difficult initially as the reality of COVID-19 had not hit most of the students and staff,” Milka said. “As a caregiver on active duty, I also faced a little stigma because people thought of me as a risk factor for contracting the virus. Additionally, I’ve had some people express concern about visiting the health and wellness centre at the Academy for fear of being subjected to a COVID-19 test, especially when they have cold symptoms. Despite all these challenges, I’m glad I have been able to offer support and care.”

To further help spread positivity during the pandemic, Milka has been providing psychosocial support for students through virtual seminars by encouraging them to develop a caring attitude and helping them cope with any fear or anxiety they may have.

For Milka, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the students she nurtures live healthy lives and succeed in their school life. As she continues to do what she loves the most, which is being of service to others, Milka said the fulfillment of her purpose in life is guided by a set of first aid goals, which are, to preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery.

“Whenever I’m attending to anyone, I am keen to ensure that I stick to these goals, which have become my motto in life,” Milka said.

University fairs: 3rd & 5th September 2018

2:30-3:30pm on Monday: 9 US universities & PolyU from Hong Kong. 2:30-3:30pm on Wednesday: 16 US, one Canadian and one Spanish university. Click here to see the 2018-19 careers calendar.

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