Visiting Akiba is like stumbling upon an oasis in the middle of a desert. Situated in the Kangemi settlement, its large purple gates open up to “pools” of learning throughout the campus – a sweet gaggle of girls practicing a recitation over by the swings, a group of middle schoolers pouring over a Swahili textbook, a dance/exercise ensemble practicing with music on an upper floor, and little lavender-clothed youngsters waving their arms enthusiastically because they have the answer.
Growing Character and Knowledge
Although the paint is chipped on the walls, and the courtyard blows an orange dust on everything, the students at this remarkable school transcend their circumstances, overlook the condition of books or basketball hoops, and concentrate, instead, on building character, on improving knowledge, and on developing a community within the rough-and-tumble structure. Of course, what really makes Akiba a sanctuary are the teachers: their commitment, resilience, compassion, and hard work — despite limited resources — are testaments to their trust in God’s provision, and their belief that to break the chains of poverty, education is vital. Through their sacrificial example, they inspire their students to have a bigger vision of themselves and the world they live in.
Alumni Who Inspire
That bigger vision is similarly translated tangibly by a group of Akiba alumni who meet regularly on Saturdays to not only pray for each other, but also to give of themselves to others. On the Saturday that we visited, these former students met at the Children’s Rescue Center, a government-run home for abandoned children. The Akiba alums brought food and diapers, and then played with the children in an open field, guiding them in all sorts of games – ranging from a Kenyan version of “Duck, Duck Goose” to an activity similar to “Simon Says.” They, too, inspired us in the way they gave of their time and meager resources to bless little ones. With their love and enthusiasm, they truly modeled the heart of Jesus.
Jennifer Cromartie teaches at Rivendell School in Arlington, Virginia, USA.
Click here to learn more about how you can get involved at Akiba.