On August 29th, forty students from Akiba School spent an afternoon with Kenya’s First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta.
The Pupil’s Reward Scheme (PURES) was formed by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta to “motivate pupils to work hard in their studies and instill in them a sense of discipline, direction and patriotism.”
Edith Gitao speaks to Akiba students at State House.
The PURES program aims to encourage and motivate hard working students. President Kenyatta has noted that in “recent years as a country we have lost that spirit of service. We have embraced negative values that in so many ways have resulted in our children losing hope.”
Mentorship is a major component of education at Akiba School, where 80 students are on full educational sponsorship. The school was established in a low-income community in Kangemi and many of the students come from challenging social and economic backgrounds.
The First Lady presents students with a gift.
Founder, Edith Gitao started the school to offer “hope and opportunity” to needy students.
Akiba students marveled at the opportunity to visit the President’s official home and to interact with the First Lady and other speakers.
The First Lady spoke with the students about learning to serve their communities. Akiba Board Member, Philip Gitao, also shared with the students about commitment and living to their full potential.
For the Akiba students it was the highlight of the year. One student commented that they would be back again, not as students but as future cabinet members and public servants in the government.
Photos courtesy of The Office of the First Lady.