Garissa, Tana river scholars urged to turn potential into purpose

More than 900 Grade 10 and Form 4 scholars from Garissa and Tana River counties have been challenged to take greater responsibility for their education.

They were urged to transform their abilities into meaningful goals that can shape their future and benefit their communities.

The call came during the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Annual Achievers Summit at Garissa High School.

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JKF Garissa county coordinator Nelson Oloo said the foundation’s responsibility went beyond providing scholarships, noting that learners also needed guidance and mentorship to help them make the most of the opportunities placed before them.

“A scholarship provides an opportunity, but what a young person makes of that opportunity is their responsibility. We want our scholars to leave this summit with greater confidence, clearer goals and a stronger determination to excel,” he said.

Oloo urged the scholars to actively engage with mentors and facilitators and apply the lessons gained from the summit in their schools, homes and communities.

He said academic success should not be viewed in isolation, arguing that discipline, integrity, resilience, leadership and a strong sense of responsibility were equally important in preparing young people for life after school.

“Every one of you has potential. But potential alone is not enough. Potential must be developed, disciplined and directed towards a purpose,” Oloo said.

He challenged the learners to establish realistic academic and personal targets and remain committed to achieving them despite the challenges they may encounter along the way.

Oloo further encouraged the scholars to build constructive relationships with their peers and mentors, saying the summit offered them an opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from one another and gain new perspectives about their future.

“Do not leave your inspiration here in Garissa High School. Take it back to your classrooms, your homes and your communities,” he said.

“The challenge now is for the scholars to convert that potential into purpose and ultimately into tangible impact in their schools, families and communities,” he said.

Ibrahim Farah, representing the county education office as the county quality assurance and standards officer, urged the scholars to approach their education with seriousness and make responsible use of the opportunities available to them.

Farah emphasised that good academic results must be accompanied by proper conduct, character development and a commitment to responsible citizenship.

Participants took part in mentorship sessions designed to prepare them for challenges within and beyond the classroom.

The summit brought together scholars, teachers, education officials, mentors, facilitators and other stakeholders under the theme, 'From Potential to Purpose; Inspiring Excellence, Leadership and Impact'.

The programme focused on a wide range of issues, including academic excellence, career choices, leadership, character development, resilience, goal setting and personal responsibility.

The Achievers Summit is part of JKF’s wider mentorship initiative, which seeks to complement the foundation’s scholarship support by addressing the broader academic, personal and leadership needs of its beneficiaries.

Through such programmes, scholars are exposed to guidance intended to help them navigate academic pressures, make informed career choices, develop leadership qualities and prepare for their responsibilities as future professionals and community leaders.

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Halima Farah, a Grade 10 student at Yussuf Haji Girls' in Ijara subcounty, said the summit provided an opportunity to reflect on their individual potential while being reminded that access to educational support is only the beginning of their journey.

Abdiqafar Mohamed, a Grade 10 student at Garissa High School, lauded the programme, noting that it had had a positive impact on his life.

“I must say that I am leaving this Summit with greater confidence, clearer goals and a stronger determination to excel. Going forward, my grades will definitely improve because I have just found some extra motivation to excel,” Mohamed said.