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Wednesday 23 May 2012

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Impressive Results

Dr Mary Okelo, Director Makini Schools

 

The essence of Makini Schools is excellence in both academic and co-curricular areas. Makini’s guiding philosophy is to provide holistic education based on Christian values in a supportive and pleasant environment.

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Makini Schools Kenya

Always A Pioneer And Innovator

Makini excels in academic performance, leading with impressive results in national examinations and outstanding performances in sports and other co-curricular activities. This is not by default but by design. The Makini Schools’ motto – Fanya kwa Makini – is Kiswahili for Work with Diligence. Every school programme and project is deliberate, planned and purposeful.

 

Makini has an excellent Board of Directors comprising highly esteemed and professional men and women of integrity as well as a very supportive Parents’/Teachers’ Association (PTA). Both the Board and the PTA are very involved in policy formation and the guidance of the School.

 

The teaching staff is well-qualified and highly motivated. Teachers are friendly, caring and enjoy their work. Teaching is pupil-centred. Lessons are focussed and inter-active with a view to fostering a love for learning. Progress is carefully monitored at all levels and teachers work closely with parents.

 

Makini is all about pioneering and innovation. It was Makini that first introduced computers as an educational tool at primary school level in Kenya. The success of Makini is such that many schools, not only in Kenya but also in other countries, turn to it for best practices, a service offered free of charge.

Holistic education based on Christian values

 

 

 

It is a tribute to Makini’s strong mentoring programme that many of its former staff have gone on to establish their own successful schools.

 

The pursuit of excellence at Makini starts at pre-school, where the classroom is reflective of the ethos of learning through play and practical activity. The primary school is an exciting, busy and friendly place for both pupils and staff and ensures that children learn through experience as well as having fun.

 

Makini believes in building high self-esteem in children and confidence in their abilities and strengths. It also encourages them to build friendly and considerate relationships with one another and with teaching and non-teaching staff.

 

Academic Performance

Currently, Makini Schools comprise preschool; a primary school, a secondary section and a commercial college. But 30 years ago, it began as a nursery school with just 8 pupils under the leadership of the late Dr. Pius Okelo and Dr. Mary Okelo, the founding Directors. Dr Okelo is now a deservedly celebrated and much decorated icon locally and globally. In 2008, she was appointed Millennium Development Ambassador.

 

Makini is recognized for its consistent excellent performance in national examinations and cocurricular activities, making it a household name in Kenya and East Africa. From 1985 – the year that Makini enrolled its first candidates for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) Examinations – results have been impressive.

 

 

It was the start of a history of solid achievements of which the Makini community is proud. Makini consistently heads the examination lists and has produced top pupils in the country in KCPE. It made history by becoming the first – and so far only – school in Kenya to produce the top girl in the country three times in a row. In 2000, Makini was not only No. 1 in the country but also made history when it won all the trophies in the Private Schools category at the Provincial Trophy Awards Ceremony. Since then, it has been top in the country 5 times and never been lower than 3rd.

 

Makini has not only shone academically but has performed equally well in co-curricular activities. Pupils have represented Kenya on the national and international scene in sports such as Rugby, Swimming, Soccer, Motor Cross, Tae-kwondo and Chess.

 

Students regularly win in the annual Music Festival and Nairobi International Show as well as competitions in Art, Science Congresses and Maths Symposia.

Co-curricular activities

The secondary section also does well in both academic and co-curricular activities. It has won the award for best mixed private school in Nairobi three years in a row. It was also chosen to launch The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) programme – the 2nd in Africa. Now students from 18 public secondary schools have joined the programme - a fine example of private/public partnership.

 

The College provides professional qualifications offered by ACCA, CIM and CIPR. It has also established itself as a trail-blazer and is the first institution in East Africa to offer the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) programme.

 

Makini has won the African Enterprise Award and was the only educational institution among the top 100 mid-sized companies in Kenya in 2009. Makini was selected as a case study of success at Columbia University, USA, for their MBA programme. It is the only school in Kenya to participate in the Global Fund Project and facilitated many successful seminars on HIV/ Aids awareness and prevention.

Alumni Association & Social Responsibility

 

Educational outings form an integral part of school life. There are visits to parks and museums, complemented by talks by artists, authors and motivational speakers. There are annual trips to countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

 

The atmosphere at Makini is a happy purposeful one. Pupils are cheerful, polite, articulate and self-confident. They believe that, once in Makini, they will succeed and achieve their goals. Consequently, the School produces high achievers in all fields.

Makini counts among its alumni some of the best and brightest in Kenya. The Alumni Association was formed to foster these linkages. Kenya’s first woman commercial pilot, Irene Mutungi, was a Makini product. Freda Laiboni also became the youngest in Kenya to receive her pilot’s licence while in Form four. A former Sports Captain, Leon Adongo, gained a university scholarship because of his prowess in Rugby.

 

The School takes its social responsibility very seriously and the students are encouraged to give community service. Makini sponsors and offers scholarships to needy children. Students support various children’s homes and run to raise funds for charitable causes. They contribute to famine relief programmes and sponsor the Rhino Charge and other environment projects. Makini promotes the spiritual development of the children and fosters tolerance for different religions by encouraging children to follow the religion of their choice.

 

The development and training of staff are integral components of school life. Staff are encouraged to upgrade their skills and qualifications and up-date themselves in their respective areas. Makini conducts regular inhouse seminars and workshops.

 

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