Flying to success: Ng'iya Girls rewards top students with Kenya Airways trip

Ng'iya Girls High School top students and teachers share a photo momemt at Kisumu International Airport on Thursday. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The sun blazed across the Kisumu skyline on a remarkable Thursday morning as ten of Ng’iya Girls High School’s brightest students arrived at Kisumu International Airport.

The anticipation was palpable, their faces glowing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Dressed in their glittering white and blue school uniforms, the girls were about to embark on an extraordinary journey—a fully paid academic trip courtesy of Ng’iya Girls High School, in recognition of their academic excellence.

Their hard work, dedication, and pursuit of greatness had earned them this unique reward—a flight to Nairobi.

It was not just any trip; it was the fruit of their relentless commitment to their studies, a beacon of hope as they prepared for the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

Ng'iya Girls Director of Studies William Rakamah (right) and Mr Oumah Otieno share a light moment before jetting to Nairobi with their students. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

At precisely 11:10 a.m., the students, accompanied by the school's Director of Studies, William Rakamah, Form Four Dean Yvonne Gumaiya, and Geography teacher and chaperone Oumah Otienoh, boarded the flight.

As the aircraft ascended into the skies, the students’ faces mirrored a sense of accomplishment. For many of them, it was their first time flying—a milestone that symbolized the heights their education could take them.

The journey was not just physical but metaphorical, representing how far their academic efforts had propelled them, with even more promising futures ahead.

One of the top students, Audrey Achieng, who aspires to become a lawyer, expressed her gratitude for the trip, describing it as a powerful source of motivation.

Ng'iya Girls High School top students and teachers share a photo momemt at Kisumu International Airport on Thursday. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

"This trip is not only a reward for our hard work but also a great source of inspiration for us to continue pushing ourselves. It's a reminder that excellence is recognized and that we can achieve anything with determination.

“The experience of flying is a memory I will cherish, but more importantly, it will encourage my fellow students to strive harder. This trip shows us that nothing is impossible if we put in the effort," she said.

The initiative was spearheaded by Senior Principal Ms. Hellen Masengeli, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the vision of Ng’iya Girls High School.

Under her guidance, the school has adopted various strategies to ensure students are both academically empowered and personally inspired to achieve greatness.

The Kenya Airways trip is one such strategy, designed to foster a culture of excellence and healthy competition within the school.

According to William Rakamah, the school’s Director of Studies, "This initiative is part of our broader mission to encourage our students to aspire to greater heights. We want to show them that their academic efforts have tangible rewards. By exposing them to new environments and experiences, we hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams fearlessly."

For the ten girls—Natalie Abigael, Grace Atieno, Norlyne Awuor, Reynne Divina, Shnyder Vendor, Cynthia Moraa, Audrey Achieng, Maria Aduwo, Lickline Kariri, and Rosemary Awuor—the trip represented more than just a break from their usual routine.

It was an opportunity to broaden their horizons and engage with professionals who have made significant strides in their respective fields.

Ng'iya Girls High School top students and teachers share a photo momemt at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

During their stay in Nairobi, the students were set to embark on a series of educational visits, including stops at key institutions like the Office of the Inspector General, the Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Chief Justice.

These encounters were designed to offer the girls real-world insights into leadership, governance, and the legal system—an experience that would not only enhance their academic knowledge but also widen their understanding of career opportunities.

Following these visits, the students were scheduled for an academic exchange program at Loreto Limuru Girls, a school renowned for its academic excellence.

Maria Aduwo, another of the top students, highlighted the importance of the exchange program.

"This is a golden opportunity to learn from our peers at Loreto Limuru, especially as we approach our KCSE exams. Sharing ideas, studying techniques, and learning from their academic culture will definitely give us an edge in our preparations."

The trip was a bold statement from Ng’iya Girls High School about their confidence in their students’ abilities and their commitment to nurturing future leaders.

Ng'iya Girls High School top students and teachers share a photo momemt at Kisumu International Airport on Thursday. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Yvonne Gumaiya, the Form Four Dean and a teacher of Mathematics and Chemistry, believes this new strategy will yield outstanding results in this year's national exams.

"With initiatives like these, the students are highly motivated. They know that their efforts will be rewarded, not just through academic recognition but through real experiences that broaden their horizons. I am confident that this year's results will surpass previous ones. We have created an environment that encourages excellence, and the girls have responded magnificently."

The competitive spirit among the students has risen to new heights. Back at school, students who did not make the trip are now more motivated than ever to achieve similar success in the future.

Mr Oumah Otienoh (center) shares a selfie with a student aboard a KQ Flight enroute to Nairobi.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Oumah Otienoh, the chaperone for the trip and a teacher of Geography and Christian Religious Education, shared his thoughts on how the trip would influence the broader student body.

"Some may think that only the top students benefit from such initiatives, but I see it differently. The lure of a fully paid trip has driven competition to a whole new level among the other students. Everyone wants to be on the next flight, and that’s what will keep pushing them to excel. This isn't just about the ten students who flew today; it's about raising the academic bar for the entire school."

Indeed, Ng’iya Girls High School has set a precedent with this initiative.

The trip not only rewards hard work but also serves as a tangible reminder of the heights the students can reach through academic excellence.

For the students, this journey is not just about flying to Nairobi—it is about soaring towards a future filled with endless possibilities.