GAP YEAR 2025

Mentorship Program


Target: High School Form 4 & KCSE leavers and beyond

Dates: Started on Tuesday 14th January 2025 

Location: MOHI Mabatini, Nairobi, Kenya

Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm, once per week

Cost: Ksh 3,500/- per session, discount to 2,500/- (show cause)

Payable by MPesa to Till No. 9366385

To register, kindly click here 


For Sponsored students, Terms & Conditions are available by clicking here 


               

Aim: 

Transition preparation: 

Life-skills from high school into college & real life!  

This includes, but is not limited to, helping  prepare willing, passionate and visionary youth to further seek admission and scholarship into top, world class institutions. 

This is a PROCESS and not an EVENT, therefore it takes TIME as MINDSETS need to be transformed, developed and grow. Unlearning, learning & relearning.....

We celebrate the Case Study of Yuri Coret, as seen by clicking here

      


Our Value Addition includes; 

  • Self discovery – students first need to know themselves; their gifts, abilities, learning styles, dreams, goals and vision
  • Identify possible careers – based on knowing themselves
  • Prepare for their careers – based on post secondary institutions, such as universities
  • Plot your educational journey – setting of goals, timelines for short, medium and long term goals
  • Establish a career path – based on current & emerging challenges in the job and careers market locally and overseas
  • Establish Life & Soft skills
  • Launch entrepreneurial projects through proof of concept, pilot projects, scale up projects
The above is based on Customisation, not Standardization, deeply immersing youth in environments that celebrate their individual unique strengths, abilities, passion in an engating environment with great fun. 

    

Core Gap Year Topics 

  1.  Why Leadership? Case study of success of UAE
  2.  Confidence Building; Understanding self; Identifying gifts, abilities, talents
  3.  Branding; Profile writing, Presentation & Public Speaking (confidence II)
  4.  Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  5.  Emotional intelligence (EI), AQ, SQ, HQ,
  6.  Negotiation & Dispute & Conflict Resolution
  7.  Success principles, paradigms, beliefs & attitudes
  8.  Entrepreneurship & Business Skills
  9.  Keys for Academic Success; Top World Class University admissions & scholarships 
  10.  Job Ready SkillsTeam building, Group Work 
  11. Relationships: Love, sex & sexuality
  12. Optional Extras: Professional Specific Mentorship through Job Shadowing & online sessions, TBA. We truly appreciate collaboration with Corporates, that include but are not limited to; BIDCO Africa, Davis & Shirtliff, Kenya Power, Kenya Institute of Highways & Building Technology (KIBBT), Standard Media Group (KTN), Nation Media Group (NTV), Citizen TV, KBC TV, K24 TV, Zuri Awards and others. Full list is available by clicking here 

             
We truly appreciate the leadership and Peer Mentorship of previous AKAD mentees. 


They include, but are not limited to, Joan Nekoye (Brown University, 2020),  Eric Fairweather (Minerva Schools 2019) mentored Joshpat Lowoi (Duke University, 2018) mentored by Ernest Ochieng (Harvard University, 2016), Yuri Coret & Boniface Omina (African Leadership University, 2023)

The success of our Peer Mentoring model was well demonstrated many whom Ernest (Harvard, 2016) has positively inspired, impacted and influenced many such as Yuri, Boniface, James, Josphat, Eric and others. 

Ernest was mentored at Alliance High School by George Gathiani (Washington University in St. Louis, USA 2015), who was mentored by Brian Ngugi (African Leadership Academy & Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany, 2019). Brian was mentored by Nyamawih Charo (Bath University, UK 2015) and Wambui Mburu, graduate of ALA and Oklahoma State University, USA. 

Need we say more??  

       

What is the AKAD Gap Year Program? 

This consists of twelve (12) core sessions; 42 contact hours & 12 days of elective field sessions. 

The soft skills provided in the Gap Year Program include, but are not limited to the following Soft-Skills, Life-Skills and Essential Skills;  Confidence Building Critical Thinking Problem Solving Leadership Development Communication Negotiation, Group Work & Team Building Time Management, Project Management Stress Management, Relationships & Mental Health Entrepreneurship & Research Branding & Public Relations Self Defense - Shotokan Karate Presentations with assignments in between.

Our training format is by participation in a Socratic fashion. This requires active participation by all - no sitting back and falling asleep. Delivered within a fun environment with experiential team-building methodology. 

Sufficiently motivated youth who enthusiastically show cause, are provided opportunity to demonstrate these skills through engaging Adult Mentors in their areas of passion and interest. In the past this ended with the privilege of attending Kenya's annual National Prayer Breakfast with H.E. President of Kenya, Deputy President, Senators, Governors and other industry leaders for exceptional youth.

Field Events:

A list of fifty (50) possible field events have been prepared, subject to individuals showing interest, passion and capacity to engage both in the activities and with Adult & Peer Mentors. 

For third party venue events such as visit to the UN HQ in Gigiri, it is necessary to abide by relevant security requirements, which include having  identity documentation and arriving on time. One must abide by the requirements of such third party organisations due to the sensitive nature of such organisations and locations. This is outside the control of AKAD. 

Entry into the UN premises requires a PICTURE ID such as school ID for those under age of 18 years. The area is a high security zone, with heavily armed security from the Diplomatic Police and US Marines at the opposite premises. Kindly ensure one is not in possession of items that may result in your arrest, injury or death.

         


Akad Leadership Growth Model.pdf Akad Leadership Growth Model.pdf
Size : 353.886 Kb
Type : pdf
             
      
Examples of previous Gap Year Core and Field Activities have included, but were not limited to; 


             


Peer Testimonial: 

Yuri Coret, July 2019

Hello everyone,

Following the successful accomplishment of the borehole renovation project in Kawangware Primary School, we were able to have a handing over event today at the school. We have sustainably impacted over 2100 students representing more than 1000 households in Kawangware slum.

Furthermore, we have contributed to the fulfillment of 9 SDG goals. I want to say a great thank you to the Davis And Shirtliff Head Office , AKAD Africa , Public Image, and PACE (Promoting Access to Community Education), Kenya for supporting me through this journey. We will be hopefully extending the project to 2 more schools in Nairobi. — at Kawangware Primary School.

          

             

A PARENT'S TESTIMONY

Here is a wonderful testimony from a parent received yesterday, regarding  impact of our one-on‐one mentoring, following a session in January 2020. 

Greetings, 

Thank you for your time on Monday morning. To me it was epic.

The key questions you asked my daughter - what do you have to offer, what value will you bring to the table, what solutions will you bring to the community. . were the very questions I have been grappling with over the past weeks as I write my application for my PhD. I thought that my daughter was getting exposed to a very great timely opportunity -talking to you that day. 

At 19 this was a significant way for her to think through her choices. 

Even better, the fact that you linked all categories of her person - spiritual, academic, gifting, personality together, was on point and really made me glad - many young people flow with what the world presents to them. They rarely think of who they are and what they have to offer.

Your analogy of climbing the stair well and realising that that wasn't the right  stair case made me think again about how for me as a parent - my desire has been to get my daughters' to succeed - so I am likely to allow them to walk through a door of opportunity - even if it quite wasn't the right fit ??‍♀ stood out for me.

Your discussion on the build up of a deliberate personal brand was wonderful. . .  The detail of verifying, measuring and deliberate visibility as presented was so timely. 

All in all I realised that you were truly doing what you were called to do. Something that God prepared you to do many years ago. 

I was so happy to have escorted my daughter because I learned a lot from your discussion. I asked myself - what exactly I was aiming for. .

Have a good night

H.M.


           

Previous Case Study Activities  

For photos of activities, please visit our Facebook page "Akad Africa" oclick here



Community Service 

The advantage to participants is that community service verifies and measures your philanthropic contribution to society. 

This is of value to youth seeking to demonstrate value addition to their profiles, when seeking possible admission and scholarship opportunities in overseas institutions (where an "A" grade is not enough). Community Service is one of the five basic pillars AKAD provides assistance to our mentees.

As a result, several youth engage with collaborative programs, especially those that add value to the less fortunte. These have included engaging with youth in slum schools and areas, such as Mathare, Kawangware and others.


Sample Essays 

         


          
          
Marvin Osolo - Jan 2017.pdf Marvin Osolo - Jan 2017.pdf
Size : 407.952 Kb
Type : pdf
ted wanjala's essay.pdf ted wanjala's essay.pdf
Size : 61.308 Kb
Type : pdf



Field Activity Essay samples 
          
SHIVON NINSIIM - 27 Jan 2017.pdf SHIVON NINSIIM - 27 Jan 2017.pdf
Size : 279.009 Kb
Type : pdf
Mary Mwangi - UN Tour 2nd Feb 2017.pdf Mary Mwangi - UN Tour 2nd Feb 2017.pdf
Size : 256.563 Kb
Type : pdf
       
Gladys Gachoka-'Avatar' movie review.pdf Gladys Gachoka-'Avatar' movie review.pdf
Size : 458.262 Kb
Type : pdf

Our Lovely Mentors!


      
       
      
        
        
        
    
      
         
     
           
       
       
       
      
          
    
         
        
        
    Online e-mentorship sessions (above with Julie Gichuru)


                 
         
            
       
        


PEER MENTORS


Emmanuel Okorwoit


Emmanuel Okorwoit is the founder and CEO of Treety, a digital platform revolutionizing forest restoration through real-time satellite monitoring and advanced data analytics.

He recently graduated with First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Computing from Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, in partnership with the African Leadership College, Mauritius.

Currently, Emmanuel serves as the Network Lead at the India Africa Business Network (IABN), where he is organizing the 5th India Africa Entrepreneurship and Investment Summit, set to take place in Nairobi in July 2025. This event will convene thought leaders, business executives, top founders, and government officials to promote collaboration in sectors such as Critical Minerals, Agriculture, Health, Education, Climate, and the Circular Economy.

Previously, Emmanuel played a pivotal role in hosting the third and fourth India Africa Entrepreneurship and Investment Summits in Mauritius, attracting over 400 delegates from three continents, including government officials, journalists, and entrepreneurs. His experience extends to working as a Research Analyst at Ambo Ventures, where he focused on climate tech startups in Africa. Emmanuel has also participated in global accelerator programs like Ye! Community (in partnership with the International Trade Centre), Phineo Startup, and ClimateLaunchpad, honing his entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

In the next two years, Emmanuel aims to deepen his expertise in Business Development, Business Analysis, and Venture Capital. His long-term vision is to establish a conglomerate digital platform addressing climate challenges, spanning land restoration, wildlife conservation, and sustainable agriculture, driving impactful solutions for a better future.


       


      

David Kariuki

David Kariuki is the Research and Policy Development lead for Malindi constituency.

He is also team lead at a small startup, CAES a company that is contributing in efforts towards electric mobility. David is also the immediate former 21st President of the General Assembly at the Kenya Model United Nations; a student run, youth led, non-governmental organization affiliated to the United Nations Information Centre with a base of more than 1,500 students.

He is also an Associate, brand ambassador, and peer mentor at AKAD AFRICA under Dr. Rev Julius Weche and has featured alongside his mentor on National Television speaking on the significance of value based mentorship and intentional parenting. Apart from his co-curricular academic activities, he also a member of the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) as a Youth focal Point and as the chair of the economic diplomacy sub-committee; as well as Umoja Summit Party as a youth executive. He formerly chaired the Economic diplomacy youth sub-committee at KNCCI.

David graduated from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, top of his class with a Summa Cum Laude (First Class Honors). He was a Judge at the 2021 Go Gaga Experiential’s, ZURI AWARDS. He has previously featured at a KIPPRA conference speaking on Sustainable mobility.

David is passionate about the youth, and their economic empowerment, specifically through the African Continental Free Trade Area. This has enabled him be selected as part of design thinking workshops for the Mastercard Foundation's African workforce development ecosystem and Policy and Thought Leadership. He borrows his life’s philosophy from his Alma Mater, The Alliance High School “Strong to serve.”

      


James Ruigu 

James is the founder and chief executive of Beespoke Honey, a business that deals in all things apiculture. He sits in the Executive Committee of the Alliance High School Old Boys Club. He is in the Youth Delegation holding talks with the Zambia High Commission to foster collaboration between youth of the two countries. 

James is an AKAD Associate, Peer Mentor and Mentee and a final year student taking Construction Management at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He is the Construction Management student representative in the Interactive Construction Management Student Organisation (ICOMSO). He is also the 2023 winner for the Construction Management student competition by the Association of Construction Managers in Kenya (ACMK). He is a certified Financial Analyst by ALX and offers guided KCSE tuition services through the AKAD Tuition services owing his excellent KCSE results and the desire to make the learning model easier for students.

James is passionate about youth leadership and impact, and sits in the Nairobi youth planning committee at the Church On The Rock Ministries. Here, among others, he engages youth in spiritual matters through music and art. James is the chairperson of the youth ministry in his church. He’s also a drummer and  band leader for The Journey JKUAT chapter.

James is an old boy of The Alliance High School (2019). At the Alliance High School, he was part of the pioneering team of "Ambassadors for Clean Content among Minors", a campaign aimed at protecting children from harmful content online, in conjunction with the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB). . This saw him represent 66% of the total children population, who access the internet on a daily basis from accessing harmful content. James has undertaken the AKAD gap year program where he has and continues to benefit in personal development, building his network and giving back to society through mentorship. In this capacity he has managed to practice and show his leadership skills during field events such as representing teenagers in a TV panel discussion, various dinners and galas such as the ZURI Awards 2020.  He has taken it a step further and has been mentoring students at Kivulini School.

James was the former president of the AKAD club in Alliance High School where he learnt and practised leadership skills. He was also the Alliance Badminton Team Manager, leading his team to victories in several inter-school tournaments. He was in the Christian Union (CU) committee and Chapel Committee as Technical Team Director and Public Relations Officer of the Peace Club. He participated in community service opportunities through leading clubs that included, but are not limited to visits to old people’s homes, Sunday school, hospital visits and children homes.

James’ mission is to pursue excellence. This entails providing solutions in the construction industry and in in the startup space. He aims to start a contracting firm in the future and to provide cutting edge innovations in construction. He also aspires to join the corporate space in leadership and management consultancy. On the entrepreneurial side, James aims at starting and funding startups for a better world. 

            


Hope Ngugi Minenge 


Hope is a young 19 year old girl who is looking forward for the upcoming AKAD mentorship program. 


She finished her high school studies in Tumutumu girls, Nyeri in November 2023 with a grade of B-. With the help of her hardworking and disciplined behaviour as known by her teachers, she managed to pass her exams with flying colours.


In addition to that, she is a God-fearing young woman who loves God and uses her musical skills to minister in the youth worship team and kreative garage ministry in CITAM Buruburu. Above all, her warm, loving and caring personality made others around her to feel inspired and astonished by her wise words.


 She is looking forward to join to Kijabe college of health sciences to pursue her nursing career for she loves Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology subjects. She comes from a humble family background and she has aspirations and dreams of becoming a nurse and help the community, making her family proud and becoming a woman that God wants her to be.

                             



Liability Waiver

  • Costs for core events at third party locations, MOHI / MOW Sports Club include tea & snacks. 
  • Costs exclude transport, internet, medical, third party & field trip costs. 
  • Field trips & activities are at cost (which vary), payable in advance and subject to space availability. 
  • Field trips are available subject to collaborative partner agreements, and given on a competitive basis - which includes but is not limited to, assessment of submitted Monitoring & Evaluation Essays from Core activity events (please see essay writing format below). 
  • Timetable details of field trips will be provided to successfully registered participants on a need to know basis.
  • By registering, all participants confirm that they have the discretion and are healthy enough to participate in physically straineous team-building activities 
  • By registering either individually or through sponsorship, you unconditionally and unreservedly agree for AKAD and all collaborative partners to use photos, videos and images of yourself individually or collectively in our communication, public relations and marketing of our mentorship solutions and products
  • Liability waiver is as per policy is available by clicking here
  • Manual liability waiver can also be signed for walk in participants, who by choosing to be in or around our premises, give unconditional consent for your image to be captured in photos, video and any other formats to be used as described and not limited to the above. 
       

              


 Back to  Home page