Testimonials
From Lenana School...
View of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the air on take off
Landing in Lagos, Nigeria
From the Akad Group International
“I started the senior year feeling overwhelmed about the application process. As if field hockey, the orchestra, yearbook editing and AP courses were not enough, I had to figure out how I was going to get into an American university.”
“I cannot begin to explain how much the advice and help I received from AKAD reduced my stress and anxiety. I wouldn't have produced a strong application without AKAD. Being at a small Canadian boarding school, the university guidance counselor wasn't nearly as knowledgeable. I am very satisfied with the schools I was accepted to and owe it all to AKAD.” 2008: Student admitted to Cornell University (Political Science, Economics)
“I had low SAT scores, at the bottom quartile and no special experience when I applied to universities. What's worse, I didn't have good writing skills to write a fancy college essay to compensate for my low scores. With AKAD, however, I received admissions from several colleges I wanted to attend, and I'm now studying at the University of Chicago. They advised me to lay emphasis on my specialty in science and math and gave several useful tips to write a remarkable essay. The best part was that their care and attention felt more like help one would receive from an older sibling not a typical adviser. AKAD service was definitely satisfying!” 2008: Student admitted to University of Chicago (Physics and Mathematics)
“Hello. I am a student studying Chemistry. I grew up and attended high school but I had no idea how the application process worked. Trying to figure out the application process and which schools to apply to was intimidating. AKAD completely eliminated my fears and reduced my anxiety by assuring me that I was a qualified applicant for several universities. AKAD gave me very simple and clear guidelines to follow, which made the application process painless. Most importantly, AKAD clearly helped me represent myself on the personal statement. Not only can I guarantee the quality of this service, but I can assure you that the consultants at AKAD will put your best on paper.” 2008: Student admitted to University of California-Berkeley (Chemistry)
I had low SAT scores, at the bottom quartile and no special experience when I applied to universities. What's worse, I didn't have good writing skills to write a fancy college essay to compensate for my low scores. With AKAD, however, I received admissions from several colleges I wanted to attend, and I'm now studying at the University of Chicago. They advised me to lay emphasis on my specialty in science and math and gave several useful tips to write a remarkable essay. The best part was that their care and attention felt more like help one would receive from an older sibling not a typical adviser. AKAD service was definitely satisfying!” 2008: Student admitted to University of Chicago (Physics and Mathematics)
“Hello. I am a student studying Chemistry. I grew up and attended high school but I had no idea how the application process worked. Trying to figure out the application process and which schools to apply to was intimidating. AKAD completely eliminated my fears and reduced my anxiety by assuring me that I was a qualified applicant for several universities. AKAD gave me very simple and clear guidelines to follow, which made the application process painless. Most importantly, AKAD clearly helped me represent myself on the personal statement. Not only can I guarantee the quality of this service, but I can assure you that the consultants at AKAD will put your best on paper.” 2008: Student admitted to University of California-Berkeley (Chemistry)
Transforming young minds
From the Standard on Sunday Newspaper, Kenya
Dr Julius Weche is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Akad Education Group-Africa, an organisation that provides career mentorship and leadership training to the youth. He spoke to NJOKI CHEGE
For many years, Dr Julius Weche attended resourceful conferences in
the US, but one thing that always baffled him was the near absence of
African participants. In most cases, he found himself the only black
and when there were a few blacks, they would most likely be Nigerians.
It was during Harvard Business School’s 12th Africa Business Conference in February 2010 that the idea of Akad Africa occurred to him.
Here, he met Peter Mombaur, co-founder of the African Leadership Academy and Alex Grove, CEO of Akad Group (Asia). The name ‘Akad’ is based on the names of the founders of the Akad Educational Group, namely?Alex Grove, Kenneth Chung, Adam Cheng and Daryl Martin. The group provides career mentorship and value-based leadership training to schools and individuals.
Says he: “I wondered why there were no such institutions in Africa. It is for this reason that I requested to extend the Akad Group concept to Africa, with the vision of providing opportunities for African youth to access world class academic training, internships and scholarship funding.”
The founders agreed and in 2010, Akad Education Group Africa was born. With over 60 volunteer professionals in all fields, the group goes round schools giving career talks and mentorship to students. Their goal, Weche says, is to trigger transformational change in the minds of thousands of students in the country.
Restoring vision
According to Weche, many youths abandon their studies and resort to drug abuse and other societal ills because they lack a vision.
Weche believes the reason many Kenyans do not benefit from international scholarships is because they are not aware of their existence and those who aware don’t know how to prepare for the scholarships.
“Our goal is to create a vision in these young minds. Many of them get lost because they have lost their vision and dream. We want to restore that dream and vision and show them how to achieve it,” he says.
In Kenya, many academically gifted and financially challenged student’s battle for government scholarships, yet there are over 4,000 universities in the US where they can get scholarships.
“We do not offer scholarships, but we give information on how to acquire them. We provide the link between the students and where they want to go in the future. We believe in starting when they are still young to enable them visualise where they want to be in future,” he says.
Education travel
In a bid to fully prepare and equip students for their bright futures, Akad has established links with admission officers who know exactly what the universities abroad are looking for.
It is for this reason that Akad Education Group Africa facilitates self-sponsored tours to various universities in the US in a programme dubbed ‘The USA Education Travel’. The programme’s aim is to enhance the vision and leadership skills of students, to improve morale and self-image and give a vision for academic success.
Says he: “The best way to get a feel of these universities is to visit them. This provides an opportunity to attend an admission information session and take a campus tour.”
According to Weche, information sessions and tours are a good way for prospective students and their families to ask questions, get answers and develop a better sense of what the universities have to offer.
The tours are made to coincide with holidays — Easter (April), Summer (July - August) and Christmas (December).
Given the different school options, tailor-made tours are available for groups and schools throughout the year on request.
Entrepreneur
Brian Ngugi, a 16-year-old student at Lenana School and a beneficiary of Akad Africa, aspires to be the next Steve Jobbs (the late founder of Apple). Ngugi hopes to take his first step towards this by joining Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“Akad Africa has given me exposure on the universities available for me. I have met a lot of mentors in the field I want to join and I believe that I can be as successful as Steve Jobbs,” says Ngugi.
Challenges
Providing leadership training and mentorship has not been without its share of ups and downs, as Weche reveals. In an era where so much emphasis is placed on good grades, many schools are yet to warm up to the idea of allowing mentors into their students’ busy schedules.
“Many schools are focused on getting As, making students cram the entire syllabus from 5am to 11pm without realising that the talk from the mentors could change the lives of their students,” says Weche.
Website Reference:
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/index.php?articleID=2000062363&pageNo=1
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Testimonial: Prof Thumbi
From: Thumbi Ndung'u To: Dr. J. Weche
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 11:04 AM
Subject: Professor and Victor Daitz Chair inauguration - Request to Share this Information
Dear Dr Weche,
Yes, of course. You are welcome to share this. I would be delighted to host the students in South Africa. You may also want to share the link below for a talk I gave at University of California, Berkeley earlier this year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOWoBQeda-w
I hope all is well with you and I hope we can reconnect soon.
Regards,
Thumbi
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Thumbi Ndung'u
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 8:35 AM
Subject: Professor and Victor Daitz Chair inauguration
Dear Dr. Weche,
I hope that you are doing well. I am sharing this good news of my new appointment as Professor and Victor Daitz Chair in HIV/TB Research because somewhere along the way, you encouraged me, laughed with me or prayed with or for me. While time and space may not always allow me to express my gratitude for what you have meant to me along my life’s journey, I want you to know that I have never forgotten your love, kindness and friendship. I hope that you can join me and my family in our joy, happiness and thanksgiving for this recognition and honour. Please see the links below and the photos attached.
http://www.ukzn.ac.za/Homepage
http://www.ukzn.ac.za/news/2013/03/25/ukzn-s-new-victor-daitz-chair-in-hiv-tb-research
Regards,
Thumbi Ndung’u, BVM, PhD
Investigator and Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology Research Group Leader at the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV
Director, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute
Professor and Victor Daitz Chair in HIV/TB ResearchDST/NRF Chair in Systems Biology of HIV/AIDS
Howard Hughes Medical Institute International Early Career Scientist
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Testimonial: Nyamawih Charrow
Thursday 11th April 2013 via Facebook
Let's have our young brothers and sisters benefit from such transformational seminars. They are not only transformation but also value adding as they get training on soft skills which many of us are inadequate of, life skills, professionalism, personal branding and negotiation skills among others. Anyone exposed to personalities whose calibre who we can't match an inch would propel them to dreaming mightier.
From: Melissa Wairimu Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:17AM
Dear Dr. Weche,Please forgive me for the lateness of this letter. It has been my intention to write this for the passed one month but with all said and done, I am so very grateful for the opportunity during the career seminar 2013.
Going not knowing what to expect, considering having just finished university, left me kind of baffled as the room was largely filled with an unexpected target audience that were mostly high school and primary students.
However, throughout the three days I got to learn more about myself and my career path, felt that the whole seminar was meant more for me than anybody else in the room though we were all equally impacted in one way or another. Thank you for creating that opportunity and for all your hard work in getting all those influential people to come talk to us. Looking forward to the next seminar.
Regards,
Melissa
Testimonial: Alliance Girls High School
From: Wanjiru Ngugi
Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2013 8:58 AM
To: info@akadeducationafrica.com
Subject: ICT CAREERS EVENT AT ALLIANCE GIRLS'
Hope this finds you well.
As the Alliance Girls' community, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for gracing our event in May.
The event was such an eye-opener and the various speakers inspirational. We learnt plenty of lessons among them being that we have to work diligently towards our future.
Receive our most sincere gratitude and may the almighty God bless you abundantly.
Regards,
The Alliance Girls' Community.
Testimonial: 23rd May 2014
Erick Hongo, Posted on Facebook
My acceptance to take up the place of admission that I have been offered to study for a masters degree at University College London (UCL) is an acceptance of the gift of brilliance that the Almighty God has bestowed upon me. UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top Universities world wide and has come fourth in the ranking below just behind MIT, Harvard and Cambridge. It has beaten Oxford by .2 as it comes at position 6.
I will not be shy to share this beautiful reality that all my close friends will undoubtedly join me in thanking God for.
Being aware that I am the sum total of all the experiences that I have shared with each and every one of you, I must thank you for helping in making me all that I have become.
From: Kamande Nyambura
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2014 10:33 AM
Subject: Limuru Girls feedback
Dear Dr. Weche,
Thank you very much for the very good work you are doing to change the lives of the young people (and the older people like me). This is the first time I have seen and witnessed a successful mentorship , or should I say, Practical mentorship.
Listening to George share his beautiful successful story was eye-opening. The energy said it all plus the thought that his life is now positively changed. Then the story of Brian, then Njoki's presentation. I learnt so much and was very much inspired by you all.
Am grateful for the opportunity you accorded AWAK to participate in the career day event at Limuru Girls. I hope the partnership between AWAK and AKAD will continue to grow.
Top student, Precious Blood Girls School - Riruta
Monday 17th December 2012
Inspirational, life-changing, mind-blowing, educational, unforgettable.
The Careers Seminar at Braeside school left me a different person. I would like to begin by thanking the organizers of the seminar and all those who made it special. Dr. Julius Weche, Mr. Derek Bbanga, Professor Tirima , The Riara Group of Schools, the men and women who came to inspire us with their life stories, knowledge and passion , the amazing people who I met, Mrs J. Akatsa-Principal of Precious Blood Secondary School-Riruta and to our Almighty Father, Thank you.
Through this seminar, I learned courage. Courage to express myself in front of a crowd. Courage to be the best and stay the best. Courage to meet new people. Courage to know that anything is possible. I realized how much time I had been wasting. Meeting friends with no purpose in mind, sitting in front of a television the whole day, thinking it was wrong to show people what I can do and achieve. Raymond Lindquist said that "courage is the power to let go of the familiar". I am courageous.
The seminar taught me that I have TEN SECONDS to make a good first impression. Humans were born judges. We could all cut out for the High Court I tell you! This forum gave me the opportunity to meet CEOs, book authors, politicians, lawyers, sales analysts, HAVARD LAW GRADUATES, it's truly amazing! All in all, thank you for giving me knowledge and a vision, I am now immortal. :-)
Shared on 14th February 2013
Two years ago (2010), in my final Bachelor year, a couple of friends and I came together with a common goal; to use the scientific skills already acquired to nurture, mentor and empower younger students from High School and college with enthusiasm, talent and scientific curiosity into achieving full potential in their academic journey. This gave birth to High School Science and Technology Empowerment Programme (HSTEP).
Even as we started, we were not fully equipped with skills of running such a programme since it was a fairly new concept that required a lot of time and yet we were all actively involved in our studies.
Through one of our partners, we got linked to AKAD Educational group, which mentors young people advancing their education both locally and abroad. Dr. Julius Weche became our mentor, both in training our student mentors in extremely important aspects of achieving HSTEP’s goal such as project management, communication skills, conflict resolution and organisational skills.
Having a great relationship with some of the schools we targeted to work with, AKAD made it possible to easily build rapport with those students that found our work inspirational and useful. We got a ready platform to launch our work.
On a more personal level, Dr. Weche ceaselessly encouraged us to think about opportunities to enhance our studies. We had a sufficient supply of material to read about several Ivy League schools in the United States that we could apply to, and as a resource himself, he counseled us on challenges we were bound to face through the journey of these application process as well as living abroad.
In this spirit, I began my applications to various schools that I felt offered the exact education and research environment; Wageningen University in the Netherlands, University of California (Davis) and Portland University both in the US. My admission and subsequent fellowship for Wageningen University and Research centre came through early 2012 and I joined the faculty of plant sciences for my MSc. Plant Biotechnology (Functional Genomics) later in the fall. It has been a worthy challenge, very exciting experiences, a great learning environment as well as exposure to ground breaking research in this field.
AKAD in many ways has helped me realize my dream, both academically as well as in providing for a platform to implement HSTEP, hence nurturing others towards scientific empowerment.
I am forever grateful!!!
Susan Moenga
Wageningen University and Research Centre
The Netherlands.
December 19, 2012 at 9:01am
From: Thomas Muthoka, Teacher, Riara Group of Schools
AKAD You are life changing group that is opening people's eyes to see, find and know themselves.
Thanks, I know who I am today.
From: Emily Ongus
My testimonial for AKAD true to word is as follows.
Akad Education Group Africa is a necessary platform for students to learn and open up their minds to possibilities of getting into the best of the best.
Dr. weche with his team came and gave us a talk at Egerton University through our Model M.UN chapter on how we as
students can broaden our horizons and thinking. Most of us were already in the right path by balancing our academics with co-curricular but actually grasping the potential of entrepreneurial thinking and taking the first step in achieving our aspirations was still in the back banner.
I was able to view my self on a different angle and most of us finalists actually seeing the possibility of us getting into the Ivy league universities in the united states for our masters program. We as students were challenged on our visions and in reality put our time frames into perspective. It was a most memorable, informative and driving experience.
Date: Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 11:02 AM
To: Dr. Weche
Greetings and salutations Dr Weche. I hope this email finds you well.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the AKAD training you gave me last year, It was amazing. I am now enrolled in the African Leadership Academy in South Africa and i have just completed my first year and i am back in Kenya for Holiday.
I am still interested in what AKAD is doing and would like to ask you to please tell me of any leadership trainings you intend to do and if i could be of any assistance as these are also great learning experiences for me.
I pass my greetings from Isaac Chege ( my father) and family at large.
Yours sincerely
Wambui Mburu
Afrcan Leadership Academy
Regards...
from Robert Chege
date Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 6:24 AM
subject Hello
Hi Dr. Weche,
It was nice to meet with you at the African Business Conference (at Harvard Business School) this weekend.
I wish you well in the work you are doing with the young people in Kenya to help them discover and follow their passions. Like I mentioned I hope one day to run a football academy for underprivileged youth and help them unlock their potential through education and football. I will be in Kenya later this year probably in the summer and I would like to meet with you and see the work you are doing.
Best Regards,
Robert Chege
Hallo Dr.Weche. this is Mary Njoki from precious blood.i met you yesterday and told you i would write to you and i have!! first and foremost i would like to really thank you very much on behalf of the whole school for taking time off your busy schedule to come and give us the motivational talk yopu gave us yesterday. It was just mind blowing to see all those achieved people in one gathering.i felt rally encouraged by that.hope to see you again in our school soon. and if i may ask what is your company all about?
From: Nyamawih Charo
Date: Wed, Nov 17, 2010 at 9:40 AM
Subject: Request to have your photos and info on our website
Hope this mail finds you well. First and foremost let me take this opportunity to thank you all for trade off you made in order to visit, educate, share and motivate us on 6th November. That was really a commendable an effort. Despite the challenges we had, indeed it was a successful talk.
Yesterday, I made an effort and visited the factual films website and find out that the work done by factual films is of great impact to the society. Was much impressed by the fact that you are in a position to offer internships to students in Nakuru county. Best regards and may God bless us
Hi,
This Is just a simple note to show my atmost appreciation and to inform you personally that the session we had today was one of the best, most intruiging, captivating, inspiring, motivating and
definately most enjoyable training. And am not even exagerating, after all, honesty ni uungwana, :)
Anyway i just want to assure you that you did not waste your good hours for nothing, we heard-or at least I did-and just so you know you shaped
my future, it may seem like you dint do much but when i get there, most of the credit goes to you. Thanks alot! Keep altering peoples lives, we surely need people like you...
- Testimony from Egerton University Student after Akad Africa presentation on Saturday 6th November 2010 at Egerton University, Kenya.
--
From: Mike Otieno.
Sent: Mon, November 15, 2010 1:38:03 PM
Subject: KABIANGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Hi,
Kabianga University College is a constituent College of Moi university. It is located in Kericho region. Its kinda new campus in a very serene and green environment! I would really love for you and your team to visit as its a place with so much untapped potential and great minds....and leaders of today.
I was able to check out your website again on training and its great! Its better than (edited) ! Its reloaded! (edited) I was able to read the speakers profiles....woooh!!!......it really challenges some of us.... (edited) There are very many institutions around here that would greatly benefit from what you are doing.
Take care,
Mike
From the Akad Group International
“Working with AKAD was definitely one of the major factors of getting accepted to my dream school, Brown.”
“Brown, my first choice, seemed to be out-of-reach, but AKAD encouraged me to apply. They were realistic when choosing possible schools given my status (SAT scores, GPA, etc), but still encouraged me to apply to schools that seemed out of reach. AKAD carefully and kindly guided me through the application process. All I had to do was follow their directions. AKAD worked on numerous revisions of my personal statement until I was completely satisfied. In the end, I finished the applications a lot earlier than the deadlines.
“With AKAD, I was not as stressed as my classmates. The application process was a painless and enjoyable experience. I am so glad that I chose AKAD and will always be thankful for helping me achieve my educational dream. I am certain you will be satisfied with AKAD.” 2007: Transfer Student from Emory University to Brown University (Economics)
“I was at an international high school and was very confused about application procedures and what colleges were looking for in a student. I knew I wanted to get into a good school but wasn't sure if I was competent and was in desperate need of guidance.”
“AKAD was perfect and they answered all of my questions kindly and went through the application procedures from beginning to end. They helped me stay relaxed and focused while I was studying for the SAT, helped edit my personal statements and other supplemental essays. Since I was applying to more than 10 undergraduate schools, I could not have accomplished everything by the deadline without AKAD. We communicated through email and phone calls, and they were always available to help.”
“I got into Emory with a full scholarship and I am extremely happy with where I am and what I have right now. Many thanks and best wishes to AKAD! Anyone who needs help will find AKAD extremely helpful.” 2007: Student admitted to Emory University with Merit-Based Scholarship (Biology)
“I can't overstate how great AKAD is. They helped me organize my essays, prepare for college interviews, and identify my unique merits. Talking with the consultants made me realize what my strengths and weakness were. AKAD made what would have been a painful college application process into a rewarding experience. I am really happy that I found this program just in time!” 2007: Student admitted to Stanford (Economics)
“AKAD was sometimes my adviser and sometimes my friend. I was unsure of the possibilities of getting into an elite American university because my peers were gifted students and had better scores. To my surprise, AKAD helped me discover strengths that were not apparent at first glance and positioned me effectively for the schools I was applying to. We had a lot of conversations even about life, and they gave me an abundant amount of information about life in and at American universities. What would have been a confusing and difficult process ended up being worthwhile and simple. As a result of my decision to seek AKAD help, I am now studying Mathematics at CalTech.” 2007: Student admitted to Caltech (Mathematics, Computer Science)
