We are thrilled to share some magnifique news from the Kijana Global Innovation School.
On Saturday, March 13th, our students stepped onto the regional stage at Green Mount Academy in Kakamega for their very first inter-school French competition. Organized by Voix de France, an organization dedicated to promoting Francophone culture in Kenya, the event brought together five schools to celebrate language through theater, poetry, dance, and fashion.
When Madam Phylis Kadogo introduced French to our curriculum in 2022, she did so with a vision of fostering global citizenship. Last year, she was joined by Christabel Nechesa from Maseno University to help meet the surging student interest.
Their dedication—and our students’ hard work—has truly paid off. Despite being the “new kids” at the competition, Kijana swept several major categories:
1st Place (Play): Our drama troupe took the top prize for their stellar performance!
1st Place (Solo Poetry): Congratulations to Jayden Sandagi for his winning verse.
Best Student (Writing): A special round of applause for Catreena for her literary excellence.
3rd Place: Awarded in both Modelling and Dance.
At Kijana, we believe that cultural diversity and global exposure are essential tools for our students’ futures. By mastering French, our students are joining a global community of over 320 million speakers.
French is an official language in 29 countries, spanning from European hubs like France, Belgium, and Switzerland to 21 different nations across Africa. In Kenya, the practical benefits of this skill are immense, opening doors in:
The Tourism Industry: Welcoming visitors from across the Francophone world.
International Business: Engaging with growing economies in West and Central Africa.
Diplomacy: Communicating within global organizations like the African Union and the United Nations.
Perhaps most impressively, for many of our students, French will be the fourth language they master. Our learners are already gifted linguists, building upon a rich Kenyan heritage where approximately 68 languages are spoken.
Most of our students speak Luhya, a prominent member of the Bantu language family. To navigate daily life, they already balance their indigenous mother tongues with Kiswahili and English. Adding French doesn’t just add a line to a resume; it enhances the incredible cognitive and communication skills our students already possess.
Our success didn’t go unnoticed. During the event, student Miracle Praiz and Madam Phylis were interviewed by NTV Kenya. They shared a powerful message with the nation:
“Language is a bridge to the world, and every school should embrace the opportunities that learning French provides.”
We are incredibly proud of our students and teachers for reaching this historic milestone. This victory is a testament to what happens when we give our students the tools to explore the wider world.
