On 23rd of April 2024, Kids League Kenya (KLK) hosted its annual KLK Day at the Kengeleni Primary School Hall. As a charity organisation dedicated to providing academic scholarships, this event is a significant occasion in our calendar, emphasising our commitment to fostering education. The theme for the year, “Promoting Literacy and Reading Culture”, highlighted the importance of developing a love for reading and learning among young students.

Opening Ceremony

We began with an opening prayer, then a warm welcome from Lewa. The hall was filled with excitement as the day’s activities began.

Student Speeches and Presentations

This was the heart of KLK Day. Current and former KLK students shared powerful stories and lessons:

• Winnie Gwiyo, a KLK alumna and now a teacher, talked about “Overcoming Academic Challenges.” Her inspiring story showed how education can change lives.
• Grace Neema shared her journey on “Overcoming Depression in School,”
• Davis Okutoto gave a passionate speech on “Promoting Literacy and Reading Culture.”
• Their words reminded us that reading and education help us grow stronger and make better life choices.

Student Performances

KLK students also showcased their creativity through poems, plays, and songs. Their performances reflected the spirit of hard work, talent, and confidence that KLK supports in every child.

Guest Speeches

After the student presentations, we heard from guests and community leaders:

• Mr. Karisa (Kengeleni Primary) and Mrs. Mathenge (Khadija Primary) spoke about staying dedicated to education, emphasising the importance of hard work and dedication in academics.
• Encouragement from Leaders: The Education Officer’s representative and Area Chief, Madam Yasmin, both encouraged the students to remain focused and committed to their studies, highlighting the community’s support for their academic endeavours.

An Bletterman, one of our trustees, shared how education benefits the whole society.

‘Good morning everyone,
My name is An Bletterman and together with Vicky Horsey and Jan Dickinson I am a Trustee of Kids League Kenya. I am from Belgium, a very small country in Europe and I have been in Kenya since 1992.
I have been part of this wonderful organisation for just over 10 years now. I work closely together with Julie and Lewa in the office.

KLK has send nearly 2000 students through their primary, secondary and tertiary education in the past 26 years. Our students get an amazing opportunity to pursue their dreams, to achieve their full potential and to make a huge difference in their own lives, their families’ lives and their whole community.

We can not stress the importance of education enough. An educated population provides a society and a country with a more skilled workforce and therefore also with a more active and meaningful economic development. The students of today will be the workforce of tomorrow and they will be building a better foundation and a more prosperous future for the next generation of students.
Of course, this comes with many challenges and fallbacks, but if a student is diligent, works hard and perseveres to reach his or her highest potential, he or she will create a better chance for themselves and community.

Education increases incomes and thus economic growth. Education reduces the risk of conflict and violence. It helps promote safety and security. Educated girls and women can better navigate health care for themselves and their children. Global studies have shown increased education particularly for girls leads to less infant deaths, less maternal mortality and less stress on the health systems.
Education equips people with knowledge, skills and social development. Skilled individuals participate more actively in society and break the cycle of poverty.
Education gives tools to improve critical thinking abilities necessary for personal growth and empowerment.
The Kenyan government and the education system faces big challenges to improve and finance the rising demand for education due to population growth. Kenya has a young population and as a charity, we try to help by giving a chance to children who would otherwise not benefit from any education.
Together we can change lives through education ‘one student at a time’.

Therefore I encourage all our present students to work extremely hard to be able to make that difference in many lives in the future. And I ask you all to be grateful to Julie, our administrator and Lewa, our project coordinator, who are working hard every single day to ensure that you, as a student, can focus on your studies and achievements.

I would also like to ask you to be thankful to all our sponsors, donors and supporters in Kenya, UK, Europe and across the world who donate the funds to give all of you a better future.
Thank you.‘

Student Awards

At the heart of the day was a meaningful moment — the awarding of certificates to students who had demonstrated excellence in academics, discipline, and talent.

These awards served not only to honour achievement but also to encourage continued growth and commitment in all areas of life.

Top Academic Performance

Certificates were awarded to students who had shown consistent effort and achievement in their studies. Their academic dedication, strong work ethic, and ability to stay focused set a positive example for their peers.

Outstanding Discipline

Discipline in KLK goes beyond classroom behaviour. This award recognised students who are consistently reliable and responsible — those who submit required documents on time, follow instructions from staff without repeated reminders, and demonstrate maturity and respect in how they carry themselves. These quiet yet essential traits help create a smooth and supportive environment for everyone.

Top Talent

Talent was also celebrated, with recognition going to students who displayed creativity and skill in areas such as music, spoken word, art, and performance. These students reminded us that each young person has unique gifts that deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

A Moment to Remember

With invited guests, teachers, and fellow students present, each award certificate was handed out with pride. For the recipients, this was not just about that day — it was about encouragement for the future.

Closing and Appreciation

The event ended with a thank-you speech from Ronald, our MC, and a closing prayer by one of our students. After some group photos and student mingling, everyone enjoyed lunch together.

KLK Day 2024 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of learning, growth, and community support. Thank you to everyone who made it special. Together, we are building a brighter future through education and literacy.