Layla Shuma

16 years old, attending Hillcrest School, Nairobi, Kenya. Layla was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in May 2024.

Layla is an academic high achiever; a committed, talented student, she was one of the highest scoring KCPE students at the end of her primary school. Layla has been awarded first prize certificates for her achievements in English Literature, Geography, Swahili and Design & Technology.

Enjoying a range of co-curricular activities, Layla has represented the school in basketball and hockey and competes in school cross-country and athletics. She has participated in school productions both backstage and with a lead role in the Y10 production. She has completed her Bronze President’s Award and took part in the School House Debate.

Layla has taken on leadership roles in drama, debate and the International Schools STEM fair. She has also completed peer counselling training.

Layla volunteers at Dream Children’s Home, mentoring children, donating clothes and books, and reading to them. She runs an Instagram community account promoting mental health awareness.

Beacon Workshop Participation

As a new Beacon Scholar, Layla shared her experiences to date of community service and volunteering.