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How has having the Beacon Scholarship helped you develop your leadership skills?

Beacon has provided me with many opportunities to develop my leadership skills. The various workshops we have had, not only helped me get out of my comfort zone but also helped me learn to work well with other leaders and learn from new mindsets and how to contribute effectively to a discussion. Beacon has also been a source of motivation for me, to push myself out of my comfort zone and to achieve more than what I have subconsciously marginalized as “enough”. Beacon has helped me stretch myself and learn new skills, as well as many things about myself.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

The Beacon Scholarship has helped me develop my leadership skills through personal growth from the workshops provided. These new lessons have presented numerous personal growth opportunities. I have also learned to lead by example with my actions instead of leading through a title given to me. I have been positively influenced to work alongside others to create change, rather than ordering others. I have also developed as a changemaker in my community by bringing positive impact to my peers through my leadership roles.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

Before the Beacon Scholarship, I envisioned applications of leadership skills being positions like team captain, project coordinator, head prefects, etc. While all those positions are examples of leadership, leadership can be found more generally in everyday life. It is not a position, but a mindset. The Beacon Scholarship has exposed me to personal development that I never would have received anywhere else. This year’s Emotional Intelligence and Personal Branding seminars were some workshops that extensively changed the way I portray myself to everyone around me, building on my personal and leadership skills. The Beacon Scholarship has helped me hone my character and the leader in me. In addition, being a Beacon Scholar at UWC East Africa has a given me the opportunity to grow in an environment I previously would not have had access to, settling me in an environment where I can learn and grow. I am fundamentally a better leader because of the Beacon Scholarship.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

I have most benefited from the information and discussions in the Beacon workshops and seminars, as they have broadened my horizons as a leader through expanding my toolkit of theories and leadership styles, which I’ve been able to use in leading different teams throughout this school year. I’ve also benefited from the public speaking practice that these sessions have awarded me, enabling me to be selected as a speaker at the TEDxDIA conference. The target sheet has also been a helpful tool through ensuring that my plans and targets are all intentional in working towards my goals.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

Having the Beacon scholarship has been more than a blessing. It has played an important role in shaping me into the strong and independent leader that I am today. Through Beacon, I have not only grown as a leader but as a person as well. This is important because, the more mature and emotionally intelligent I am as an individual, the more effective I become as a leader.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

The Beacon Scholarship has helped me tremendously in all areas of my academic and leadership life. Apart from being the reason why I can attend a prestigious school, I have been able to take away so much from the online seminars, as they provided me with the leadership skills and knowledge that I transferred into my student leadership life. With the knowledge and motivation acquired from the Beacon family, I was able to represent my school in our first AISA GISS conference as a student leader, lead the U15 football team to a victory, and qualify as a gold medallist in the World Scholars Cup competition in Arusha. In short, the Beacon scholarship allows me to have a title to live up to; it gives me a reason to achieve much more as a student and as a leader, it gives me a reason to do my best and to continue achieving excellence across all areas.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

I have been inspired to take the initiative and not to wait for others to start doing things. I have learned that if you want a change to happen you must make that change happen as soon as possible because nobody else will do it. Having the title of a Beacon Scholar also motivates me to get out of my comfort zone and be a Changemaker. The Beacon Scholarship has also taught me to be disciplined and to be a role model.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

The workshops throughout the academic year have helped me to develop my leadership skills in several ways. My confidence and oracy skills have increased greatly since I joined the Beacon Scholarship. I am also now able to lead people in a way that is not purely autocratic but also inclusive. I have become more empathetic towards people who I am leading.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

Ever since I was blessed with this amazing opportunity, I have strived to take on leadership roles, to develop relationships and to develop my own character. Not only have I learned a lot and become a better person I genuinely feel that I positively impact the people around me due to all that I have been taught and all that I have had to figure out in my time within the programme, I am truly grateful.”

Beacon Scholar, 2023

Winning the Beacon Scholarship itself is a huge confidence boost when it comes to leadership skills. Being part of the Beacon gave me an opportunity to participate in Changemaking workshops where I learned leadership tactics, team roles, intense self-assessment, personal branding, and prioritization of duties and responsibilities. Applying these skills has positively impacted my leadership journey since it helped me gain trust from my fellow students, my teachers, and members of staff. This led me to achieve a total of four leadership roles at the beginning of Year 12 (all stated in my target sheet) and one prefect role at the start of Year 13.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

Being a part of the Beacon family has opened the door to like-minded individuals, encouraging communication through the rich network of both staff and students, and this has strengthened my communication and collaboration skills. Aside from this, the leadership programme has challenged me to grow as a leader through the annual Target Sheets, which fuel my ambition and grow my achievements.

Beacon Scholar, 2022

The Beacon Scholarship identity and honor have given me various opportunities and the motivation to work on and fine-tune my leadership skills in several ways. I am the school’s youngest member of the Student Government. I also volunteer as a Captain across several sports to encourage younger kids. I believe that this was only possible because the Beacon had given me a title to live up to, meaning that because of the Scholarship, I was more motivated to go out of my comfort zone and strive to attain leadership roles that were out of reach before I attained the Beacon Scholarship.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

Having the Beacon Scholarship has helped me develop as a leader and as a person. It has opened me up and made me more aware of the importance of different leadership positions I take. From group leader in a science project to heading my Service as Action group, I have become more aware of these positions and what they mean and require of me as a leader. The Beacon Workshops and Seminars have also helped me develop and embody leadership traits, giving me a better understanding of what it means to be a leader, styles of team leadership, and useful skills a leader should have.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

From the seminars and my peers, I have learned how to react to different scenarios as a leader and implement these lessons in my daily life. I have also learned that there is always someone to turn to when in a tough spot. This helped me overcome obstacles with the support of my mentor and Beacon Buddy, which I encountered as a student representative, rugby vice-captain, or as lead navigator in P.A. The Beacon seminars also provided insight into how to be an effective leader, team member, and work well with others.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

My leadership skills have been developed by being pushed to think outside the box, becoming an effective changemaker, and positively influencing others. My thoughts are constantly being challenged as a leader, causing me to think more critically to get the best outcome from any situation. I have also grown into a more effective changemaker within my community by making a difference to others and having a positive impact as a leader on my peers. Throughout this, I have also attained a significant leadership position, giving me the opportunity to use my leadership skills in suitable situations.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

Being a Beacon Scholar has greatly improved my leadership skills. I have further developed my public speaking skills and improved how I give feedback, as it is now more positive. My confidence has grown, enabling me to participate more in debates at school. Lastly, I have been promoted to a school prefect, showing that the school management sees the potential in me.

Beacon Scholar, 2022

The Beacon Scholarship has provided me with the tools to improve my leadership skills by offering opportunities to attend online workshops. In these workshops, I have learned different and effective techniques that leaders worldwide use, which I now implement in my day-to-day life as a leader.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

Having the Beacon Scholarship has motivated me to strive for more leadership roles. I was team leader on our Presidential Awards Silver Expedition, where I applied much of what I had learned from past Beacon Workshops. For most of this expedition, I acted as a democratic leader, including everyone in decision-making to ensure they felt included and motivated. As we all had our specialist roles in the team, I also needed to use a laissez-faire style, which worked well. There were also times when I had to take charge.”

Beacon Scholar, 2022

“The most recent Public Speaking Workshop helped me improve my ability to speak publicly. Before, when I thought about public speaking, I only considered speaking to a crowd or presenting to a group. The workshop made me realize that public speaking also applies to interviews and other situations where you may not be fully prepared. It was an eye-opener about filler words like ‘um’ that disrupt the flow of speech.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

Having the Beacon Scholarship has helped me develop my leadership skills in many ways, particularly in communication. I have learned to intentionally communicate more effectively, and it has built up my confidence and accountability among my peers. I have also focused on developing others, as well as strategic thinking in achieving my own goals and helping others do the same. Responsibility and dependability are skills I’ve developed, and I was awarded a Presidential Award certificate after leading the Mount Kilimambogo expedition. I will attach the certificate, which will be presented at our closing.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

The regular Workshops have provided valuable insight into the skills and competencies of leaders, including personal development, public speaking, and personal branding. I have applied these skills to various leadership positions. Additionally, I have trained my mind to seek out leadership opportunities, even in non-traditional roles. I worked closely with my mentor to improve my confidence and make the most of all opportunities, including learning from mistakes. Motivated by Beacon’s virtual workshops, I was selected for the 2021 CDC Museum Public Health Academy Online Summer Course, a highly competitive programme with 650 applicants. I’m very excited to pursue this course.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

Beacon Workshops have boosted my confidence in public speaking, which has helped me participate more in class and express my opinions more clearly. I usually work independently, but Beacon has taught me the importance of teamwork. I’ve come to understand the value of different team roles and how each contributes to the group. I’ve learned new ways to lead a team and how my personality influences my leadership style.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

Having the Beacon Scholarship has really helped me develop my leadership skills in various ways. Firstly, it has increased my confidence, especially in public speaking. The Workshops have enhanced and sharpened the skills I already possessed. Moreover, they’ve taught me the importance of self-discipline and situational awareness. I have also learned to adjust my leadership style depending on the situation, which has greatly improved my strategic thinking.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

Having the Beacon Scholarship has helped me realize that I must always take the extra step and take action, rather than waiting for others. Over the past year, I have learned that leadership styles need to change depending on the task at hand and the team members involved. For example, if the activity is time-constrained, you might need to be authoritative. If the team members are experienced, you may only need to guide them. I’ve also learned to be more self-aware so that I can continuously improve and become a better leader.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

As a Beacon Scholar, I’ve had additional opportunities to grow as a leader. The Scholarship increased my awareness of the various leadership opportunities at school. I became more conscious of these opportunities and actively participated in them, whether in group projects, directing activities for a club, or working with the student government to represent different perspectives. After each experience, I improved in various areas such as conflict resolution, representing diverse viewpoints, motivating team members, and building stronger relationships with my team. The Beacon Scholarship has truly helped me enhance my leadership qualities, and I can’t express how much I’ve grown as a leader.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

Having the Beacon Scholarship has given me the confidence to express myself through my strengths and ask for help with my weaknesses. It has improved my teamwork skills and taught me how to listen more effectively to others. I’ve also learned public speaking skills, which have helped me guide my peers and speak up when necessary. Additionally, it has encouraged me to think outside the box when faced with problems and find innovative solutions.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

Firstly, through the Workshops and Seminars, I’ve learned important leadership attributes and skills. Discussing these concepts in a group setting has really helped cement them in my mind. Secondly, the independence and platforms provided by the Beacon, such as setting targets and participating in the citizenship programme, have allowed me to practice and apply these skills in my life, making me a better leader.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

“Being a Beacon Scholar is a privilege. I have access to various Beacon Workshops, target sheet follow-ups, Masterclasses, reading materials, and mentoring programmes. I regularly note down the lessons I learn and try to apply them to my daily activities, which helps me develop positive habits. Knowing I am a Beacon Scholar is a huge source of motivation, and I am always striving to improve myself.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

“Being a Beacon Scholar has greatly improved my leadership skills. Participating in the Beacon Workshops has encouraged me to contribute to every session. As a result, I’ve improved my public speaking skills and gained more confidence, which has allowed me to lead group projects in class and participate in debate competitions.”

Beacon Scholar, 2021

“Being a Beacon Scholar, I have learned the vital skills a leader needs to be effective and transformative. It is easy to be a leader, but what is difficult is the ability to effect change, achieve team goals efficiently, utilize team members’ skills without overworking them, and ensure their individual targets are met. From learning negotiation skills to self-management, I can now handle leadership positions without feeling overwhelmed. I have flourished as a leader who makes an impact in various spaces.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

Despite the circumstances, I was able to learn an immense amount beyond the workshop because of the interconnectedness of the scholarship. During the workshop, I was enlightened about self-management and learned that before managing a team, you have to manage yourself. I began applying the soft skills I learned, such as when I was co-chair of the Machakos committee. Additionally, I kept in touch with my fellow scholars, who shared their skills. Through this sharing and communication, I gained new perspectives on things I thought I already understood.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

Every year, I feel my confidence growing. The leadership workshops help me develop many of the skills needed to become a great leader. The recent workshop on stress and time management was very useful, teaching us to be proactive with our time. I was slightly disappointed when the team-building workshop was postponed to the summer because understanding and working with others is crucial.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“The Beacon Scholarship has greatly helped me develop leadership skills. The Target Sheets, paired with feedback reports, constantly encourage me to look for leadership opportunities. This year, I was elected house captain for Olympia and provided leadership to secondary school students. I worked with the student council to organize large school events, which enhanced my daily leadership mindset, whether among peers or family. Frequent workshops throughout the academic year have also strengthened my leadership skills. The workshops are always well-themed, with a clear link to leadership.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“It has made me more confident. The workshops we attend have proven to be really helpful, showing me how to become a stronger and more effective leader. The team-building workshop in Nairobi was exceptional and improved my leadership skills significantly. I also greatly benefited from the workshop held at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania earlier this year.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“The Beacon Scholarship has taught me to be more receptive to the people in my team and to consider everyone’s different personalities and skills, which ultimately contribute to our success. I’ve also learned that achieving a goal requires passion and perseverance. There will be obstacles, and having a team of people with different skill sets makes the journey easier and more successful.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“Being on the Beacon Scholarship has greatly improved my confidence and communication skills. It has taught me how to openly share my thoughts and voice my opinions. I’ve become more outgoing, both in and out of class, and am more open to taking risks and trying new things. Compared to last semester, I now take initiative to lead class activities and engage more during group work. I have also involved myself in sports and community activities much more than before.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“Having the Beacon Scholarship has helped me develop my leadership skills in many ways. It has taught me the importance of teamwork in achieving tasks. My communication skills have improved tremendously. When I first joined Beacon, I found it difficult to share my thoughts and opinions, especially in public speaking. But thanks to the many workshops, I have overcome this fear. I can now speak out and share my thoughts without hesitation. The scholarship has also improved my presentation skills and helped me overcome stage fright, particularly during citizenship project presentations.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“Through the Beacon Scholarship, I have learned valuable traits and skills on how to be a leader through various workshops. It encourages me to develop and practice these skills daily, especially in school with target setting. Being a Beacon Scholar gives me a leadership mindset, and I feel it’s my duty to lead others and create positive change.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“The Beacon Scholarship has exposed me to leadership potential I didn’t know I had until being part of the Beacon family. It has drastically developed my leadership skills and shaped me into a leader, with many of my classmates looking up to me as a Beacon Scholar. The activities, such as reading leadership books, and guidance, like workshops and the privilege of studying at one of the best schools in Tanzania, have kept me motivated to become a greater leader and a better citizen of my country.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“The Beacon Scholarship has allowed me to attend amazing workshops where I’ve learned crucial leadership skills. These skills have not only pushed me to take on more leadership positions in and outside school but also allowed me to be an effective leader in these roles. Lessons on negotiation helped me plan events and work in large groups, and our recent workshop on goal setting reaffirmed what I wanted to achieve and how I could go about it. It has built my confidence and my ability to interact with others.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“I have become more outspoken and less hesitant around strangers and classmates. I am now more confident in my social abilities, making me more articulate around people I might have previously been intimidated to approach. I don’t overthink social cues as much anymore; they come more naturally. This increased extroversion is a direct result of the Beacon workshops, where I am pushed to act this way. As a result, more people listen to what I have to say.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“My scholarship has benefited my leadership skills greatly. Moving into the sixth form was tough, as many students already knew each other and had established reputations. The Beacon workshops gave me the skills I needed to gain recognition and demonstrate my leadership. The team-building workshop taught me how to manage a team with different thinking styles, ages, and personalities. The negotiation workshop was also particularly helpful, as I often found myself mediating situations, especially as the chair of the community service committee.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“The Beacon Leadership Team has helped me build a wide range of skills. I’ve learned how to work better with others, especially in team settings. I’ve set realistic yet ambitious targets and stayed on track to achieve them in various areas of my life. Through seminars and workshops, I’ve become a better leader by learning to manage my time and stay motivated through tough circumstances. I’ve also learned to network effectively and listen deeply before presenting my ideas. I’m ready and eager to continue growing through Beacon!”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

“The Beacon Scholarship has taught me that being a leader is not about me, but about teaching people to do the right things and leaving a legacy. It has also taught me that it’s good to help someone in need. I’ve learned to delegate duties effectively.”

Beacon Scholar, 2020

Parent Feedback

How has being a Beacon Scholar helped the Scholar during the course of the last year?

“The scholarship has been of value to not only XXX but also the entire family! She has become very responsible, especially in taking her target sheet seriously. As a parent, it is a very good thing to witness her growing commitment.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“Another important aspect that is clearly a positive impact of this scholarship was the process of XXX choosing the citizen project! I supported her with inputs and guidance, but it was very clear to her that she wanted to do a citizen project that aligned with her career aspirations. It was thrilling to observe, and I’m glad she was happy with the option she chose.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“I have watched XXX transform into a confident young man, taking up leadership roles with enthusiasm. During this year, he has made us proud by performing well academically, participating in the school production, various art and music events, and actively engaging in sports. He has received various awards for these efforts. Notably, during the annual speech day, XXX was the Master of Ceremony, and he carried himself with a maturity that can only be instilled by a leadership programme such as Beacon. We are proud of him and grateful for this opportunity, which is indeed shaping him into a leader in every capacity.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“Being a Beacon Scholar, XXX jumps at any opportunity to showcase his skills as a leader, especially the skills that distinguish him from others. Over the last year, XXX has learned to bounce back from failures, become more hard-working and persistent, and aims to make an impact at every opportunity. He dreams big, and Beacon has enabled him to grow in a way that will help him achieve his ambitious objectives in life.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“The benefits that XXX has gained from obtaining the Beacon scholarship are innumerable. These range from those gained as a Beacon scholar to those gained as a student at HOPAC. XXX has acquired several skills from Beacon’s educational workshops, including leadership, mentoring, teamwork, public speaking, and personal branding. These skills have enhanced her leadership roles in the teams and projects she has been involved with throughout the past year, leading to even more leadership opportunities.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“This scholarship has helped XXX build her confidence and manage her time well. She has been able to complete all her school assignments while working on Beacon projects without compromising time for either. The scholarship has also made her more disciplined and self-motivated.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“The target-setting and accountability framework offered by the Beacon Scholarship has enabled XXX to mature considerably over the past year, broaden his outlook on life, and maintain a very high level of performance.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“Beacon has nurtured and supported XXX’s academic and personal growth. It has not only provided him with numerous opportunities to excel academically but also facilitated the development of crucial life skills and encouraged active engagement within the community.”

Beacon Parent, 2023

“Joining the Beacon family has sharpened XXX’s vision and provided her with thinking-methods to make those visions realities. Upon completing her Target Sheets, XXX now breaks down her long-term goals into smaller and more achievable targets. We are proud that she is now adopting these practical techniques that are relevant to the real world.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“Over the last two years, I have seen XXX grow from a boy into a fine young man. He has become more responsible and confident in taking up leadership roles. He has come out of his shell and put himself out there, which has resulted in his being chosen to be in the Student Council and also the leader of his Presidential Award Group. He is head of the junior debate team for his house and participated in a music solo at a school event. Beacon has given him skills, a platform, and the confidence to open up and take on these diverse roles.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“I am still and will continue to be very grateful to Beacon for awarding this Scholarship to my daughter. Being a Beacon Scholar has helped her a lot. She is now good at time management. She has a lot on her desk—schoolwork, Beacon projects, Cambridge examinations, etc. But the way she has been able to manage her time is just amazing.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“Through various programmes that Beacon had organized for the Scholars, like project writings, Zoom conferences, presentations, and target settings, her analytical and leadership skills have improved a great deal, to the extent that she was appointed netball captain and dormitory monitor. Her participation in and contributions to our community development are also worth mentioning here. She has been mobilizing resources to help out a local girls’ centre.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“XXX has matured during this academic year, finding his voice more and more, and becoming more confident in himself. He has settled in well to year X and is serious about his studies. He appreciates the opportunity to join the many Beacon seminars, where he continues to deepen his understanding and application of leadership skills. I think he has developed a deeper appreciation of values in leadership, and he is more willing to contribute in groups. He is more accepting of himself, and thus of others. He also appreciates the community he is part of with the Beacon and learns from others’ experiences.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“XXX has developed leadership skills, and this has been demonstrated in her joining the Student Council, where she has contributed to continuous improvement ideas in her school. The exposure to the trainings has had an impact on her communication, people, and presentation skills. The Target Sheets have enabled her to set performance targets in a structured way and achieve them. She has done very well in year X, and we are so proud of her and very grateful for the opportunity. Overall, XXX is developing into an exceptional leader both at school and at home. Being a Beacon Scholar has offered her valuable opportunities and had a positive impact on her personal development.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“XXX is growing more confident in her leadership skills and always puts herself in a position to help, support, and lead people. We have seen more signs of this ever since she joined Beacon. She has also understood her areas for growth in greater depth. However much she is our daughter, it is truly admirable to see such an extent of leadership skills in a young girl. By providing her with a leadership scholarship, we can continue to watch XXX grow to become an exceptional young lady, ready to serve her community.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“Her teamwork spirit has improved a lot. She has been mobilizing her fellow students to do various school projects; in other words, she has been taking people with her. The Scholarship has made it possible for her to meet other students from other international schools and brainstorm on contemporary problems currently facing the world, and possible solutions for these problems.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“XXX has never failed to impress me since he won the Beacon Scholarship. His level of thinking has expanded in an unimaginable way. Back then, he usually told me that he enjoyed critical thinking, but I had a few doubts about his statement. His actions have now proven to me that he is a responsible adult even before reaching 18. His level of confidence keeps increasing day by day, and he is usually open to approaching problems and solving them on his own.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“XXX has really grown intellectually and socially. Her move from a relatively small school to a large school was not easy. However, she has steadily found opportunities for extracurricular activities and leadership at school and beyond it. Her school performance has improved, and she has taken advantage of gaining skills and competences from Beacon Workshops, mentorship, and networking with other Beacon Scholars.”

Beacon Parent, 2022

“XXXX has learned a lot from the Beacon Scholarship in the past years, and I have seen her grow into a young, responsible girl. This last year was hard as most learning went online, but XXXX was consistent and handled the Covid situation around her very well.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“During the last year, I saw XXXX grow like never before. She got herself all together despite the challenges we went through, which really demonstrated emotional intelligence. XXXX has worked very hard, and after resuming school, her grades shot up. She has also demonstrated a love for learning and was picked as a team player during the making of jerrycans and hand wash basins. I admired the resilience she demonstrated when she led her team on the summit at the Mount Kilimambogo expedition. She has mastered the art of self-management with minimal supervision.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“Being a Beacon Scholar has made XXXX more confident and forthcoming. Working on the team-building exercises during the Workshops, XXXX has learned to do research, take responsibility for his role, and be a team player. He has also learned new skills from his peers on how to record a presentation, how to present his ideas, and most importantly, how to handle criticism. Moving to a big school has been a challenge, and online studying was a great test of self-discipline. The Beacon Scholarship has had a phenomenal impact on XXXX as he settled. Teen years come with their own pressures, but due to the continuous interaction, follow-ups, target sheets, and workshops, it has kept XXXX centered and focused on what is truly important. The reading list as part of the scholarship has also expanded his thinking and introduced him to new authors and different types of books, which he has really enjoyed and shared with others. Exposure to the Scholarship and other Scholars has given XXXX a network and connection with young people who want change and who stand out to make a difference. This has been a priceless experience for him.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“First of all, may I take this opportunity to thank the Beacon Fraternity for awarding XXXX this scholarship. Without the Beacon Scholarship, there is no way that XXXX could have managed to get to the next level of her education. The scholarship has enabled her to pursue her dreams and given her the opportunity to continue studying at an international school. It has made it possible for her to meet other students from other international schools and brainstorm on contemporary problems facing the globe, as well as possible solutions. Through various programmes that Beacon has organized for the scholars, like project writings, Zoom conferences, presentations, and target settings, XXXX’s analytical and leadership skills have improved a great deal, to the extent that she was appointed netball captain and dormitory monitor. Her participation in and contributions to our community development is something also worth mentioning here.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“XXXX has become more responsible and independent. She works without supervision and even during the lockdown attended all her classes promptly without fail. She is also much more confident; being a Beacon Scholar has impacted her life positively.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“Being a Beacon Scholar has helped XXXX improve her leadership skills at home, in school, and even as she conducts her Citizenship Projects. Her public speaking and self-confidence have greatly improved. Financially, the Beacon Scholarship has supported us as a family in a huge way. With the Covid pandemic that extensively affected our extended family, Beacon helped keep our child in school without much financial strain. Through Beacon, our child XXXX has become a better citizen, and she extends her learning to the family, making us all improve our roles in improving the communities we live in.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“Beacon has supported me in giving proper education to my child. Without Beacon, I would not have managed to send my child to a good school. I really appreciate the support and always encourage my son to study hard because he is very fortunate and blessed to get such an opportunity. Beacon is not only supporting my son’s education but has also become my partner in raising XXXX by supporting me financially and assisting by providing education on behavior changes. I really appreciate all the arrangements done for my son to be more creative and focused through smart programmes every year. Also, the whole family has changed their behavior by avoiding unnecessary expenses and saving some money for XXXX’s education to ensure we have enough savings in his account.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“XXXX has benefited significantly from being a Beacon Scholar. It has provided him with numerous opportunities and opened many doors for him. It has helped him become a more productive and valuable member of the community. Over the school break and vacations, he has applied what he learned in school to assist his siblings with academics, as well as his friends in sports activities. Along with that, he has developed a lot of friends at school and in the Beacon community, which has given him additional options to turn to when we, as parents, are unable to comprehend or assist in certain situations. He is more appreciative of what he has, the people who support him, and his abilities as a result of receiving the Scholarship. It has provided him with a lot of opportunities to hone his skills and improve. We believe that this chance has impacted him for the better. We have always known that he has the capacity for change, but now he believes it and has the means to work on himself to bring that change about, which is very encouraging. I am pleased to report that he has emerged stronger and more knowledgeable. As a Beacon Scholar, he has had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by people who care about him and who fully support his aspirations and ambitions. We are grateful for the scholarship and the person our son is becoming as a result of it.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“The Beacon Scholarship continues to give invaluable support to XXXX with his education. Without it, there would be no chance of his being educated in such a high-quality school. The continued experience of being a Scholar gives him a strong foundation to learn more about the world, people, relationships, and issues in society. The various workshops put on throughout the year enable him to learn new skills, cooperate, and work together with other Scholars in the community. Being a Scholar is a source of pride for him, and I think this has boosted his self-confidence. This is important, given his background, and hopefully, this will spur him on to believe in himself as he becomes a young man in the coming years and ventures further out into the world. The projects and targets provide an additional boost for him throughout the year, encouraging him to explore important societal issues, and the process challenges him to question how he can contribute positively towards some of these problems.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“This has been quite a disruptive year for XXXX in that, due to the Covid pandemic, he missed out on being physically present at school for two terms. He was one of three students studying online for the last term. The independent, self-driven skills gained from the Beacon Target setting exercise and the self-starter spirit gained from the Citizenship Project both enabled him to remain focused, on top of his classes, assignments, and school schedule, doing a lot of self-learning most of the time. He was able to do his exams and also contribute and attend various House or class sessions. The interpersonal skills gained from networking with the different Beacon students and the various team-building and leadership workshops developed a resilient and positive attitude in XXXX during this time, and he displayed the confidence to still try to be present and contribute in classes, even if he was the only one online most of the time. He had a great attitude all through the term, even though he would have preferred to be at school with his peers. The Beacon Scholarship leadership programme has done nothing but the best in developing XXXX’s leadership potential and his approach to tough situations.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

“XXXX has really grown as a person, as a scholar, and as a leader, having recovered from a major setback of peer pressure and contrabands. He has sought and served in multiple leadership roles at school. He has recently applied to be Head Boy and is awaiting results. His grades have stabilized, and he has also been able to apply for a prestigious summer school. He is now reading widely and watching detailed documentaries. He has taken serious responsibility for his challenges, and we have been able to turn a corner.”

Beacon Parent, 2021

We have seen XXXX’s leadership abilities grow. She was able to organise and lead her classmates to a community service project in Machakos. This was a challenging moment for XXXX because although she was leading the project, she had to also be at the Beacon Leadership Symposium in Nairobi. She had to use her negotiation skills learned from Beacon previously to negotiate with the school and the community service teachers in charge to allow her back in time for the Symposium. On the home front, she has used the same leadership skills acquired to help her younger brother organise himself and be able to accomplish home chores and activities. Last, but not least, XXXX has learned never to give up whenever the going gets tough. She has learned how to think of innovative ways of solving a problem, exemplified by her ability to progress her Kibera project despite all the odds occasioned by political campaigns during that period. She was able to get the walls done.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX has come a very long way! I have seen her grow from Prep school to Senior School. She has gained self-resilience, willpower, and drive to do things with minimal supervision. She has shown her interest in the three sciences, and I saw her organise several Zoom classes for revision with her classmates, in which she was selected as the leader of the group. XXXX is highly respected by her peers. The Beacon Scholarship has really supported her to execute her leadership skills and grow.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX has continued to grow as an all-rounded child. This year was XXXX’s Year 9. She transferred to the senior school, and because of her Beacon scholarship, she quickly settled down and became visible to the whole school. She presented her citizenship project at the whole school assembly during the second week of the school year. After settling into school, she continued to display a level of maturity and responsibility far above her peers. She has managed the challenges associated with virtual learning during this Covid-19 period very well, and I owe all this to her Beacon Scholarship. XXXX has also taken up leadership in the family seriously and has been very influential to the 12 other children that have been part of our family this year, eight of whom are much older than her. She has actively participated in gardening, cooking, laundry, and cleaning for the entire family, with no external or machine support.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX has really grown as a person, as a scholar, and as a leader. He now manages his affairs very well with a sense of ownership and responsibility. He has taken a keen interest in making sure that he reaches his targets as an all-rounded scholar. XXXX has participated in Beacon and International School of Kenya Round Square leadership workshops. XXXX has read two interesting modern-day leadership books, Malala and Trevor Noah. He also took the opportunity to read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. He became fond of the book, and we discussed a lot of leadership challenges during that time. He is now reading a book by Benjamin William Mkapa, a distinguished statesman and the third president of the United Republic of Tanzania. XXXX contested and was elected a house captain. Academically, he has achieved superior knowledge in sciences. XXXX also participated in the World Scholar’s Cup-2019 Arusha Round, which included six schools. He won three silver medals (Challenge Arts, Team Writing, and Team Countdown). In addition, he has done well in his extracurricular activities, such as music, and has performed in various school events. XXXX was scheduled to sit for his Stage IV ABSRM violin exam after passing Stage III, but unfortunately, it was postponed due to COVID-19. He has represented his school in basketball, soccer, and rugby tournaments. I feel like he is very independent, expressive, and argumentative. He spoke in the media and has continued with his Instagram account to raise awareness about environmental issues.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

I have to admit that without the Beacon Scholarship, my daughter XXXX could not have attended a top school, which to me is expensive. There is no way that I could have raised more than USD 18,000 in school fees needed for XXXX! My gratitude goes to the Beacon Team for granting me this much-needed scholarship. The scholarship has enabled my daughter to get not only tuition fees but also boarding fees, which has really enabled her to concentrate on her studies. The scholarship has enabled XXXX to increase her leadership skills through various workshops that she attended in Kenya and Tanzania. Through the scholarship, XXXX was able to meet other students from different schools, which has broadened her thinking ability and work perspective. In a nutshell, I strongly believe that XXXX’s good performance in school has been attributed to the scholarship. I plead with the Beacon Scholarship Team to continue to support XXXX in her studies, as without this scholarship there is no way she can achieve her dreams.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX has assumed leadership roles in school and at home; she takes up challenges she would normally shy away from and interacts more freely with older people, even with our friends. Her schoolwork has also improved greatly, and she emerged top of her class in the last semester.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

The Beacon Scholarship has continued to be of enormous benefit to XXXX over the past year. He is now in his sixth year with the Beacon, and I continue to see XXXX growing into a responsible, reliable, talented, and honest young man. XXXX would not be able to go to such a school without the support of the Beacon, and with this support, he is able to receive an education in one of the country’s premier educational establishments. It gives him comfort to know that his school fees are supported, without the fear of their suddenly being taken away without notice. In addition, there is a healthy focus on his academic and extracurricular activities as a result of his Beacon targets, and I think this continues to help him plan, strategise, and put into action various plans and targets that he creates with his Beacon mentor. He has been afforded the opportunity for specific Beacon mentorship on important topics in leadership, and again, this can only broaden his horizons.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

The Beacon Scholarship has helped XXXX develop into a leader and become a massive contributor in his school. The Beacon Scholarship has given him a mindset that encourages him to set a good example and lead his peers in the right direction. The workshops have given him the confidence to strive to make an impact in the school. The Beacon Targets have enabled XXXX to explore the vast range of opportunities at his school, and he has therefore developed many valuable skills that are not academic. The Targets have also resulted in XXXX being self-driven, responsible, and accountable for his results and success—demonstrating great self-organisation, time management, and self-drive to accomplish his work and study to achieve good results, always aiming high to exceed expectations. The scholarship has helped him work hard in class and strive for the best, which he has accomplished in many areas. The citizenship project and the emphasis on being a change-maker have made XXXX realise the many problems in the world and inspired him to make change and encourage his peers to do the same. Without the scholarship, XXXX would not have developed such a range of skills and such a positive mindset.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

I would like to express my heartfelt and sincerest gratitude for sponsoring my son under Beacon Trust, which is a real privilege and honour that I didn’t expect in my life considering being a single parent. Thank you very much. We always pray for the Almighty to bless you and guard you. You have such a good heart. Without your most generous contribution, I don’t know how I would have managed to pay for my son’s education. My son has been working very hard to ensure he reaches his dreams; he is studying hard to ensure he uses the opportunity he has to be a good leader and fulfil his future. The scholarship has changed XXXX’s life; he is now saving whatever cents he gets for his education and he doesn’t spend on unnecessary things. This has also changed our family lifestyle, where we have learned to control our family expenses and avoid spending money on other expenditures like buying clothes or vacations in order to save money for XXXX’s education. He is even more committed now and using this chance efficiently so he can make the best out of this opportunity. I am proud of my son, and thank you Beacon Trust.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX has really come out of his shell over the last year. He expresses himself much better and is super engaged with his schoolwork. For the first time in a long while, he is visibly enjoying school. I think the school has just opened up a whole new world for him with regards to sports, tech, art, and a lot more. He is making the most of his talents as well. An example of this is when he took up the saxophone. XXXX is extremely talented in music and was quickly moved up a level by his teacher (from beginner’s band to concert band). He is pushing himself to learn more about the jazz style of music. XXXX has always been a reader, but I find that some of the books he has read from the Beacon reading list, like Malala, Drive, Outliers, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, etc., have changed his scope positively, and he has become more reflective in his assessment of them. The school’s system also enables him to be more in touch with current affairs as they dive into world issues, and he has opinions on the same based on research he has done.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

With the knowledge that XXXX has attained so far from the Beacon leadership programme and workshops, she continues to thrive and challenge herself to reach higher goals in her life. She has gained the confidence to pursue other goals, despite her busy school schedule, like being accepted on a full scholarship to participate in the Summer Academy of the New York Times and founding the GYB, an online magazine that explores life today as a youth. As XXXX’s parents, we appreciate that the Beacon Scholarship has enabled her to recognise her full potential early in her academic career, and we are sure that as she completes her final year in high school, that she will have fostered its growth and will be well-placed to distinguish herself from her peers by the time she applies to university. Even with the challenges that we are all facing with the COVID 19 pandemic, I have seen XXXX display her “can-do” attitude and true leadership qualities by organizing and hosting her school’s first online assembly, which by itself, was a daunting task that required her to mobilize the student council to pull it off successfully.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

Last year, I mentioned XXXX was taken out of his comfort zone due to attending Beacon leadership workshops and interacting with a lot of unfamiliar people. This year I would say XXXX has mastered public speaking and is more versatile and willing to meet new people. Secondly, XXXX has developed an interest in reading leadership books and has built more meaningful relationships with his peers and beyond. One of the citizenship projects he thought he was going to undertake was to sensitize deaf children in Kampala on hygiene and sanitation. However, due to the lockdown, he had to abruptly change his plans by partnering with an NGO that was active in hygiene and sanitation. Through these online meetings, a full-day presentation to the students was put together with XXXX and the team. They were supposed to have it before the lockdown took effect, but with schools closed, XXXX and the team had to go back to the drawing board to see how they could reorganize their event. With these abrupt changes and refocusing on something new, XXXX has become more versatile in dealing with new people and challenging situations.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX moved to a new school for her A levels in September of 2019. At her new school, she managed her transition well, acquainted herself with new students and teachers. XXXX opted to specialize in Maths, Chemistry, Music, and Physics—a course she enjoys the most. Beacon’s training tremendously helped XXXX adapt to the new school, acquaint herself with new students, and familiarize herself with teachers and the teaching programme. Through the confidence that Beacon instilled in XXXX, not only did she settle in well, but she was appointed a school prefect with the responsibility of managing health and safety concerns of the school. With the continuous Beacon workshops, XXXX has galvanized various skill sets and can adapt to any situation, become an agent of change, and take on leadership positions wherever she goes or is placed. XXXX is at that critical stage where she now needs Beacon to mold her into becoming that international global citizen and follow her passion in physics.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX officially joined her new senior school this year (January 2020) after completing the Kenya Secondary School Education Exams on 27th November 2019. He settled in well in school even though he had missed three months of the 1st term for Year 12. As a Beacon Scholar, I have seen XXXX remain focused on his academic goals, which indicate tremendous improvement from Term 2 to this Term, and more importantly, I have seen growth in ambition to learn new things, for example, self-time management—all with a strong aim to succeed. In his ardor to help others, he applied and succeeded in earning the position of Head of Peer Counselling in the new school so that he can help other students deal with day-to-day school stress-related challenges. He also applied and was shortlisted for a prefect position in the school. However, the interviews were not undertaken as the school had to close following the global pandemic.”

Beacon Parent, 2020

XXXX has continued to grow in her leadership skills and courage at all levels, first as leader of self, leader of others, and leader of a large organization such as EAMUS. XXXX got appointed this February as the Secretary General of both East Africa and Middle School Model United Nations. She was previously the Deputy Secretary General. The process was very competitive, and she did well. The skills gained in the Beacon leadership programmes have enhanced her leadership capability and improved her ability to lead others effectively, even during this Covid-19 crisis period. Her confidence as a leader, especially in a crisis, has greatly increased. This is the first time in the history of Model United Nations that they have had to recruit and issue exams online for the incoming directors joining the executive committee, and she ably led her team through the process.”

Beacon Parent, 2020