Darren Mong’are

16 years old, attending St. Andrew’s School, Turi, Kenya. Darren was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in June 2022.

Darren shows rigorous commitment to his studies and is a strong performer. He is confident in his selection and use of specific study skills and maintains a meticulous schedule, enabling him to reflect effectively and improve his grades. Achieving the highest grade in his year group, he was awarded most outstanding student in Religious Studies and Music. 

A gifted musician, Darren achieved Grade 8 Distinction in his ABRSM oboe exam. He is preparing to take his Grade 8 ABRSM piano and plays and performs regularly in the school orchestra. Darren was awarded most valuable player in the U19 school tennis squad. He is also a member of the athletics squad, attending regular training and fixtures. 

Darren is part of a bi-weekly tutoring rota for younger students at school and also tutors new members of the worship band. He speaks regularly at chapel and Faith Factor, actively building a rapport with the congregation. He is a member of the National English Honours Society and has used this platform to organise and run English language workshops for children. 

Darren uses his passion for music to inspire and uplift others. He has set up the music programme, Little Rock School Kibera, where he teaches children to read simple music and play the recorder, with some graduating to the trumpet and piano. Within school he has organised reading and writing workshops for children from the Turi Sulgwita Primary School. 

Beacon Workshop Participation

In Workshops, Darren has grown in confidence and developed his team leadership skills.

Beacon Summer Citizenship Project

Darren’s Summer Citizenship Project focused on supporting families living in informal settlements around the Dandora dump site, locally known as ‘Mukuru’, and raising awareness about their living conditions.