Natarajia kukutana nawe hivi karibuni ...

Reflecting on my educational journey, two schools stand out vividly in my memory—Hillcrest in Nairobi and Gordonstoun in Elgin, Scotland. Both offered us a global education, shaped by strong values, extraordinary role models, and a shared ethos of service and resilience, though with very different resources, and in two very different environments.

Hillcrest, a small day school in Nairobi, may not have had the vast resources of larger institutions, but it thrived on a spirit of adventure and experiential learning. We embarked on unforgettable trips—from bush safaris to the iconic Maasai Mara, and once even hired a Jumbo Jet to Serre Chevalier for an incredible group adventure. Hillcrest constantly tested us with challenges like figuring out how to get a gecko out of the bath, dealing with a tarantula on your arm, or knowing what to do if you stepped on a sea urchin or faced a snake bite. These were more than just lessons in survival; they were lessons in life. Assemblies encouraged quiet reflection, service to others, and embracing diversity, fostering a “Hillcrest Spirit” of resilience, unity, and lifelong learning. Did we fill the world with Hillcrest love? I think whether through breaking Olympic records on the field or putting on Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Coat. We most definitely, 'filled our world and communities with love'.

What truly set Hillcrest apart, though, were the exceptional role models who guided us—Nigel Slade, Rosie Chard, Clo Chard, Matt Binding, Mike Dixon, Nancy Davies, Ann Bowers, Andy Keough, Julie Orchard, Sam Thornton, our houses and our point systems. Go Nelion! These educators and this system believed in us, more than we believed in ourselves, pushing us to challenge our own core beliefs and grow as individuals and within our respective communities. They created an environment where we felt supported yet pushed (sometimes literally on skis) to become better versions of ourselves. Where else would we find such dedicated mentors, parents and such a loving community who saw more in us than we often saw in ourselves? Where else would we encounter such opportunities to thrive on and off the field and learn the need for boundaries and discipline.

Gordonstoun, renowned for its principles based on Kurt Hahn’s philosophy, offered a similarly values-driven education. The school’s ethos, Plus est en vous (There is more in you), encouraged us to push beyond our perceived limits. Gordonstoun’s focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service to the community fostered the development of well-rounded, resilient students. The role models here were equally impactful—Dr. Bull, Mark Pyper, Steve Brown, Carleen Broad, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Saddington, Mr. Appleby, Karen, Kenneth Bews, and the exceptional music department to name but a few, ?all contributed to an environment where learning was not just academic but deeply personal. They believed in our potential and challenged us to rethink who we were and what we could achieve.

Both Hillcrest and Gordonstoun, despite their differences in location and resources, shared a common commitment to developing well-balanced, happy students, prepared for a life of learning and service. These schools created environments where we not only learned how to succeed academically, but also how to lead meaningful, service-oriented lives. They educated children from diverse, international backgrounds, including political families, instilling in us values of courage, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility to the world around us.

Today, I look back with immense pride—not just at my own journey but at the remarkable lives of service my classmates from both schools have carved out. These were experiences shaped not just by the curriculum but by the unwavering dedication of role models who helped us become resilient, lifelong learners committed to making a difference. I will be in Nairobi delivering resilience workshops on the 19th and 20th of November and hope to see some of you at dinner . I cannot wait to hear your stories and your chat. Please DM me if you would like to come for dinner. ?

Natarajia kukutana nawe hivi karibuni (I look forward with joy to seeing you soon).