Jane Adeny Memorial School for Girls graduated 46 seniors in December 2024. The official graduation date is in December, after students sit for the Kenyan tests, but graduating JAMS seniors participate in a day of celebration with their families each June.

The June 2024 ceremony began by celebrating JAMS’ spirit as the graduates danced into the hall with music and choreographed style behind student leaders. Founder Dr. Teresa Wasonga (in the red scarf, right side of photo) danced in with them.

The Magic of JAMS

The graduation guest speaker, who danced into the ceremony with the graduates, talked about the importance of two qualities – gratitude and fortitude –  to success in their lives. JAMS cultivates these two attitudes among all their girls.

School president Aphline Akinyi observed that visitors often asked what made JAMS such a unique and successful school. Her response was that “the magic is love; love that has enabled us to live together as sisters.” In addition to thanking all those who helped the graduates succeed, she assured the audience that the confident and capable Class of 2024 would make them proud. Coming from a family  that could not afford high school fees, Aphline would have dropped out after 8th grade. Instead, thanks to Friends of JAMS, Aphline attended JAMS on a scholarship, and she became a highly-regarded leader.

Class Representative for 2024, Venesa Akoth, spoke about the history of JAMS and its growth since the founding in 2011 with 12 students. Venesa also attended JAMS on a scholarship provided by Friends of JAMS’ donors. Without the scholarship, she could not have advanced her education beyond 8th grade.

Guides for Future Success

An audience of family, friends, and JAMS alums cheered. Many of the graduating scholars are orphans. They have made a great many friends during their years at JAMS.

Alums return for graduation to applaud and to encourage the new graduates to continue their educations. Their well-established alumnae network delivers support and  practical advice to help the new graduates, most of whom will be the first members of their families to attend college.

Over the past 12 years, 86% of JAMS graduates have gone on to higher education, 60% to university and 26% to vocational and technical institutes.

We know they are well-prepared for the future. Congratulations to all the graduates and best wishes to them!