The 35 young women in the JAMS Class of 2021 have done us proud in the KCSE—Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education national exams. 100% qualified for vocational college programs and 60% qualified for 4-year university programs. JAMS placed #8 out of 247 secondary schools in its county, ahead of many older, more established schools.

JAMS students have out-performed expectations, especially given that in this exam cycle nationally only 53% qualified for vocational college and only 17% qualified for 4-year university.

In addition to the determination and intelligence of the JAMS students and teachers, we credit this success to innovative teaching methods and excellent facilities at JAMS, such as the library, computer lab, and science labs. We also credit the holistic approach of caring for the whole student—her intellectual and emotional wellbeing and her physical health—as well as providing nutritious meals and a supportive environment. Finally, the JAMS COVID Emergency Fund allowed the teachers to stay in contact with the students throughout the nine-month school shutdown, providing assignments, feedback, and encouragement in order to lessen the negative impacts of being out of school.

Many thanks to all the donors who have made it possible for JAMS to have such excellent teachers and facilities and to make a better future possible for bright, ambitious young women in need of a helping hand.