Student Leadership

When we think of student leadership, it is easy to focus on the visible symbols: the badges, the titles, and the podium speeches. However, at Braeburn Mombasa International School, we believe true leadership extends far beyond a title. It is found in the quiet moments of integrity, the willingness to listen to a peer in need, and the courage to voice new ideas that improve our shared community.

Student leadership is the heartbeat of our school culture. It is not merely about holding a position of authority; it is about cultivating a mindset of service. Whether organising a charity drive, mentoring younger students, or simply setting a positive example in the corridors, our students are learning that influence is earned through action, not just appointed by status.

It is with this in mind that we started the week with our Head Boy, Poul, and Head Girl, Aaliyah, inviting all students, whether a Prefect or not, to volunteer to lead future assemblies. Year 13 Christy and Dwyane then presented the Debate club the Year 13 students are leading independently on Wednesday afternoons, and encouraged all to come along and sharpen their debating skills through collaboration, mentorship and practical tasks.

Following a very well-delivered assembly by the Year 9 students on the topic of Positivity, Poul and Aaliyah introduced a new leadership scheme to the school. The Values Scheme is a three tier award: bronze, silver and gold. Each level contains a set of statements linked to the Braeburn Values and the Braeburn Mombasa vision:

Build brilliance together

Make a positive difference

Inspire each other

Strive for success

Students will complete an application form and be expected to give examples for each criteria. A teacher will need to sign the application form and act as a referee.

At Bronze level, students show they meet the school’s expectations so all students should successfully complete a Bronze application form.

At Silver level, students take additional responsibility, inspire others and are proactive.

At Gold level, students are role models and initiators. They model excellence and mentor others.

Following the assembly, Poul and Aaliyah started collecting data on how many students would like to apply for each tier and will be giving out application forms soon. We cannot wait to see all our students working on their applications and showing the whole community that they understand what it means to be part of the Braeburn Group of Schools.

In addition, Poul and Aaliyah are preparing a Leadership assembly with the secondary and primary prefects. On Monday next week, the team of student leaders will talk to the whole school about the meaning of leadership and present their new vision for student leadership at Braeburn Mombasa. It promises to be bigger and better with more students involved in events, academics and opportunities beyond the school and the entire student body given the chance to get involved. We look forward to hearing more about this from our Prefect body in the next edition of the newsletter.

Mme Mwangi