A Transformation Journey: Impact Begins with Small Steps
A Story by Kenneth Gichuki

My journey in the President’s Award Kenya has been one of the most transformative chapters of my young adult life. When I joined the Award programme, I expected to simply participate in the activities and complete the requirements. What I did not expect was the deep personal growth, the new perspectives, and the powerful sense of responsibility that would shape who I am today.

Discovering My Talents and Developing My Character

For my skills, I focused on teaching assistance, joking/social interaction, and most notably drawing, which has always been my main talent.

Each skill contributed to my development in a unique way:

• Teaching Assistance
  Working as a teaching assistant strengthened my patience, communication, and leadership. I helped learners understand concepts, supported teachers with class activities, and learned how to handle different personalities.
  Achievement: I became more confident in explaining ideas and guiding others.
  Shortcoming: In the beginning, I struggled with classroom management and felt nervous addressing larger groups. With practice, feedback, and the Award’s emphasis on continuous improvement, I learned to manage classes more effectively.
• Joking as a Social Skill
  Using humor responsibly taught me how to connect with people and create a comfortable environment.
  Achievement: I learned how humour can reduce stress, build friendships, and make learning fun.
  Shortcoming: Sometimes my timing was off or jokes didn’t land as expected, but this taught me emotional intelligence and the importance of reading the room.
• Drawing
  Drawing has always been my passion, and the Award gave me the opportunity to grow it into a disciplined skill.
  Achievement: I improved my creativity, technique, and confidence in sharing my artwork.
  Shortcoming: At first, I doubted myself and compared my work to others. Through practice, I learned to trust my process and appreciate my unique style.

These skills helped me grow both personally and socially, shaping my confidence and strengthening my identity.

Adventurous Journey (AJ) – Machakos Experience

My AJ in Machakos was a turning point. The journey was physically demanding, mentally stretching, and emotionally uniting.

The landscape, long distances, and unpredictable weather tested my endurance. Hiking up hills, navigating unfamiliar paths, and working together as a team brought out strengths in me that I didn’t know I had.

Achievements:

• Improved resilience and physical endurance
• Learned teamwork and leadership
• Built trust with fellow participants
• Overcame fear of failure during tough moments

Shortcomings and Challenges:

• I underestimated the physical difficulty at first
• Fatigue slowed me down on the second day
• I struggled to maintain pace and motivation during the steep climbs

But the support of my group, the encouragement from my leaders, and the purpose of the Award pushed me forward. By the end, I felt stronger not only in body, but in spirit. The AJ taught me that discomfort often leads to growth.

Residential Project (RP) – King’ong’o Maximum Prison, Nyeri

My RP at King’ong’o Maximum Prison was the most eye-opening and impactful part of my Award journey.

Walking into a maximum-security facility was intimidating at first. Meeting inmates, observing rehabilitation programs, and hearing personal stories gave me a new understanding of justice, forgiveness, and humanity.

Achievements:

• Developed empathy and maturity
• Gained insight into rehabilitation and second chances
• Contributed through service and engagement
• Strengthened my values of compassion and responsibility

Shortcomings and Challenges:

At first, I felt overwhelmed and unsure how to interact. I struggled with fear and stereotypes about inmates. It took time to adjust emotionally to the environment, but as the days went by, I grew more comfortable. I saw individuals who were eager to turn their lives around, men who valued education, skill-building, and transformation. This changed my perception completely. I learned that every person has a story, and every story deserves understanding.

The RP experience became a powerful reminder that service is not only about giving — it is also about learning.

How the Award Shaped Me

Through all the sections of the Award, I have grown in ways I never imagined:

• I became more disciplined, committed, and responsible
• I developed social confidence and emotional intelligence
• My creativity in drawing flourished
• My leadership and teamwork skills improved
• I learned the importance of service, compassion, and community
• I discovered my strengths and confronted my weaknesses
• I became more aware of my role in society

The journey had challenges — fatigue, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm — but each difficulty made the experience more meaningful.

Conclusion

The President’s Award has not only shaped me but also inspired me. It taught me that impact begins with small steps: a lesson taught, a laugh shared, a drawing created, a hill climbed, a conversation held in a place many fear to enter.

I now move forward with confidence, purpose, and the desire to continue serving my community. This Award journey has changed me, and I believe the lessons I gained will continue guiding me for many years to come.

My Award Journey: Finding My Voice
A Story by Rumit Heran

When I began my Award journey, I was a quiet person who struggled to speak in front of others. Even saying a few words felt scary. But slowly, through every activity, every challenge, and every moment of learning, something inside me began to change. I started finding courage I didn’t know I had.

The Award pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned to talk, to lead, to trust myself. I discovered that confidence doesn’t arrive suddenly, it grows slowly, with every small step. The first time I stood up and spoke in front of a group, my voice trembled… but I still spoke. That became the beginning of my transformation.

One of the most emotional moments of my life was walking up to receive my Award certificate from the President. In that moment, I felt tears in my eyes. I remembered the shy person I was when I started, and now here I was standing proudly, representing my journey, my institution, and the person I had become. I felt seen. I felt valued. I felt proud of myself in a way I had never felt before.

This Award didn’t just teach me skills.
It healed parts of me that once felt small.
It gave me confidence, purpose, and a voice that I now use to inspire others.

Today, as I assess the Award journey for my institution, I meet young people who remind me of my own beginning, quiet, unsure, and afraid to speak. And I guide them, because I know exactly how it feels and how beautiful the transformation can be.

My Award journey is more than an achievement.
It is a story of courage, growth, and finding myself.
A story I carry in my heart forever.

MY PRESIDENT’S AWARD JOURNEY AT KAMWENJA TEACHERS’ COLLEGE
A Story by Lucy Wairimu Wanjohi- A Gold Award Holder.

During my time a Kamwenja Teachers’ College, I was privileged to join a transformative program called President’s Award (PA). Under the dedicated guidance of our Award leaders, Madam Esther Mureke Kuria, OGW and Madam Susan Gikungu, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful services, personal growth and community impact like teaching in the nearby primary school, teach inmates, assist in laundry in the nearby hospital, assist in farm activities and working in the college kitchen. I also did the residential project and an Adventurous Journey (AJ).

TEACHING EXPERIENCE AT MATHARI PRIMARY SCHOOL

We used to go to Mathari Primary school to teach on every Thursday after the lessons.
This experience gave me hands-on exposure to a real classroom environment. I supported learners by teaching various subjects, helping with classroom management, and offering guidance to pupils who needed extra attention. It allowed me to apply teaching methods I was learning in college while also developing key professional skills such as communication, patience, confidence and adaptability.
Through this, I grew both personally and professionally. I learned to handle diverse learners, adjust my teaching to their needs, and work collaboratively with the school’s staff. This practical experience strengthened my passion for teaching and prepared me better for me future roles as an educator

ASSISTING IN LAUNDRY AT MATHARI HOSPITAL

Every Friday after our lessons we (PA participants) used to go to Mathari Hospital.
This experience taught me the value of service, humility and teamwork. We helped wash, iron, and fold large volumes of hospital linen, which required discipline, efficiency and attention to hygiene.
Working closely with hospital staff exposed me to demanding nature of hospital operations and the importance of cleanliness in patient care.
It was humbling and eye-opening experience that helped me grow in responsibility and respect for all types of work. It also strengthened my commitment to giving back to the community through meaningful acts of service.

TEACHING THE INMATES AT KING’ONG’O PRISON

We (PA Participants) used to visit the inmates most of the Saturdays. This experience was both impactful and fulfilling. We taught basic literacy and life skills, focusing on building confidence and offering hope through education. Despite their circumstances, the inmates were eager to learn, respectful and highly cooperative.
Teaching in that environment taught me empathy, adaptability and the importance of second chances. It also strengthened my communication and classroom management skills, as I had to adjust my approach to suit the unique needs of the learners. It was a powerful reminder that education can transform lives, no matter the setting.

WORKING IN THE COLLEGE FARM

As part of community service and responsibility in Kamwenja TTC, I took part in regular farm work under the guidance of our farm Manager, Mr. Musumba George.
We were involved in activities such as weeding, watering crops, clearing the farm, and sometimes planting and harvesting. The work taught us the value of hard work, teamwork and responsibility. It also helped us appreciate the effort that goes into food production and the importance of agriculture in our communities.
This experience built my sense of discipline, time management and showed me how practical skills can go hand in hand with

WORKING IN THE COLLEGE KITCHEN

We would take turns to clean the kitchen, wash the utensils and ensure everything was left sparkling clean. Sometimes, we assisted in meal preparation, especially during busy days or special events.
This experience taught me the importance of hygiene, teamwork and servant leadership. It helped develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the non- teaching staff who handle such duties daily. It also strengthened my ability to work well with others and take pride in maintaining a clean and organized environment.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

As part of PA Gold level, I participated in a 5-day project at King’ong’o prison. The goal was to rebuild the inner gate of the prison. We worked closely as a team, each member contributing ksh 2,500 to support the purchase of the materials. During this time, we cooked for ourselves, managed our daily duties and shared responsibilities equally.
The experience was eye-opening. We interacted with prison staff and inmates, learned prison life, and even attended a Sunday service with the inmates, which was deeply humbling and inspiring. On the final day, we planted over 10,000 trees within the compound as part of our environmental contribution.
This project helped me grow in areas of leadership, teamwork, service and empathy. It also improved my skills in planning, discipline, and community service, which are key values of the PA program.

THE ADVENTURUROUS JOURNEY (AJ)

As part of the Gold level in PA, I participated in a 4- day adventurous journey at the Aberdare Ridges. The journey involved walking a total of 80 kilometers, covering 20 kilometers each day. It was a physically and mentally challenging experience, but also incredibly fulfilling. We were grouped in groups and carried all the essentials we needed. We cooked our own meals and supported each other during the hike.
We were guided and monitored by award leaders and assessors, who ensured our safety and helped us reflect on the journey. The terrain was tough, the weather unpredictable, but the views were breathtaking, and the bond we created as a team was unforgettable.
This AJ helped me build resilience, endurance, independence and teamwork. It also gave me a deeper appreciation in overcoming difficult tasks.

Every activity helped shape me into a responsible and community- minded individual.
I’m proud to have reached the Gold level and look forward to receiving my certificate from the president.
I am grateful to our award leaders and fellow PA members who made the journey worthwhile.

Adventure, Learning, Service and Personal Growth
Story Submitted by St. John’s Teachers Training College.

We write to you to share an inspiring experience, one that combined adventure, learning, service, and personal growth. This experience was our hike up Kilimambogo Hill and our visit to Kiajahi Primary School as part of the Presidential Award – Kenya programme.

Our journey began early in the morning at the foot of Kilimambogo Hill. With our backpacks secure and our spirits high, we started the climb. At first, the trail was gentle, but soon the slope grew steeper, the rocks more challenging, and the sun much hotter. Yet with every step, something remarkable happened.

We learned teamwork, as fast climbers slowed down to support others.
We discovered leadership, as some volunteered to carry extra water and guide the group. We developed resilience, pushing ourselves forward even when our legs grew weak and tired.

Reaching the summit was more than just a physical achievement. Standing together, looking out over the vast plains below, we felt proud, united, and deeply aware of the beauty of nature. Kilimambogo taught us discipline, fitness, endurance, and the power of supporting one another.

After the descent, we continued our mission by visiting Kiajahi Primary School. The pupils welcomed us with warm smiles and eager hearts. There, we engaged them in lessons on environmental conservation, goal setting, and teamwork—lessons inspired directly by our hike.

This visit reminded us that service is not measured by the size of what we give, but by the impact we make in someone’s life. Ladies and gentlemen, our experience at Kilimambogo and Kiajahi Primary School showed us that growth happens in two ways:
Through challenging ourselves, and through uplifting others.

As President’s Award – Kenya participants, we are not just adventurers, we are leaders, change-makers, and ambassadors of positive impact in our communities.

Let us continue climbing new hills, serving others, and living the values that the Award stands for: confidence, courage, compassion, and commitment.