Aga Khan Education Service, Tanzania celebrates Class of 2025
From 27 May to 14 June 2025, graduation season swept across the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Tanzania, filling the schools with joy, pride and heartfelt reflection. From early years to higher secondary, each ceremony celebrated the students’ academic and personal milestones, a testament to their growth, resilience and collaborative spirit.
Parents, teachers, friends and members of AKES, Tanzania’s senior management team attended the ceremonies, alongside distinguished keynote speakers whose words inspired graduates to embrace their next chapters. Keynote speakers included Rebeca Gyumi, Founder and Executive Director of Msichana Initiative; Edith Mwiyombela, Associate Senior Manager, Talent Development at CRDB Bank; Taha Jiwaji, Founder and CEO of Beem Africa; Paul Muhato, Managing Director of Top Archive EA Limited; and Lina Ratansi, Managing Director at RSM East Africa.
At the Aga Khan Nursery and Primary School, Dar es Salaam, the KG3 students joyfully celebrated the completion of the early years stage of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. The graduation ceremony highlighted their development in key areas such as inquiry, confidence, creativity and communication.
“Graduation day was so special!” said Eleanora Shoo, a KG3 student. I felt happy going up on stage to get my certificate. I also loved singing graduation songs with my friends.”
Grade 6 students also commemorated the successful completion of the IB Primary Years Programme. The event recognised their hard work and embodiment of the IB learner profile attributes. These students are now equipped with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. They are eager to take on the new challenges and opportunities that secondary education will offer them in the coming years.
Meanwhile, at the Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School, Dar es Salaam, over 190 students from Grades 10 and 11 students were honoured for completing their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The graduation season culminated with the IB Diploma Programme ceremony for the Class of 2025, with many students receiving admission offers from renowned universities, such as the University of Central Missouri, Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai, the University of Northern British Columbia, Soka University of America and many more.
"Do not admire instant gratification because good things come to those who wait," said Mr Muhato during his keynote speech. “You have endured social pressure and all the distractions of this technological era successfully. It’s okay for things to be tough – such is life!”
Throughout their educational journeys, the graduating students have been actively involved in various impactful initiatives within the school and wider community. This can be seen with the students planting trees in the on-campus
micro-forest, conducting recycling drives and
repurposing plastic waste into ecobricks – demonstrating the schools’ strong commitment to sustainability, advocacy and social change. The students also participated in regional and global debate competitions, showcasing their public speaking and problem-solving skills.
“My time at the school was filled with quiet growth; moments of doubt, discovery and determination," said Sameeha Khatri, an IB Diploma Programme graduate. “Looking back, each experience added a new layer to the person I am today, and I’m stepping into the future with gratitude for how far I’ve come and hope for where I’m headed.”
The graduation ceremonies were more than celebrations of academic achievements – they were a reaffirmation of AKES, Tanzania’s commitment to nurturing compassionate, capable and visionary future leaders. As the graduates step into new adventures, the school community remains dedicated to promoting an environment that supports lifelong learning, service and positive impact.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Class of 2025 throwing their graduation caps high in celebration of their journey and looking ahead to a bright future.
- Proud Grade 6 graduands posing for a photo on stage.
- Ms Lina Rattansi addressing the graduating class with inspiring words.
- KG3 graduates displaying their certificates alongside the keynote speaker, Ms Edith Mwiyombela.
