In 2009, Kenya Keys saw their first class of students graduate from secondary school. It was amazing to watch these first generation “learners” achieve this dream. And it was equally amazing to see what they did next! Without being prompted or asked, they became engaged in the community as role models and volunteers. They went back to their primary schools and offered to teach the younger ones. They showed up at the Kenya Keys libraries to see if they could help. As proud graduates, they took on a certain stature: they were out making a positive difference in the world. They call it “giving back.” And they do it well.

It is now an expected part of their involvement with Kenya Keys. They not only teach in primary schools, they also teach adult classes, or help at the health center, or the special needs school. Later becoming college students, they come home for month-long breaks and are found assisting Kenya Keys administrators, or running the only cyber cafe for miles around. In a world that is just getting introduced to the internet, their IT knowledge is invaluable! And they want to teach, teach, teach!

Their confidence, their determination, and their desire to share what they have learned is a testament to the power of education to build character as well as enlighten minds. Give back and grow. Learn and teach. It’s a beautiful cycle to witness!