Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa Partner to Enhance Outdoor Education Programmes.

Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa have announced a groundbreaking partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer outdoor environmental education programmes for students aged 14 to 18 years. This collaboration aims to empower young learners by fostering leadership skills while addressing environmental challenges.

As the climate crisis continues, it is crucial to equip the next generation with the tools to take action. The partnership between Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa will provide students with hands-on outdoor education, encouraging them to think critically and develop solutions for the challenges their communities face. The launch of two pilot programmes during the April 2025 school break marks the beginning of this exciting venture.

Antony Gatandi, Nova Pioneer’s Director of School Services & Productivity, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for students to engage in practical learning experiences that will shape them into environmental leaders. Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa are dedicated to preparing students for the pressing environmental challenges we face today.”

Johannes Visser, CEO of Moyo Moja Africa, shared his excitement about the partnership, “It is rewarding to work with Nova Pioneer as an organisation committed to developing generations of Innovators and Leaders who will solve the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our programmes equip students with the tools to understand, advocate for, and drive solutions that benefit their communities. Whether affected by flooding, drought, or other environmental challenges, we aim to inspire students to become curious problem solvers and lead the change. Through this collaboration, students will benefit from passionate staff at Nova Pioneer, creating a dynamic environment for learning and growth.”

The two pilot programmes will launch in April 2025, focusing on two vital ecosystems:

1. Forests Ecosystems Programme (April 7-11, 2025): Held at Nova Pioneer’s Tatu City campus, this programme will engage students in storytelling, forestry ecosystems, and sustainable practices, with a special focus on the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The programme will feature conservation heroes, organic farmers, and environmentalists who have been recognized by global media outlets such as BBC and CNN. Students will gain valuable insights into local conservation efforts and be inspired to create solutions for their own communities.
2. Coffee Value Chain Programme (April 14-17, 2025): Also based at Nova Pioneer Tatu City campus. The programme will take students through a coffee journey in Kenya. Through the lenses of sustainability and societal impact, they will look for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Value chain. Visits to coffee farmers and distributors are part of the hands-on learning. The programme will culminate in Simba’s Den, where students will pitch their innovative ideas for innovation to a panel of experts.

These two programmes represent the first steps in a long-term collaboration between Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa, aiming to develop a generation of environmentally-conscious leaders ready to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century.

Through this partnership, Nova Pioneer will continue to provide its students with opportunities to lead in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. Students will not only gain practical skills but also resources that will shape their careers and future contributions to society.

To learn more about the programmes and sign-up for the available April 2025 programmes, visit www.moyomoja.org/programs. The deadline for signing up for the April 2025 programmes is 24 March 2025.

Download the two brochures below:

Forestry programme

Value Chain programme

Selecting the best curriculum for your child’s education is a significant decision that shapes their academic journey and future opportunities. With so many options available; such as traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), parents are often left wondering which path to choose for their child(ren).

Key considerations 

When choosing a curriculum, parents should consider their child’s learning style, interests, and long-term goals. The flexibility of the curriculum, the focus on critical thinking and creativity, and how well it prepares students for future education are all important aspects to weigh. Additionally, the alignment of the curriculum with your family’s values and educational philosophy plays a crucial role.

Understanding Curriculum Differences

Different curricula offer unique approaches to learning. Traditional curricula focus on standardized content and exams, while Montessori and Waldorf emphasize hands-on, child-centered learning. IB is globally recognized for its rigorous, inquiry-based approach, preparing students for university-level work. Meanwhile, CBC, which is gaining traction in Kenya, emphasizes the development of specific competencies and skills rather than rote memorization.

Skills Development in CBC and International Curricula

CBC aims to develop practical skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These competencies are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, making learning more relevant and applicable. In contrast, international curricula like IB focus on holistic education, encouraging students to explore subjects deeply and engage in independent research, fostering a global perspective.

As CBC continues to roll out across Kenya, it is set to transform the educational landscape by prioritizing skills and competencies over traditional content delivery. This shift is expected to create a more adaptable and innovative generation of learners, better equipped to meet the demands of the modern world.

To learn more, watch the Find Your Nova Podcast as Carol Gitobu (Senior Market Engagement Manager – GSMA),  Dr Lawrence Nderu (Chair – Dept. of Computing JKUAT) and Peninah Ivy Muthoni (Curriculum Design expert), discuss the intricacies of educational choices and their impact on students’ futures, offering expert insights to help you navigate this important decision. Watch now and leave a comment!

Are you interested to learn more about Nova Pioneer? Sign up via this link to attend a Campus Experience.

 

Our Nova Pioneer Schools in Kenya recently celebrated the Class of 2020 for the exemplary results achieved on their KCSE exams and we do not doubt that the students are ready to take over the world. 

 

From Surviving to Thriving

In 2020, education across the world was abruptly derailed by COVID-19 at every level. In many countries, schools struggled to address the safety of children while also helping them continue to learn and grow. Without a doubt, Nova Pioneer secondary students, in particular,  demonstrated a high level of commitment during the last year, despite the unprecedented disruption and uncertainty presented by the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The Nova Pioneer Class of 2020 overcame many challenges to post good results and rose above the challenges that came their way. We are encouraged by their performance.

We are extremely grateful to the teaching and support teams who have drawn on their extensive teaching and coaching experience to support all students through this immensely difficult time. The resilience shown by our Nova Pioneer Tatu Boys and Girls Secondary teachers and students is a true demonstration of how we live out our culture principles of High Expectations and Always Growing.

 

Meeting and Exceeding High Expectations

The Nova Pioneer graduates of both the Boys and Girls schools achieved remarkable success.  Our 231 graduates achieved a mean grade of 8.02 (a B-), with both schools achieving that B- average.  77% of the Class of 2020 earned a C+ or higher.  In addition, the Class of 2020 included our first two ‘A plain’ average achievers (one per school), a feat accomplished by less than 0.2% of candidates nationally. 

A particular shout out goes to the women of Tatu Girls Secondary Class of 2020 for setting a strong standard as the school’s founding and graduating class.

 

 

Where to from here?

Our Post School Success team will continue to engage with the Class of 2020 to ensure that every Nova Pioneer student will be ready to pursue their passion through the best post school fit and are ready to take over in their industry of choice.  Already, across the Tatu Boys and Tatu Girls graduating classes of 2020, 

• 7 students  have applied to the African Leadership University, and all have been offered a preliminary admission, pending submission of their KCSE results. 
• 97 students have been admitted to Strathmore University. 
• 2 students have been admitted to York University in Toronto, Canada one of them receiving a CAD 40,000 in scholarship from the faculty of liberal arts.
• One student has been admitted to 3 colleges in the US, with scholarships, and will join Clark University where she received an annual $16,000 scholarship.
• Two students have  applied to UWC (United World Colleges) and been admitted with scholarships.
• One student has  applied to the African Leadership Academy and has been accepted with a $5,000 scholarship. 
• 13 students have participated in the Concourse Global clearing process. 10 students have collectively received a total of 46 admission offers with $272,650 in scholarships.

 

This Is Not the End Of The Journey

Too many schools see their job as developing “smart kids” and focus narrowly on building a student’s knowledge base and academic skills. While that is critically important, Nova Pioneer holds itself accountable to a more holistic “Vision of a Novaneer”: we want to deeply develop our students’ character, capabilities and connection.  We define our success based on a larger set of longer-term goals; we expect our students to excel in exams and attend great universities, build innovations and art, launch new companies, and impact their communities. Ultimately, we want our students to become shapers of a world they envision rather than takers of the world they inherit. 

 

The Future Is In Good Hands

Today, we are again reminded that the mission and vision set out together to achieve as Novaneers, will be felt throughout Africa, and indeed the world, through the impact that our alumni will have as they shape their future around their vision and get ready to take over the world.  We are very proud of all our students and wish them well as they transition into the next stage of their lives.