In the heart of Kilifi County, nestled in a remote village far from major towns, stands Kolongoni Secondary School—a beacon of hope, determination and selfless service. It is here that Mr. Mwagona, a remarkable alumnus, teacher, parent, and grandparent of Strathmore School, has poured his life’s passion into transforming his rural community through education.
A proud member of the Strathmore Class of 1962, Mr. Mwagona went on to teach at Strathmore School from 1978 until his retirement in 2008. His legacy spans generations, having not only taught but also raised children and grandchildren who walked the same halls of Strathmore. Even after retirement, his commitment to education did not wane. On returning to his home in Kilifi, he was faced with a heartbreaking reality: there was no secondary school within a reasonable distance for local students. This meant that many children, full of potential, were being left behind due to a lack of access.
With his unwavering resolve and a heart full of compassion, Mr. Mwagona set out to change that. Starting with a single classroom, he founded Kolongoni Secondary School—a small but growing institution that now boasts four classrooms and a dedicated team of teachers. The school is a symbol of what one person’s vision, driven by faith and hope, can achieve.
A Jubilee Year of Hope: The Practical Hope Project
Inspired by Mr. Mwagona’s extraordinary example, the Form 3 Captains, Class of 2025, have launched the Practical Hope Project. This student-led initiative aims to mark a Jubilee Year of Hope by extending tangible support to Kolongoni Secondary School. The focus of the project is clear and impactful: to assist in setting up and equipping a fully functional science laboratory.
For the students of Kolongoni, access to a science lab means more than just microscopes and beakers. It means equal opportunity, academic empowerment and the chance to dream bigger. With a properly equipped lab, students can participate more fully in national exams, prepare for STEM careers and break the cycle of educational disadvantage.
A Collaborative Effort
The project has also received vital support from Eastlands College of Technology, whose technical expertise and commitment to service are playing a key role in the design and construction of the new science laboratory. Their involvement not only ensures high-quality workmanship but also exemplifies how educational institutions can come together to uplift one another.
How You Can Help
The Practical Hope Project is a call to action—a reminder that hope is not just a feeling but something we build with our hands, minds and hearts. Through fundraising efforts, donations and partnerships, the Form 3 Captains seek to raise the resources needed to turn this vision into reality.
How to donate:
Paybill Number: 561550
Account Number: Practical hope
Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Kolongoni Secondary School one step closer to a future filled with possibilities.
This is more than a school project. It is a mission grounded in gratitude, guided by legacy and propelled by the desire to give back. It is Strathmore students walking in the footsteps of a great man, carrying the torch of hope to the next generation.
We invite all members of the Strathmore community—students, parents, alumni and friends—to support the Practical Hope Project. Together, we can ensure that the flame of knowledge burns brightly in Kolongoni, just as it has at Strathmore for decades.
Let’s bring science to life. Let’s make hope practical.