Karachi, In an inspiring turn of events, Dr. Vitalis Obonyo, who holds a doctorate in Strategic Management, was awarded the Award for Excellence in Student Leadership at a global convocation ceremony on February 17, 2024. This recognition came as a result of his outstanding leadership and innovative contributions while pursuing a Master of Education at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED EA) in Dar es Salaam.

According to The Aga Khan University, Obonyo’s initiatives significantly enhanced the student experience on campus. He was instrumental in creating and implementing a Cultural Day, an event that celebrated the diverse cultural backgrounds of students through food, clothing, music, and dance. The success of this event led to its adoption as an annual occurrence by the Registrar’s Office, underscoring its impact on the university community.

Furthermore, Obonyo played a key role in advocating for the establishment of a Student Welfare Office, aimed at providing financial and emotional support to students during times of need and celebration. Although the office has been established, Obonyo notes that it is yet to be fully integrated into the student leadership structure at the Dar es Salaam campus.

His commitment to enriching the educational journey of his peers also led him to organize educational trips, including a notable visit to the Museum of Tanzania for ‘Zinj Day’—a symposium celebrating the discovery of the Zinjanthropus skull. Additionally, Obonyo introduced Makerspace Talks, a research seminar series that has since become a crucial component of the Master of Education degree program, fostering an intellectual space for students to share research findings and engage in discussions.

Despite his academic achievements, Obonyo’s experience at AKU-IED EA inspired him to further his education and become a change agent in his community. He has already begun implementing makerspace concepts in his school, turning theoretical subjects into practical experiences, despite facing resource constraints. This initiative has received positive feedback from students, attesting to the impact of AKU-IED EA’s innovative approach to education.

Obonyo’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of leadership and innovation in fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment.