The Idea Behind The School
There is a reason why we founded PWA High. Or rather multiple reasons. Learn more about the bigger picture of what we as a non-profit are trying to achieve, and how.
OUR GOALS
1
Give vulnerable kids
a fair shot at gaining access
to a middle-class life.
A GOOD LIFE
2
Give vulnerable kids
an elite education, inspiring them to be ethical leaders.
LEADERSHIP
3
Enable vulnerable kids
to raise society’s living standards by giving back.
GIVING BACK
4
Accelerate orphan reduction efforts by propagating orphan supporting values.
ORPHAN REDUCTION
If you or your organisation has similar goals, please get in touch with us or read more about how we partner.
“Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
OUR PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
All kids should be allowed an education. No matter their origin, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or beliefs.
INCLUSIVITY
We celebrate our different cultures, opinions, and beliefs. We grow by learning from
each other.
DIVERSITY
A feeling of entitlement will produce passive members of society. If we are humble, we can learn.
HUMILITY
There are things we know and things we don’t know. Let’s be honest to each other – and to ourselves.
HONESTY
It’s about fighting the temptation of laziness and comfort to achieve the best. Personal discipline is key.
HARD WORK
Being open sometimes means letting go of the things we are used to. It’s about considering many different solutions.
OPENNESS
Even when things are good, they could be made better. We are committed to trying and thinking outside the box.
INNOVATION
It’s the ability to work with others, no matter who they are. Effectively combining minds and talents for excellence.
TEAMWORK
If you or your organisation have similar values, please get in touch with us or read more about how we partner.
OUR STORY
INSPIRATION
The story of Paul Wanjigi Alpine High School starts in 2021. After volunteering with the NGO Kulea Villages for over ten years, PWA High founder Wilson Wanjigi was inspired to give back resources and opportunities to his community. During his time as a Kulea volunteer, Wilson was able to sponsor a boy through his high school years. Even though he was not able to follow the kid’s progress much, this was an impactful experience on the attention and care many youngsters in Kenya still require for a successful academic path.
“PWA High founder Wilson Wanjigi was inspired to give back resources and opportunities to his community.”
“Being able to have a fulfilling college education has made him wish for other Kenyan kids to also experience how quality teaching can improve their lives.”
Wilson had attended high school in Kenya himself. Many of his classmates with whom he graduated did not find a job in their career, not even with a university degree. Wilson was instead able to attend college in the United States where he lives and works up to this day. Being able to have a fulfilling college education has made him wish for other Kenyan kids to also experience how quality teaching can improve their lives and the lives surrounding them.
A NEED TO BE ADDRESSED
The difficulties of navigating the job market and breaking down class barriers and poverty cycles are among the main reasons behind PWA High’s foundation. A school system that failed its youth inspired the idea of raising a new generation of students with the opportunity of living a satisfying high school experience. The idea behind PWA High is to give everyone a fair chance to a more prosperous future and to create hope and new opportunities inside of the surrounding community. At PWA High, quality education is believed to be one of the foundations for a sustainable social, economical, and personal development.
“A school system that failed its youth inspired the idea of raising a new generation of students.”
“Mr. Paul Wanjigi, […] who made great efforts in supporting family members and people around him throughout his whole life.”
A NAME WITH INTENTION
PWA High is located on the land inherited by Wilson from his late father Mr. Paul Wanjigi, an admirable humanitarian and a generous member of his community in Naivasha, who made great efforts in supporting family members and people around him throughout his whole life. For these reasons the school was named after him. The “Alpine” in the name represents the idea that like alpine trees that grow in hostile conditions, orphans and vulnerable kids can develop life-changing skills and knowledge despite the numerous adversities they have to face..
A HUMBLE BEGINNING
When construction of the school started in May 2021, nobody believed that the first students would arrive within a year. But alas, on 2nd of May 2022 they arrived for PWA High’s grand opening which marked the beginning of a dream come true. The promise of a brighter future materialised in the shape of three classrooms, a staff office, a dining hall, a kitchen, a dormitory, a library, and a staff house – a humble beginning was made.
“The promise of a brighter future materialised.”
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
The overarching organisation that is overlooking all operations and programs in Kenya is yet to be registered. Currently the only program we are carrying out is Paul Wanjigi Alpine High School.
The minds behind building the NGO are Founder and School Director Wilson Wanjigi and Country Coordinator Mary Wagner, who is currently doubling up as School Manager.
