Bridge International Academies Defies Odds To Demonstrate Power Of Quality Education

Academic excellence is often perceived as a distant dream for marginalized societies, deemed expensive and seemingly beyond the realm of scalability and standardization.

However, Bridge International Academies, a group of schools that has been offering quality and meaningful primary education in Kenya since 2009, is challenging this notion, having successfully educated over 1 million children across the country since its inception.

This accomplishment serves as a testament to the possibility of delivering quality education at an affordable cost.

Notably, with a legacy spanning over a decade, Bridge International Academies has consistently surpassed expectations, with its students consistently outperforming the national average in primary school exit exams.

Most recently, Bridge International Academies was honoured with the Academic Excellence award in the Great Places to School annual awards, further validating its commitment to accessible and high-quality education.

In a ceremony held in Nairobi on Friday, March 22, 2024, the entity shone among a pool of top schools in the country including Kiota School, Aga Khan High School, Loreto Girls High School, Nairobi International School, among others, who are contenders.

The Great Places to School Awards is an annual initiative organized by the Global Peace Foundation Kenya, and the Kenya Private Schools Association among other entities, and aims to identify, rate, and recognize schools with innovative learning environments.

Commenting on the prestigious award, Obonyo Phleshia, a Grade 3 teacher at Bridge International Academies, is happy that consistency and hard work is paying off.

“Winning the Great Places to School award has filled my heart with pride. It’s a validation of every late night spent preparing lesson plans, every tear shed over a struggling student, and every moment of doubt overcome. I am grateful and humbled to be part of an organisation that transforms lives,” she said after Bridge International Academies triumphed at the recent awards ceremony.

Parents are also happy with the schools’ performance.

“For me this award is not just a trophy; it’s a symbol of hope and possibility for every child. This recognition reaffirms my belief that Bridge is more than just a school—it’s a lifeline, offering my child and countless others a chance at a brighter future. It’s a reminder that, no matter their backgrounds, every child deserves the chance to thrive,” Everlyn Nyangasi, a Grade 1 Bridge parent remarked.

On his part, the Managing Director of Bridge Kenya Griffin Asigo believes that the schools’ holistic approach to education is geared towards the success of pupils and the society as a whole.

“At Bridge, we’ve redefined the boundaries of education access. By providing low-cost education coupled with our innovative use of low-maintenance devices like custom tablets is breaking down barriers, ensuring that quality education is not confined by geography. It’s about reaching the unreachable and making a lasting impact on communities,” he said