On Saturday, 14th June 2025, I had the distinct honor of serving as Guest of Honour and Speaker at the Year 11 Graduation Ceremony of Sir Harry Johnston International School.
This invitation was particularly meaningful for two reasons:
1?? Speaking to the next generation is one of my greatest passions. I believe in the power of equipping young minds with tools that help them discover who they are, shape their purpose, and step confidently into their future.
2?? I proudly serve as the Vice Chairperson of the School Board, and seeing the school grow and its students flourish is something I deeply celebrate
My address to the graduates focused on two powerful themes: intentionality and purpose, especially as they step beyond the familiar walls of secondary school and into a world brimming with opportunities and challenges.
I encouraged the students to focus on:
Self-awareness – Understanding who they are, what matters to them, and where their strengths lie.
Vision setting – Creating a picture of the life they want to live, not just academically or professionally, but holistically.
Implementing the vision – Turning plans into action, taking small consistent steps each day.
Resilience – Staying grounded when things get tough and being willing to pivot, when necessary, without losing sight of the big picture.
Graduations are a powerful reminder that every ending is also a beginning. For the Year 11 students, this moment marked not just the end of school life as they’ve known it, but the opening of a new chapter one filled with unknowns, potential, and promise.
To all the graduates: Congratulations once again! Your journey is just beginning, and the world needs your brilliance, creativity, and voice with pride and purpose.
You can catch snippets of the ceremony and my speech in the video below.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/atikonda-mtenje-mkochi-phd-62246079_nextgen-intentionality-visionsetting-activity-7340371885123067904-YZPW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEA3s_wBS5DNxcI_gPsWVIpAE1LZ9hhyY6A
#NextGen #Intentionality #VisionSetting #YouthEmpowerment #LeadershipMatters #SirHarryGraduation2025
