Hundreds Return Home as Turbo Girls Alumni Launch Association, Raise Nearly Sh1 Million for Needy Students
“We came together as alumni to reconnect, inspire and give back to the school that shaped us. Today has been a beautiful day of impact, mentorship, empowerment and sisterhood,”Joy Kate Kibe
In a powerful display of sisterhood, philanthropy and legacy, more than 600 former students returned to Turbo Girls High School to launch the school’s Alumni Association, raising nearly Sh1 million for needy students while donating water tanks and sanitary towels to support over 1,000 learners.
The historic gathering, which attracted alumni from across Kenya and abroad, more than tripled the expected attendance of 200, bringing together graduates from the 1970s to the 2000s in a remarkable show of commitment to the institution that helped shape their lives.
The event marked a significant milestone in the school’s history, with former students returning not only to reconnect but also to inspire current learners, strengthen mentorship networks and contribute to the school’s future development.
The colorful reunion featured mentorship sessions, motivational talks, fundraising activities and emotional reflections as alumni celebrated the enduring impact of Turbo Girls High School on generations of women leaders, professionals and change-makers.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Elias Melly, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, who praised the alumni for establishing a platform that would strengthen support systems for students while nurturing future leaders.
“I am proud to be part of the Turbo Girls family today during the launch of this alumni association. It is encouraging to see a school community coming together to discuss progressive ideas that will help the institution achieve its goals and nurture future generations of leaders,” said Dr. Melly.
Addressing students, teachers, parents and members of the Board of Management, Dr. Melly emphasized the importance of education, discipline, mentorship and health awareness in shaping successful futures.
Drawing from his own academic journey, he urged learners to remain focused on their studies and take advantage of opportunities offered by mentors who once sat in the same classrooms.
“Health is wealth. A healthy society is a productive society. We must empower our young people with the right information and life skills to enable them make informed decisions that protect their future,” he said.
Addressing Challenges Facing Young People
Dr. Melly raised concern over challenges affecting adolescents in Kenya, including new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, mental health issues, drug abuse and alcoholism.
He referenced ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to combat what is commonly known as the “Triple Threat” affecting adolescent girls—new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence.
According to Dr. Melly, approximately 100 new HIV infections are reported weekly among teenagers in Kenya, underscoring the need for stronger interventions through education and mentorship.
“Our girls must understand that there is a right time for everything. They should focus on their education, avoid early sexual relationships and seek guidance from parents, teachers and mentors who genuinely care about their future,” he said.
On gender-based violence, he encouraged learners to report abuse and seek support from trusted adults and relevant authorities.
Call for Greater Attention to Mental Health
Mental health emerged as another major topic during the discussions, with Dr. Melly noting that many cases of school unrest and indiscipline may be linked to unresolved emotional and psychological challenges among learners.
He called on schools, families and communities to create supportive environments where young people can freely discuss their struggles and access guidance.
“We must be present in the lives of our children. Parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders have a responsibility to mentor and guide young people. Strong family values remain the foundation of a stable society,” he emphasized.
Alumni Turn Out in Unexpected Numbers
For the school’s administration, the launch of the alumni association signaled the beginning of a new chapter.
Chief Principal Diana Chebon described the event as one of the most significant milestones in the institution’s recent history.
“We expected about 200 alumni, but today we have over 600. This shows the deep love and commitment that former students have for this school,” she said.
Mrs. Chebon, who has been at the school for less than three months, said she was honored to witness the birth of an initiative that would leave a lasting impact on the institution.
She noted that the presence of successful former students provided powerful motivation for current learners.
“When our girls see successful women who once studied here, their confidence grows. They begin to understand that regardless of their background or challenges, they too can succeed and become leaders in society,” she said.
Water Tanks and Sanitary Towels Donated to Improve Student Welfare
Beyond mentorship and networking, the alumni demonstrated their commitment to improving student welfare through tangible support initiatives.
The association donated several water storage tanks to enhance water access within the school and improve the learning environment for students.
In a move aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and ensuring girls do not miss classes due to lack of sanitary products, the alumni also distributed sanitary towels to more than 1,000 students.
The donations were hailed by the school administration as a practical intervention that would positively impact the health, dignity and academic performance of learners.
The initiative underscored the association’s broader vision of addressing challenges affecting students while creating an enabling environment for academic excellence.
Alumni Raise Nearly Sh1 Million for Needy Students
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was a fundraising drive that raised close to Sh1 million to support students facing financial difficulties.
The funds will assist learners at risk of dropping out due to unpaid school fees, ensuring they remain in school and continue pursuing their academic dreams.
School administrators described the intervention as timely and life-changing, noting that some students have accumulated substantial fee arrears.
The fundraising effort was widely praised as a practical demonstration of the alumni association’s commitment to giving back and supporting future generations.
Distinguished Alumnae Inspire Learners
The launch attracted several accomplished former students whose success stories inspired current learners.
Veteran journalist Joyce Gituro challenged students to remain disciplined, focused and resilient in pursuit of their ambitions.
She encouraged learners to avoid distractions and remain committed to their goals, emphasizing that success requires hard work and determination.
Turbo Constituency Member of Parliament Janet Rotich, herself an alumna of the school, urged students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence.
She described education as a powerful tool for social and economic transformation and encouraged learners to seize every opportunity available to them.
Also in attendance was Anne Mwangi, Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), whose journey from Turbo Girls classrooms to national leadership inspired many students.
She challenged learners to embrace integrity, remain focused and pursue leadership opportunities that can enable them to make meaningful contributions to society.
Strengthening Sisterhood and Giving Back
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Joy Kate Kibe said the association was formed to reconnect former students while creating structured programs to support learners and the school community.
“We came together as alumni to reconnect, inspire and give back to the school that shaped us. Today has been a beautiful day of impact, mentorship, empowerment and sisterhood,” she said.
She revealed that the association plans to establish sustainable mentorship programmes, scholarship initiatives, career guidance forums and development projects aimed at benefiting both students and the institution.
A Legacy Renewed
As the celebrations drew to a close, a sense of optimism filled the air.
The launch of the Turbo Girls Alumni Association not only rekindled old friendships but also laid the foundation for a stronger support network dedicated to empowering students, expanding educational opportunities and preserving the school’s rich legacy.
Through mentorship, fundraising, advocacy and community engagement, the association is expected to become a transformative force in the lives of countless young women for years to come.
For many who attended, the gathering was far more than a reunion. It was a powerful reminder that education creates lifelong bonds—and that those who have benefited from it have a responsibility to lift others as they rise.
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