When Boniface Were Oduor joined Ngwata Primary and Junior Secondary School in Machakos as a Teach For Kenya Fellow, he faced a significant challenge. The school, with its limited resources and lack of structured sports programs, was a stark contrast to the vibrant sports and talent development environment that Boniface was passionate about. With only 3,600 learners and no clear focus on extracurricular activities, Boniface had a tough decision to make: should he embrace the challenge or transfer to another school?

Instead of stepping back, Boniface leaned into the challenge, motivated by the belief that sports and talents are not merely leisure activities but vital tools for personal development and academic success. Thus began his mission to transform Ngwata Primary and Junior Secondary into a talent and leadership development hub.

Building Hope Through Sports and Talent

From the beginning, Boniface engaged with the school leadership and students to revitalize sports and talent programs. He discovered that the students were eager for opportunities but lacked the resources and structured programs to harness their potential. Through collaboration with the school administration, Boniface developed a comprehensive plan to nurture students’ talents in both sports and technical skills.

 

Boniface’s plan included:

– Creating a diverse sports program that catered to various interests and abilities, including football, basketball, volleyball, and handball.

– Introducing the NG4G (Girls for Girls Socio-Economic Group), which equipped girls with practical skills in beauty and hairdressing to support their education and generate income.

 

 

– Establishing the Ngwata Green Commandos, a student-led initiative focused on environmental sustainability, where learners maintained the school’s gardens as part of their physical training.

– Launching the “Lisha Mchezaji” Initiative, ensuring learners received proper meals during holiday training, including starting a poultry project within the school to provide nutritious food.

 

Achievements and Transformations

By Term 1 of 2025, the results were undeniable. Sports and talent programs flourished, with over 320 learners actively participating. The NG4G program alone saw 56 girls involved, acquiring academic skills and essential life skills that prepared them for the future.

 

The impact didn’t end there. Under Boniface’s guidance, the school’s sports teams achieved remarkable success:

 

– The school finished 4th nationally in the Eastern Zone Boys’ and Girls’ 5-A-Side Basketball competition.

– The teams won county and sub-county trophies in football, netball, and basketball, with several students advancing to regional competitions.

These accomplishments were more than just trophies; they represented a significant shift in the mindset of both students and teachers. Once lacking structured sports and extracurricular programs, the school became a beacon of hope for students to realize their full potential.

A Culture of Inclusivity and Discipline

 

Boniface’s efforts also fostered a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and discipline within the school. Sports provided a platform for students of different abilities and backgrounds to unite, breaking down barriers and fostering unity. Through teamwork and competition, students learned valuable lessons in resilience, problem-solving, and communication—skills that extended far beyond the playing field and into the classroom.

 

Additionally, Boniface’s initiatives positively influenced student behavior. The energy that once fueled negative behavior was redirected towards sports and technical skills training, leading to improved discipline, enhanced academic focus, and stronger relationships between students and teachers.

 

Looking Toward the Future

Boniface’s work will have an impact beyond his Fellowship year. His initiatives, including the poultry project and the development of sports facilities (such as a basketball court and football field), will continue to benefit the students and the community long after he leaves Ngwata Primary and Junior Secondary.

 

His work at Ngwata is a powerful example of how one person, equipped with the right mindset and resources, can transform not only a school but also the lives of countless students. Boniface’s commitment to teaching, sports, and holistic development has provided students with opportunities they once thought were out of reach and has opened doors to futures full of possibilities.

 

 

As Teach For Kenya Fellows like Boniface works across the three regions we serve, they demonstrate that education is about more than just academic learning—it’s about equipping students with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in every aspect of their lives.