Dr. Elias Melly Inspires Turbo Girls Students as School Launches Alumni Association and Mentorship Programme

 By Wasike Elvis 

Turbo Girls High School marked a significant milestone today with the official launch of its Alumni Association and a comprehensive mentorship programme aimed at empowering students to excel academically and become responsible leaders in society.

The event brought together students, teachers, members of the Board of Management (BOM), alumni, parents, and distinguished guests from various sectors, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration, inspiration, and reflection on the school's journey toward academic excellence.

Chief among the guests was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), Dr. Elias Melly, who delivered a powerful keynote address that challenged students to remain focused on their educational goals while navigating the complex social and health challenges facing young people today.

Addressing hundreds of students gathered at the institution, Dr. Melly emphasized the transformative power of education, describing it as the most reliable pathway to personal success and national development.

He encouraged the learners to remain resilient in the face of adversity and to approach challenges with confidence and determination.

"There is no challenge that has no solution. Every obstacle you encounter in life can be overcome through hard work, discipline, faith, and a positive mindset," Dr. Melly told the students.

The NCI-K CEO commended the school's administration, teachers, Board of Management, and students for the steady improvement in academic performance over the years. He noted that the institution had demonstrated a commitment to excellence and expressed optimism that the school's ambitious target of attaining a mean score of 10 and above in national examinations was achievable.

He urged the students to embrace a culture of hard work, consistency, and discipline, reminding them that academic success is built through daily effort and commitment.

The launch of the Alumni Association was hailed as a major step toward strengthening mentorship and creating opportunities for current students to benefit from the experiences and achievements of former students.

Dr. Melly noted that alumni play a critical role in shaping the future of educational institutions by providing guidance, motivation, and practical support to learners.

He challenged former students to remain actively involved in the growth and development of their alma mater by mentoring younger generations and contributing to initiatives that enhance learning outcomes.

During his address, Dr. Melly also took time to educate the students on critical health and social issues affecting adolescents and young people across the country.

He called on the learners to join the national campaign aimed at eliminating what he described as the "triple threat" facing young people—new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV).

According to Dr. Melly, these challenges continue to undermine the education and future prospects of many young people, particularly girls. He urged students to make informed decisions, avoid risky behavior, and become champions of positive social change within their communities.

He further encouraged the girls to prioritize their education and personal development, noting that empowering young women through education remains one of the most effective ways of combating poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

Mental health formed another key component of Dr. Melly's presentation. He highlighted the growing need to address mental health challenges among young people, warning that depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional struggles can negatively affect academic performance and overall well-being if left unattended.

The health expert encouraged students to seek guidance and support whenever they face emotional difficulties and emphasized the importance of open communication with parents, teachers, counselors, and trusted mentors.

He also cautioned learners against the influence of cultism, harmful spiritual practices, and negative peer pressure, which he said can derail students from achieving their goals.

Dr. Melly observed that unresolved psychological and social challenges can contribute to destructive behavior in schools and communities, underscoring the need for preventive interventions and mentorship.

The students were also sensitized on the dangers of substance abuse. Dr. Melly warned against alcoholism, tobacco use, and drug abuse, describing them as major threats to the health, education, and future productivity of young people.

He challenged the girls to resist peer pressure and make choices that support their long-term aspirations.

On matters of health, Dr. Melly highlighted the importance of prevention in the fight against cancer and other non-communicable diseases. He particularly emphasized the role of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

He encouraged eligible girls to receive the vaccine and urged parents, teachers, and health stakeholders to continue supporting awareness campaigns aimed at increasing vaccination uptake.

In a heartwarming gesture that drew applause from those present, Dr. Melly announced financial support for four needy students by clearing their outstanding school fees. The support was welcomed as a demonstration of his commitment to ensuring that no student is denied an education because of financial challenges.

School administrators praised the initiative, noting that many learners continue to face economic hardships that threaten to interrupt their education.

The event was also graced by Hon. Janet Rotich, Member of Parliament for Turbo Constituency, who is an alumna of the school. She challenged the students to believe in their abilities and to work hard toward realizing their dreams.

Also in attendance was Hon. Anne Mwangi, Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), another distinguished alumna whose success story served as a source of inspiration to the learners.

The two leaders joined fellow alumni in celebrating the launch of the association and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the growth and development of the institution.

Teachers, members of the Board of Management, and alumni representatives expressed optimism that the mentorship programme would provide students with greater exposure, career guidance, leadership skills, and networking opportunities.

Many students described the event as inspiring and transformative, saying the messages shared by the speakers had motivated them to work harder and pursue their ambitions with renewed determination.

As the celebrations came to a close, the school community expressed confidence that the newly launched Alumni Association would become a strong pillar in supporting academic excellence, mentorship, and holistic development among learners.

With growing alumni engagement, dedicated teachers, supportive leadership, and motivated students, Turbo Girls High School is positioning itself to achieve even greater success in the years ahead as it pursues its vision of producing empowered, disciplined, and high-performing young women ready to contribute positively to society.