Schools Celebrated for Advancing Innovation and Character in Education
Schools Celebrated for Advancing Innovation and Character in Education
NAIROBI, KENYA
Schools that are making a difference through innovative leadership, character development and skills-based learning were celebrated on Friday during the 6th Edition of the Great Places to School (GPTS) Awards held at Weston Hotel, Nairobi.
Hosted by the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF-K), the awards brought together school leaders, teachers, education stakeholders, parents and partners to recognise institutions contributing to the transformation of education in Kenya.
The 2026 awards were held under the theme Transforming Education: Built on Character, Empowered by Competence,” highlighting the importance of developing learners who combine strong values with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world.
The awards recognised schools across several areas, including moral and innovative school leadership, values and character development, peacebuilding, school safety, health and sanitation, global competence, technology and digital skills.
Other areas included climate action, equity and inclusion, extracurricular activities, career development and workforce readiness, as well as scholarship and corporate social responsibility.
The organisers said the awards go beyond academic performance by recognising schools that focus on the kind of people learners become and the competencies they develop to make meaningful contributions to society.
The event also provided an opportunity for education stakeholders to share ideas and experiences on how schools can better prepare learners for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
A high-level panel discussion brought together voices from the education sector to examine the future of education and the role of schools, policymakers and other partners in building an education system that responds to the needs of today's learners.
Through the awards, GPF-K also created a platform for schools to showcase innovative programmes and practices that can inspire other institutions and contribute to wider improvements in education.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for recognition, knowledge exchange, networking and partnership building, while celebrating schools that are investing in both **character and competence**.
The 2026 GPTS Awards therefore reaffirmed the growing importance of an all-round approach to education—one that prepares learners not only to perform academically, but also to lead, innovate, collaborate and contribute positively to their communities.
