Shirley Laila (2019)
Student
I am a proud graduate of the Class of 2019 from St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School in Nairobi, Kenya. St. Aloysius is not just a school—it’s a unique institution that empowers young people from vulnerable backgrounds with holistic education, strong values, and opportunities for growth beyond the classroom. True to its mission of nurturing future leaders committed to service, the school played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.
After completing high school, I was privileged to remain connected to the school community while awaiting university admission. This was in the year 2020, where I was given the opportunity to give back through volunteer service, by supporting others just as I had been supported. This marked the beginning of my commitment to community service and psychosocial support.
Through the generous support of St. Aloysius, I enrolled at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology. My university journey was more than an academic pursuit—it was a personal mission inspired by my own healing, resilience, and desire to help others.
Today, I am proud to volunteer at the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) as a counseling psychologist. This role allows me to walk alongside survivors of trauma, offering emotional support and empowering them to find hope again. It is my way of giving back—continuing the cycle of compassion that began at St. Aloysius.
From a student to a counselor, my story is deeply rooted in the values I learned at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School: faith, service, resilience, and transformation. Above all, the school taught me what it truly means to learn, love, and serve—principles that now guide my life and work as I continue to support others on their journey toward healing and hope.
