ThinkDifferent Virtual School
A look at what went well, what didn't, and what comes next.
February was a month of real progress for ThinkDifferent Virtual School. Learners were more engaged, the team grew, and systems improved. But like any growing school, there were also challenges to face honestly. Here's the full picture.
✓ What Went Well (Plus)
Active, Hands-On Learning
Learners were truly engaged this month. In Science, they drew detailed diagrams — the kidney, nephron, cell organelles, the periodic table, and the reactivity series. Some even coloured their diagrams. Memory songs like "Hey, Hey Listen BBC News…" for the first 20 elements made chemistry stick. In History, learners presented on leaders such as Tom Mboya, Wangari Maathai, and Jomo Kenyatta, prompting them to research deeply before teaching the class.
Deep Dive into Nguu za Jadi
The class spent a full week reading the setbook page by page, word by word. After each session, summary notes — complete with images and mind maps — were written up for learners to copy. The result? Learners began to say, "That is an easy book." Simplicity is the key innovation here.
More Learners Joining
About 10 learners showed interest this month, and around 3 have officially joined. Referrals came from former learners, friends, and even the Ministry of Education. Word-of-mouth is working. Victoria has been a great ambassador, and connections like Stan's referral from Mombasa show the school's reach is growing.
Strong Retention
Getting a learner to join is one thing. Keeping them showing up every day is the real challenge — and February showed real improvement here. Clear communication, advance notice when a class is missed, and make-up sessions all helped build the trust that keeps learners coming back.
Better Financial Management
All funds collected this month were channelled through the SasaPay app, making it possible to track income and spending clearly. Teachers were paid on time, notes were printed, and Ombasa is preparing a proper financial report — something that wasn't happening before.
A Real Team of Teachers
The school moved away from a one-man show. MaryAnn, Gloria, Evans, Eric, and Dominic each brought their expertise into the classroom. Teachers appreciated being paid promptly after lessons and loved the enthusiasm of the learners. This scouting mission for good teachers is paying off.
Printed Notes Flying Off the Shelf
About 30 copies of the January notes were printed and distributed — and learners bought them eagerly, including those from Wounded Healers, Kasarani, and online. Five copies are now being placed in the Wounded Healers library each month. The simplified summary booklet is proving to be a valuable resource.
Ombasa: A Genuine Partner
Ombasa has been present for every class, helped design the KNEC registration process, verified learner details, paid teachers, kept financial records, printed and designed notes, and built cover pages. He is a true leader within ThinkDifferent — and that matters enormously.
✗ What Didn't Go Well (Minus)
Conflict with the Kasarani ACE Program
There was significant tension with the Kasarani team, who accused the school of diverting their learners to the virtual program. After several difficult meetings, a firm line was drawn: ThinkDifferent will not operate under another program's control. The school will stay independent.
Fee Payment Backlog
A significant backlog of unpaid fees remains, particularly from Kasarani learners. Some have been discouraged from joining the online classes by people in the Kasarani program. This is an ongoing challenge that will need a clear resolution in March.
Funding Proposals Without Feedback
Letters were sent to MPs and MCAs requesting bursary support, and a funding proposal was passed along through Teacher Eric. So far, no feedback has come back from any of these channels. Some bursary deadlines were also missed because required documents like report forms weren't ready in time.
KNEC Exam Fees Are a Heavy Burden
In Nairobi, learners face fees of up to Ksh 16,400 to register for KNEC exams — an amount that is simply too high for many. A more affordable option has been identified in Kiambu at KSh 10,250 all-inclusive, which will be explored further.
Missing Learner Data
Several learners are missing KCPE index numbers, can't afford to travel back to their former schools, or have outstanding fee balances that block them from getting records. A few learners who sat CPE exams before the 8-4-4 system will need special letters to accompany their KNEC registration.
Qualifier Tests Still Unresolved
Some learners who never sat the KCPE want to do the KCSE but need a qualifier test first. A visit to the KNEC offices to get clear information on this process hasn't happened yet and needs to be prioritised.
→ What Comes Next in March (Next)
Building the ThinkDifferent Brand
The school will begin standing on its own as a real brand. Branded materials — T-shirts, notebooks, pens, water bottles, and a welcome kit for new learners — are in the works. Taglines like "Learn Without Limits" and "Playing the Infinite Game" will define the school's identity. This is a long-term investment, built for the next 50 years.
Laboratory Visit for Science Practicals
An arrangement with Garden Estate Secondary School will give learners — especially those bridging subjects — hands-on practical experience. A pre-mock practical exam is planned, followed by guided sessions with a teacher.
Better Notes with AI-Enhanced Diagrams
The February notes series will be better organised, with clear diagrams and illustrations created with the help of AI tools. Most content will be drawn directly from past exam questions, answered in depth and made easy to follow.
Guiding Learners Through Exam Registration
Learners will be guided step by step through the KNEC registration process, with the Kiambu option being the recommended route at Ksh 10,250. Each learner will be asked to have their KCPE certificate, ID, and two passport photos ready.
Serious Fundraising Push
A formal funding proposal will be submitted to organisations like Safaricom Foundation and SHOFCO. ThinkDifferent Virtual School will also be officially registered so it can open a bank account and receive donations. An M-Changa fundraising drive is also being considered.
Fee Collection in the First Week
The target is to collect close to 100% of fees within the first week of March. A special rate will be offered to Kasarani learners attending both physical and online classes.
Pre-Mock Exams and a Term Calendar
Pre-mock exams will be held towards the end of the month, and a proper term calendar will be set — including exam dates, breaks, and enrichment activities. Planned outings include visits to Parliament, the National Museum, JKUAT's agriculture department, and St. Kizito Vocational School to expose learners to different career paths.
Questions-and-Answer Teaching Method
Lessons will shift toward a revision-focused, exam-preparation style. Small tutorial groups of five learners will be formed and guided through past KCSE questions. The KCSE Made Familiar books at Wounded Healers library — which have been sitting unused — will finally be put to work.