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The joyous ceremony not only recognised the cohort’s academic achievements, but also their personal growth and service to the community. Among the Class of 2026 were also nine students who began their education journey at the Aga Khan Nursery and Primary School, Dar es Salaam in KG1 – a true testament to the Aga Khan Education Service, Tanzania’s long-term commitment to holistic education. 

The event, held at the Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Hall, was attended by families, students, alumni, faculty and staff, and distinguished guests, including the Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative for East Africa, Amin Mawji and Commissioner for Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Lyabwene Mtahabwa. It was also live streamed to extended family members, friends, the wider school community and alumni of the 51���� (AKS), reaching nearly 2,007 viewers across the country and internationally.   

The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Dr Shelina Walli, CEO of the Aga Khan Education Service, Tanzania, who reflected on the graduating class’s resilience, accomplishments and contributions to school life over the years. 

“Behind every certificate awarded today lies years of perseverance, resilience, curiosity, growth and quiet determination,” Dr Walli said. “There have been moments of success visible to all, and moments of struggle known only to each individual. Yet today, you stand ready for the journey ahead.” 

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr Mohamed Lachemi, President of Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada, who was accompanied by Dr Cory Searcy, Assistant Vice-President, International for Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr Lachemi also served as the keynote speaker at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa’s graduation ceremony in Kenya a few days prior, where he also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AKS to expand higher education opportunities and strengthen global pathways for students across AKS.  

In his address, Dr Lachemi encouraged graduates to take ownership of their future by embracing education, upholding strong values and committing to continuous learning throughout their lives. 

“The power to shape your future lies within your own hands, guided by education, strengthened by values and sustained through a lifelong commitment to learning,” Dr Lachemi said. “As you embark on the next chapter, may your journey be guided by enduring values, enriched by knowledge and defined by an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.” 

Dr Rahim Somani, General Manager of AKS, was also present at the ceremony. He reflected on the significance of celebrating the IB Diploma Programme graduations across the AKS network this year.   

“When I look at our graduates, one word comes to mind: hope,” he said. “These young people leave our schools not only with knowledge and skills, but with resilience, compassion and strength of character. They represent a generation that will help build more pluralistic, just, and sustainable societies while improving the quality of life of the communities they will go on to serve.” 

The Class of 2026 has collectively received over $750,000 in scholarships offers and will attend prestigious universities around the world, including the University of British Columbia, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Manchester. 

“This journey was demanding and, at times, overwhelming, but it was also meaningful, transformative and deeply rewarding,” Valedictorian Prisha Chheda said. “In the midst of pressure and uncertainty, we discovered strength, purpose and a community we are proud to call our own.” 

The Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School, Dar es Salaam commends the Class of 2026 for their perseverance, outstanding achievements and meaningful contributions to the school community and beyond. The school also extends its warmest wishes to the graduates as they pursue future academic and personal endeavours around the world.  

The ceremony is available to watch on YouTube .