Student Well-Being
We understand the challenges of IB study and of living away from home, and ensure that our students have a well-rounded experience in a safe and supportive environment.
Joining the Family
We welcome students from many countries, cultures, faiths and socio-economic backgrounds. The AKA Maputo offers them intellectual, social, spiritual and physical growth in a friendly, structured and ethical environment.
Students meet their mentor regularly to discuss learning skills, course selection and other academic aspects of student life, as well as with interpersonal relationships. Residential students are also part of a dorm family, eating and socialising together as well as interacting with the rest of the Academy community. A faculty member, based in their residence, is responsible for their wellbeing and is their first point of call. We also have a counsellor on campus.
Our Health and Wellness Centre has one resident nurse. They liaise with local specialists as needed. Transport for medical purposes is available 24/7.
Our staff ensure that campuses are secure and safe, with supervision as needed for off-campus excursions.
See how we are prioritising student wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[ COVID PAGE ]
Feeling at home in the residential programme
“One of the best parts of being a residential student at the Aga Khan Academy Maputo is the second family I have here. I really enjoy being in the residences amongst the dorm parents and the other dorm students. I also love going on excursions with all of my friends on the weekends and how we get to spend time with each other. For instance, we go to the mall and amusement parks and have so much fun. When it is one of our birthdays, we celebrate it together, which makes us feel so special. It’s all like home. I also get the opportunity to go to the mosque every Friday with other students, and that is one of the best parts of my life in the residences.
When I first joined the residential programme, there were some challenges I faced. The main challenge was the pressure from my academics and adjusting how I studied and learned. I always had my own timetable and ways of learning. It was really difficult at the beginning – I missed my home. But after some time I adopted a new timetable and the pressure from my academics decreased, all because of the support I received from the dorm parents and my peers. I realised that change is necessary and trying something new and different can make life fun, a little easy and perfect because it eventually helps you overcome all of your difficulties.”
Amisha Lakhani, Grade 10 student, Aga Khan Academy Maputo
Fostering a close-knit community
“From my point of view, the residential programme at the Aga Khan Academy Maputo creates a community environment. The residences are structured in a way to encourage students and staff to build meaningful relationships and a sense of community that is inclusive. Students also develop new skills, participate in various educational activities and build on their self-independence.
As a residential parent, I act as a parent for my dorm students while at the Academy. There are several responsibilities I have as a dorm parent, which includes looking after my students’ general health and wellbeing, encouraging positive behaviours in the residences and beyond, supporting their academic progress, and much more. However, one of my important, and favourite, roles as a residential parent is having regular and meaningful conversations with my students.
I really enjoy being part of the residential programme, especially our weekly family dinner. During this dinner, it feels like we are at home and it is a great opportunity to talk to the students about their lives and understand how school is going so I can offer the right support. I also enjoy the fun we have together during Friday or Saturday evening activities where you see the other, non-academic, side of the students.”
Sumeya Taquidir, Science and Arts teacher, residential parent, Aga Khan Academy Maputo