Gabriel Gekonge

18 years old, attending the University of Bristol, UK. Gabriel was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in June 2022.

Gabriel is studying towards an MEng in Aerospace Engineering. Prior to that, he attended Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), where he achieved a total of 41 points in his IB Diploma.

He is an all-rounder in co-curricular activities: a talented footballer (an Academy player at Express Football Club in Uganda); a basketball player, swimmer and athlete; a keen student pilot; and has performed in virtual concerts, playing the guitar. He is passionate about aviation and has long term ambitions to help drive change, building capacity and better sustainability in the aviation industry in Kenya and across the region.

At school he was an enthusiastic House Captain, a post to which he was elected by his peers. He was the co-founder and a lecturer at the school’s Mathematical Society, spending 5 hours a week lecturing and attending sessions. He also tutored his peers for IGCSE and IB maths.

Gabriel is an engaged citizen and is always willing to help, for example supporting a local children’s cancer hospital and assisting organising school events. He volunteered for two hours every weekend at Companionship of Works Association (COWA), which is aimed at empowering youth through education and practical skills, completing various farming activities. 

Beacon Workshop Participation

As a new Beacon Scholar, Gabriel talked about his current service activities, in particular his work with disadvantaged families in Kampala and fundraising via 'Shoebox Campaigns'.