Inspiring visitor leaves Torquay grammar school in tears

Tears of joy flowed when a VIP visitor dropped in on Torquay Girls' Grammar School.

The school warmly welcomed Catherine Omanyo, founder and Director of Imprezza Academy from the third most deprived area of Kenya.

As a child, Catherine could not afford to go to school but achieved an education by sneaking into lessons and persuading a teacher to let her take exams.

Catherine founded Imprezza Academy in 2001 with the aim to give children in Kenya, who could not afford school fees, the chance to learn. 

Above: TGGS head Sarah Forster and Catherine Omanyo

In 2022, Catherine was elected to Kenya’s National Assembly as county woman representative for Busia County.

For 21 years, Imprezza Academy has been the sister school of Torquay Girls’ Grammar.

This partnership began after a TGGS Head Girl visited the school and returned with a heartfelt plea for them to support Imprezza.

Since then, TGGS’ fundraising efforts, mainly through their annual school community sponsored walk have supported numerous projects, including building dormitories and classrooms, constructing a well for fresh water, providing a vehicle, and contributing to food, medicine, and hospital visits. 

The iconic annual sponsored walk is a sight to behold where the whole school, some in fancy dress, walk from school to Torquay Marina, catch the boats to Brixham and then walk back to school, which is about 13 miles and all for charity.

These efforts perfectly embody the TGGS school values of collaboration, kindness, equality, well-being and open-mindedness.

Catherine was VIP speaker at the whole school assembly, introducing herself to new students who have joined since her last visit in January 2023. 

She described her upbringing; longing to be able to go to school and explained her journey to where she is now, with heartfelt thanks to the TGGS community for helping her through this journey. 

There were tears in the hall when headteacher Sarah Forster asked Catherine for the honour of naming their new House, coming in September, 'Omanyo' House, after such an incredibly inspirational role model to all.  The last House introduced at TGGS in 2015 was Cross House.

The school message was: "So, any students joining in September this year, you now know the story behind your potential new House!"