Never Settle for the Less

It was a rainy afternoon at Campus 1 UMS when we first met Alwy Ahmed. The downpour had pushed us to an unconventional interview spot. Instead of sitting face-to-face as most interviews go, we sat side by side, in front of Djazman Auditorium, facing the hallway as students and lecturers passed by. Occasionally, someone would pause to greet Alwy or ask a quick question, breaking up our conversation in a way that felt almost natural for someone as well-known as him.

Alwy's activism began at Aga Khan High School. There, he represented Kenya at the 8th annual Aga Khan Peace Summit, established a peer-mentorship program, and founded the Chakigamo club, dedicated to promoting Kiswahili, Kenyan literature, and teaching. "I wanted to help my fellow students, that's all," Alwy explained.

The Chakigamo Club opened doors to even greater opportunities. Alwy and a friend later merged it with the journalism club, leading them to compete in the Nation Media Competition, they took 4th place in the newspaper category, the first of many medals to come. 

“It was a surprise to win this competition, because it was my first time in a competition, after that my face became everywhere, in the newspaper, in social media, just wow.” Alwy recalled the memory.

But success in journalism had a downside. His extracurricular focus caused his English grades to slip. “My teacher scolded me for my grades, she even told my mother!” he said with a laugh.

Realizing the importance of balancing academics and activities, Alwy doubled down on his studies. His hard work culminated in his entry into the prestigious Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, the world’s oldest international schools’ writing competition organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society. In 2022, he won a Bronze Award, becoming only the second Kenyan to achieve this honor after Kayla Bosire who took a Gold Award in 2021. Alwy then demonstrated his consistency by taking Silver Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Young as he is, Alwy carries himself with the confidence of someone who’s seen life at its toughest. Growing up in Kibokoni, an infamous district in Mombasa, Kenya, he saw his share of violence, drugs, and robberies. “In Mombasa, people avoid Kibokoni if they can, it's a place many fear, but has a strong community togetherness.”

His hometown is often seen as a lost cause, luckily, as Alwy puts it, he had a guardian angel watching over him. Alwy’s mother made sure he stayed on the right path. After Isha prayers, he had to be home, no excuses. He didn't even have a phone until after high school. Though strict, his mother is everything. “She’s the gem of my life,” he often said.

After high school, Alwy followed his mother’s advice to balance deen (faith) and dunya (worldly pursuits). He took a part-time job teaching at a local Madrasa while also working as an MC at community events. At the same time, he pursued a Diploma in Arabic Language and an HR Management certification through an online platform.

Soon after, he joined Nurturing Star, a volunteer mentorship program working with students across Kenya. “Their struggles reminded me of my own,” he reflected. “I wanted them to see that success isn’t about where you come from, but how hard you’re willing to work.”

Through Nurturing Star, Alwy sharpened his leadership skills, something that came in handy when he joined the HR division at Mombasa Government under Mombasa Yangu. But even with all those responsibilities, he never let go of his creative side. 

Inspired by life in Kibokoni, he wrote The Sacrosanct Ruby, a novel about a young girl navigating a conservative community, fighting to chase her dreams despite the weight of societal expectations. The story struck a chord, and before long Mombasa Jitambuwe Organization, a local theater group adapted Sacrosanct Ruby into a stage play.

“It’s a tribute to the resilience of so many people I’ve met, especially young girls who feel trapped by circumstances,” he said

A moment of connection during Alwy Ahmed's mentorship session with students in Kenya.

Alwy’s journey to higher education was never straightforward. Raised in a modest home, he understood from an early age that knowledge could be his way forward, but affording an education was an entirely different challenge. His mother, despite facing relentless struggles, never wavered in her belief in both deen and dunya.

Alwy reflects. “I come from a poor background. I owe it all to my mother and Allah’s guidance. Everything, even this interview, is part of Allah’s plan.”

Through sheer determination and following his motto of Nil Satis Nisi Optimum, Alwy secured the International Priority Scholarship (IPS) from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) in Indonesia to study Islamic Education. The scholarship, along with support from his family, made the impossible possible.

“The reasoning behind choosing Islamic education comes from my fear of leaving this world without truly understanding my deen or my Prophet (SAW).” said the first semester student.

For Alwy, learning is the foundation of everything, “that’s why the first command to our Prophet (SAW) was to read, not pray or give charity,” he pointed out.

Beyond his coursework, Alwy found inspiration in the life of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah. The more he studied Ahmad Dahlan life, the more he saw reflections of his own struggles. “Ahmad Dahlan faced immense challenges, yet he remained dedicated to his country and religion,” Alwy said.

What resonates most with Alwy is how the Kyai dedicated himself to education, not just for men, but for women as well, establishing Aisyiyah to ensure equal access to learning. And though he humbly acknowledges that he is nowhere near Dahlan’s stature, he shares the same calling, to bring knowledge to the underprivileged, so much so that Alwy has written an article about the life of Ahmad Dahlan.

At UMS, Alwy found another avenue to pursue his passion for accessible education, becoming a Library Ambassador. “Libraries are more than just buildings with books,” he explained. “They’re spaces for knowledge, engagement, and lifelong learning.”

Despite his packed schedule with various organizations on and off campus, Alwy doesn’t see his commitments as a burden. He sees each organization a thread, distinct yet meant to be woven together into a single, larger purpose.

Alwy speaking  at the Youth representation in the Assembly of Mombasa County with the Cooperation of Mombasa Jitambue Organization

Even while studying abroad, Alwy remains deeply connected to activism in his home country. His involvement with organizations like In the Making Foundation, and the Muslim Education Welfare Association keeps him engaged with grassroots efforts.

Reflecting on his work with We See You Foundation. “I helped students who failed tests. There was this stigma, when we fail a test, we are branded as failures, and sometimes that label sticks with us and drags us down. We helped to get them back on their feet.” said the man who loves playing volleyball in his free time.

At the same time, Alwy has expanded his advocacy beyond borders. He recently became a member of the FXB USA Climate Advocates Program and UNEP, furthering his commitment to global change.

Alwy also became the youngest judge in The ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION 2024, he recalled, “These are my fellow judges, and they were much older than me. I was the youngest judge, I remember when I was the one to give the final verdict. It was a huge honor for me.” His expertise was recognized again when he was invited to be a judge for the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition in June this year.

Recently, Alwy stepped into a new role as a mentor for the Limitless Youth Innovation Academy, a program under Solferino Academy, which operates within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Starting February, he will be working closely with participants from 36 countries, helping them turn their ideas into real solutions for environmental issues. As much he become mentor, Alwy also underscore the fact the he is also learning from them “the way I see is, it’s two way learning, I will also learn something from them.” he said

While Alwy has already achieved so much, his journey is yet to reach its zenith. As a first-semester student, he is still laying the foundation for what promises to be an inspiring path ahead. With every book he reads, every student he mentors, and every cause he dedicates himself to, he takes another step toward the world he always dreamed of, a world where knowledge connects faith with everyday life, where it creates opportunities in the face of struggle, and where it turns dreams into reality.