Loreto Convent Valley Road.

  To truly understand the essence of Loreto Convent Valley Road, it is important to delve into its historical roots. The Loreto story traces back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries and centers around Mary Ward, an Englishwoman who defied the societal limitations imposed on women during that time. Mary Ward fearlessly engaged with prominent figures such as Popes, Emperors, Cardinals, and Bishops, despite the prevailing notion that women should confine themselves to the home. While maintaining unwavering loyalty to the Church, Mary Ward believed that she was called by God to offer a new and special gift to the Church, particularly addressing the lack of education and opportunities for women.   Her profound conviction that “women in time to come will do great things” empowered her to transcend the boundaries set by the post-Tridentine Church and the persecution of Catholics in England during the post-Reformation era. Inspired by her vision, numerous young women joined her cause, leading to the establishment of girls’ schools across Europe.   At the core of Loreto Convent Valley Road’s educational philosophy lie three fundamental values: freedom, justice, and sincerity. These values are interwoven into every aspect of the institution’s curriculum, fostering inner freedom, nurturing healthy relationships, and empowering students to live authentically as they discover their true selves. The belief that true happiness stems from living these values and the ability to find God in all aspects of life has remained the bedrock of Loreto Education throughout its history.   In the 19th century, a young Irishwoman named Teresa Ball received training from Mary Ward’s sisters and went on to establish a Loreto school in Ireland. Teresa Ball’s pioneering spirit fueled the growth of the Loreto Sisters’ missionary efforts worldwide. By the time of her passing in 1861, there were 39 Loreto Houses spread across five continents. It was from this Loreto branch that the first school in East Africa, Loreto Convent Msongari, was established.   Loreto Convent Valley Road has an intriguing origin story. In 1941, during the upheaval of World War II, Msongari, the original school in Kenya, was taken over by the army. As many parents were reluctant to send their young daughters far away, a “temporary” school was opened in Valley Road. However, as time progressed, this temporary arrangement took on a life of its own, and the school solidified its identity. The students who relocated to Valley Road never returned to Msongari, establishing a new chapter in the Loreto legacy.   The early years of Loreto Convent Valley Road were characterized by humble beginnings. The school initially had six boarders and forty day pupils. The first classrooms were constructed using wood and Makuti, a traditional thatched roofing material. In February 1943, the boarding section closed, and later that year, new classrooms were inaugurated.   By May 1946, the student population had grown to 104 children in Standard 1-5, with an additional 53 babies. Remarkably, until 1970, the school also admitted boys up to Std.3.