Teachers Workshop 2025

A Recap of the 2025 Heart to Heart Teachers’ Workshop

On March 21st, 2025, the Heart to Heart Foundation hosted its impactful Annual Teachers’ Workshop at The Karen Hospital, bringing together over 500 passionate and committed educators. Themed “Transforming Teachers to Transform the Next Generation,” the event aimed to empower teachers with essential knowledge to better understand and support children with heart conditions and developmental needs.

This full-day workshop was a vibrant convergence of healthcare professionals, educational leaders, and teachers, each with a shared mission: to make schools safer, more inclusive, and more supportive for every child.

🔹 Morning Session: Knowledge Meets Compassion

The day began with warm welcomes, registration, and opening prayers led by COO Wangare Demesi. This was followed by inspirational remarks from Mr. Joseph who represented the Executive Director Karimi Randall and Programme Manager Carolyne Nandwa, setting the tone for a day of learning and empowerment.

Key morning presentations included:

Identifying Pediatric Conditions
by Sarah Ndegwa (Audiologist) and Godfrey Ngeresa (Occupational Therapist)
Heart Surgeries and Rheumatic Heart Disease
by Dr. Premanand Ponoth, Chief Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon

A mid-morning tea break offered attendees time to network and reflect before diving into the second half of the program.

🔹 Afternoon Session: Practical Tools for the Classroom

Post-lunch sessions focused on practical ways educators can make a difference:

Teacher’s Physical Health Guide
led by Kennedy Irungu Kangángí (Physiotherapist)
Nutrition for Educators and Children
by Dr. Josephine Mbuthi (Clinical Nutritionist/Dietician)
Speech & Language Therapy in Schools
presented by Catherine Katheke Nzau (Speechtherapist)

The workshop closed with heartfelt reflections from Dr. Betty Gikonyo, Trustee and Founder of the Heart to Heart Foundation, reminding all in attendance of the critical role teachers play in early intervention and holistic child development.

We align our programs with the school calendar and actively participate in key activities throughout the academic year, including:

Basic medical check up
Health talks (career talks)
School clubs
First aid in sports day (Ambulance)

Moments to Remember

The day ended with group photos, led by Gladwell Malema, and a lunch break filled with warm conversations and renewed commitment. From the interactive sessions to the exchange of ideas and lived experiences, this year’s workshop truly left a mark on every participant’s heart.

Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters

We extend our deepest gratitude to all speakers, field officers, partners, and most of all, the teachers who continue to shape the lives of children with love and dedication. Special thanks to our sponsors including KCB, PIXI, Nova Pioneer, and All Saints Cathedral for making this day possible.
Together, we are building a future where every child’s heart beats stronger – because of you.