Visit to Iloshon in July 2023: Successful parents’ meeting and positive developments
In Iloshon, a place we regularly visit in Kenya, a successful parents’ meeting was recently held. The new head teacher, Mr. James, invited Agnes Gitonga, a member of the WeCare-Association, to attend this important meeting for the first time. The meeting was conducted in English and covered a range of topics, including the work of the WeCare-Association, the issues of FGM and teenage pregnancy, and girls’ performance. Challenges such as rising food prices and the need for a printer for the school were also discussed.
WeCare Association campaigns against FGM and teenage pregnancies
The parents were highly supportive of the WeCare- Association’s work. In particular, the issues of FGM (female genital mutilation) and teenage pregnancies were discussed in depth. The meeting agreed that these problems must be addressed in order to secure a better future for the girls.
New requirements for the program and rising food prices
Another topic of discussion was the girls’ performance, which is a requirement for admission to the school’s program. It was decided that new girls must show a certain level of motivation and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, the sharp rise in food prices has led to an increase in the cost of staying at the Nasaru dormitory. This will likely be a subject of further discussion in the future.
Greater administrative effort requires a printer
With the introduction of a new curriculum by the Kenyan government, the school is facing a higher administrative workload. The school management raised the need for a printer to handle this increased demand, and plans to address this issue in the near future.
Chief Petro as elected representative against FGM and teenage pregnancies
Chief Petro, the elected community representative, also voiced his opposition to FGM and teenage pregnancies. His presence at the meeting highlights how critical these issues are to the community.
Repair of the entrance gate and completion of the fence
The entrance gate to the school was destroyed by elephants searching for water. The school plans to repair the gate with support from the community. Another issue raised was the unfinished fence. The required materials are already on site, and it was decided that some men from the community would be mobilized to complete the fence.
Appreciation of teachers and maintenance work
The parents expressed concern that teachers only receive practical gifts, such as rice and ugali flour, when visiting Iloshon. However, Agnes Gitonga explained that these gifts are given as a gesture of appreciation for the benefit of their children. Positive developments were also noted in terms of maintenance work, including improvements to the drainage pipes in the toilets and the cleanliness of the dormitories.
Installation of a rain gutter planned
During the construction of the dormitory, a rain gutter was not installed, causing water to stagnate in the inner courtyard during rain, instead of being collected for use. To address this, the plan is to meet with two companies offering rain gutters during the next visit to Kenya in late October 2023. The options and costs for installing a gutter will be discussed then.
The visit to Iloshon was extremely positive. The parents’ meeting was successful, with key issues such as FGM, teenage pregnancies, and girls’ performance discussed in depth. The WeCare-Association continues to actively campaign against these issues. The rising cost of food and the need for a printer were addressed, as well as the repair of the entrance gate and the completion of the fence. The teachers’ appreciation and improvements in maintenance work were also highlighted. The planned installation of a rain gutter aims to solve the water drainage problem and better collect rainwater.
Overall, the visit to Iloshon shows that the community is committed to driving positive change. The WeCare Association plays a key role in this effort and remains dedicated to the education and well-being of the girls. With continued support and collaboration, even more progress can be achieved in Iloshon.
