News from the last 6 months
We are currently working in three different schools in Kenya, each facing its own set of challenges. All three schools started the new semester on July 3, 2023.
REHOBOTH SCHOOL
We’ve been supporting Rehoboth School since the beginning of 2023. Located in Kitengela Noonkopir, the largest slum in the Kajiado District, Rehoboth is situated right next to a landfill, the “workplace” for many of the students’ parents. The school was founded by Jane Gitonga, a mother of five, in 2014 to provide an education for the area’s poorest children.
Unlike private schools in Europe, private schools in Kenya serve the poorest of the poor, as they don’t charge school fees. The students’ stories are often marked by sexual and domestic violence, HIV, and extreme poverty. Before the pandemic, the school had around 170 students, most of whom were funded by sponsorships. However, the pandemic led to the loss of many sponsors, leaving the school struggling. Teachers’ salaries couldn’t be guaranteed, causing some to leave, and rent arrears accumulated. The number of students dropped to 90 as parents, unable to afford support, were asked to contribute.
In response to this crisis, the WeCare-Association decided to cover the fixed costs of the school starting in January 2023. Thanks to this support, the children now receive three meals a day, seven days a week. In the last month alone, 20 new students have joined, bringing the total number of pupils back to 170. The improved nutrition has also led to a decrease in daily cases of illness. Since there is no corporal punishment (caning) at Rehoboth—unlike many schools in Kenya—students enjoy coming to school, not only for food but also for a safe environment. With our donation covering school materials and uniforms, cooperation with the parents has significantly improved, and teachers are more motivated since they no longer have to worry about delayed salaries. The number of teachers has increased from 7 to 11, directly enhancing the quality of education, with all subjects now being taught.
ILOSHON
We visited Iloshon four times in the first semester of 2023, but our visit in April was cut short due to a closed road. The normal route to Iloshon had been blocked by the landowner due to local disputes, which caused significant problems for the elementary school, attended by 430 students. Teachers couldn’t get to school, some students had difficulties attending, and aid deliveries had to be picked up halfway by the students since the alternative route was impassable. We contacted local authorities, but progress has been slow. The government is working on clearing the route, although it’s not a traditional road construction project, just clearing the roughest stones to create a passable route.
Iloshon has a new head teacher, Mr. James, an older Maasai man who is very open-minded. He has promised to motivate the parents to send their girls to the Nasaru Learning Centre. We also organized a long-overdue renovation of the drainage pipes and washbasin connections at Nasaru through the deputy head teacher,Madame Purity. This was a much-needed improvement, as the outside toilets had holes in the drain pipes, causing serious health issues.
In the sewing studio, sewing teacher Lilian has made her first bag sales, though we’re unsure of their profitability. Still, it’s a good start. However, Lilian is pregnant again and will soon need to stop working. We’re working on finding a suitable interim solution.
MPERRISHI
We visited Mperrishi four times in the first half of 2023. Although only three visits were planned, we secured a sponsor for an additional 10 girls from Mperrishi. This generous donation will cover the increased frequency of visits, benefiting both the new and current students.
There has been a change in the school management: Mr. Immanuel has been replaced by Mr. Reuben. Additionally, the number of teachers has increased to 9, which will positively impact students’ learning outcomes.
The arrival of Charity, a young Maasai teacher, is also encouraging. She can serve as an important role model for the girls.
The full half-year report can be downloaded here.
However, we are seeing progress in many areas and are convinced that we are on the right track.
Thank you for supporting us on this journey!
For regular updates, please follow us on social media:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/femmes_des_rizieres
https://www.instagram.com/wecareassociation
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/femmesdesrizieres
https://www.facebook.com/WeCareAssociation
Or of course on our websites
wecare-association.com
www.femmes-des-rizieres.com
Now I wish you all a wonderful summer 2023!
