Rural primary school in Kenya
Children in Class 1 at Nyadeng’i
Some improvements at Nyadeng’I, funded by TLC’s first donation of $400.
While 90% of Kenyan children enter primary school, UNICEF reports that in rural and impoverished areas only one in ten poor children will finish 8th grade. In Kenya, distance to school, lack of supplies, limited numbers of teachers, increasing malnutrition, and child labor all contribute to a very high educational drop out rate. The nation’s life expectancy is about 53 (in contrast with 78 years in the US), and one of four adults can not read at a very basic level.
Our project works with David Ogada, a lead teacher from a more urban area, who decided to donate his time and energy to help support this impoverished rural community. David chose the Nyadeng’i School because of its high level of need and strong leadership from the headmaster of the school, who he has known for some time. Nyadeng’i currently has 108 students, including 52 in early childhood development (ages 5 to 7), 28 students in class one (1st to 3rd grade) and 28 students in class two (4th to 5th grade). The school hopes to expand in the number of students it can serve, as well as the quality of education and services provided. They are in need of many things including: a food program, access to running water, school supplies, children’s shoes, a new class building, and desks.
Our first donation of $400, raised largely by American University students, helped to finish the wall of a classroom, construct inserts within the building in order to hold additional classes, provided paint and windows to the school, and enabled the installation of ceiling panels.
Where the money goes
Our next donation of $800 will provide the following:
- Food program – this area has been badly impacted by drought and malnutrition is widespread. These funds will allow the school to provide one meal a day to the students.
- School supplies – chalk, pencils, paper, and children’s books.
Funds are sent directly (via bank transfer) to the local project coordinator, David Ogada, who will send back photos of the projects upon completion.
We have a goal of distributing funds in March 2010.