In 2001 we started supporting Chome Primary School, a school established in 1997 in a rural community in the Taita Hills of south-east Kenya. Our aim is to support the school through its construction while developing a long term partnership with both the school and its community.
The progress made by the school since 2001 has been fantastic, and it is very nearly finished. During our involvement, we have made two visits to Chome which enabled us to see first hand all that has been achieved.
We are now also looking at supporting village based initiatives, among them a
micro-finance scheme.
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The Compound |
The Nursery Class | | | | The situation in Kenya
The need for assistance in Kenya results largely from the self-help philosophy, Harambee, promoted by the Government since independence. Harambee, meaning pull together, emphasises community co-operation and involvement as the best way to develop the country. Consequently, the State provides teachers and meets their salaries, while the construction and maintenance of schools and the provision of all equipment is the responsibility of the school itself and the local community.
Money is therefore raised from fees levied on pupils' parents by the Parent Teacher Associations, and community fund-raisers. However, the majority of the population are farmers with little or no income, so the school fees are often not met, and the fund-raisers are of little practical use.
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Chome's development
Chome is typical of Kenya as a whole. Founded in 1997 on a 13 acre plot by the community elders in response to children having to walk up to 5km to the nearest school, it started off with just one classroom. Every year, the community added another classroom, and by 2001, there were five classrooms in use for 100 pupils.
However, none had been completed to the desired standard, and the eight members of staff were managing with just one small room as their staffroom. Not only did the few existing parents have little income with which to help the school, but the lack of facilities dissuaded other parents from sending their childern to the school.
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Children |
The School Development
The key additions to Chome Primary since 2001 have been:
Three further classrooms to bring the total number to eight, one for each year of Primary School.
An administration block containing a staffroom and offices for the Headteacher and deputy headteacher.
A water tank in which to collect rainwater, thereby reducing the school's need to collect water from the village's single water supply, 200 yards from the school.
Landscaping of the school terrain to prevent flooding of the classrooms during heavy rains.
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The View |
Contact
For more information about Chome Primary School, please
contact Nick Meakin.
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