KEEPING AKILI GIRLS IN SCHOOL THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS

There is a lot of excitement when graduating to the next level. This group of our 8th graders have finally sat for their  KCPE exams, marking the end of an era under the 8.4.4 system as they represent the last batch of students who will be transitioning out of Akili School to high school. We are confident that they will perform exceptionally well with a target score of 360 marks or higher out of the possible 500 marks. This is due to their hard work over the 8 years they were boarding at Akili School. We are dedicated to continuing supporting these marginalized students through our high school scholarship program that will provide them with both material support and fees that will enable them to continue accessing education in their highschool. We believe in the limitless potential of the girls, and are committed to nurturing their talents and empowering them to reach for their full potential.

In addition, in line with their dedication to giving back to the community, our scholarship students actively engaged in maintaining the school through activities such as picking up litter, mopping, slashing, and uprooting weeds, among other tasks. Through these acts of service, students developed important life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and cleanliness. Their involvement in these community service activities created a positive ripple effect, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous community.

In August, we held a 2 weeks STEM revision and life skills camp at Akili STEMarts Academy which brought together 150 girls and boys including our scholarship students. The camp included intensive STEM revision sessions for the students on challenging topics in a range of STEM subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geography which employed the use of PhET simulations PhET and presentations in order to acquire a deep understanding of key concepts and improve their academic performance. Robotics sessions introduced students to basic programming using Edison and Botley robots, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The camp also prioritized life skills education, addressing topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, adolescent psychological and behavioral changes, online safety, and students' rights and responsibilities. This holistic approach aimed to enhance students' physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Furthermore, the students were trained on sustainable farming, post-harvest loss prevention and strategies to reduce food waste thus improving food security. 

We are also delighted to share about the new chapter for Akili School, as it transitions into a STEM learning center for rural disadvantaged children across Kisumu. This transformation indicates the school's commitment to providing high-quality STEM education to underserved areas. By embracing STEAM education, which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, The now AkiliSTEMarts Academy aims to nurture the talents of students and empower them to reach their full potential. This transition demonstrates the school's proactive approach to adapting to the changing educational landscape and ensuring the best opportunities for its students.

 Help us fund our final 8th graders as they transition to first year of high school these link http://goto.gg/59423

Links:

• Organisation's Website

 Dear Friends,

Social emotional learning has a positive,lasting impact on students in and out of school. The skills help one to increase their self/social awareness, academic achievement,interpersonal skills,decision making and helps in developing a growth mindset. 

In April during the 2 week school break, We hosted 56 of our scholarship girls for a one day retreat aimed at guiding them to focus their time and resources efficiently through  career guidance on goal setting. 

Our staff, teachers and volunteers evaluated their academic reports to find out some of the challenges the students are experiencing and give them a motivation on what best they can do to not only perfect their performance but also thrive in whatever they do to succeed both at school and in life.

 We also conducted a mentorship/life skills session where they were counseled on goal setting strategies such as being guided on setting SMART goals. They were also provided with full school uniform,shoes,undergarments and menstrual  hygiene supplies to prevent them from period shames from leakages/uniform stains,improve their self esteem and  also it makes them concentrate in class thus improving their academic performance. 

Below are testimonials from Sharon and Stephany on that day;

“My name is Sharon from St. Marks Secondary. I am taking this opportunity to thank the Riley Orton Foundation for paying for my fees which has enabled me to stay in school and learn. I’m also grateful for the new uniforms which I got. The Mentorship I get every time I attend some of their programs helps me in my daily life. For this term, I got a C. I have set my target to C plus for next term and do my best to achieve it but my goal is to achieve a B minus come my final examinations.”

“My name is Stephany from ST.Gregory Koru Girls. In school, I have different experiences, peer pressure being one of them, however, I know how to control myself. I like traveling and reading stories. ROF has helped me so much by paying for my fees, giving my parents less burden. It has helped me by providing me with school uniforms. After form four I would like to be a nurse. In my last exams, I scored a D+ and in my next exams, I would like to score a mean grade of C+.

Rof has also helped me in building my self-esteem through some of the mentorship programs they do hold for us students, it has also helped me to be able to set targets in my studies and work hard in achieving them.

Thank you so much for your generous donations. We encourage monthly donations through this link Year-Round Monthly Match Overview - GlobalGiving to  contribute to this worthy cause. Every bit counts, and your generosity will significantly impact these girls that are in need. Let's hold hands in supporting girls’ education. 

Links:

• Kindly check out more of our project impact here