Empower, Engage, Educate in Rural Kenya!

"We are beginning Library Day at Wamunyu ABC School" shared Mrs. Celina Muendo, Head Teacher.  Celina is thrilled that Kenya Connect launched the first ever library card program in Wamunyu with 175 books being checked out at her school last week.  In an effort to help build a culture of reading, increased reading fluency and comprehension, and the joy, wonder and knowledge of books, schools like Wamunyu ABC are embracing the opportunity to have library books brought to their school.  Celina reported that each Library Day students will read from their library books and share the stories that they read with each other.  This new Kenya Connect program is made possible because of donors like you!  Just imagine children in rural Kenya leafing through the pages of a beautiful picture book for the first time or learning about the inaugural rocket launch from an information book.  In the coming weeks, more library cards and books will be delivered to additional Kenya Connect schools so stay tuned for the update!

Last year the Kenyan government issued computer tablets to primary schools with content for first and second graders.  Although this is a wonderful step forward, many of the teachers did not know how to use this technology and the tablets remained locked in school closets.  As we visited schools and talked with head teachers, we learned there was a monumental need for training.  This past week we offered the first day of a three day training session by KC's technology specialist, Patrick Munguti and Mr. Douglas Matolo (a trainer on information technology and a tutor at Machakos Teachers college) for 38 teachers. We plan to conduct six training sessions with at least four teachers  from each of our partner schools trained eventuality resulting to a total of 216 teachers trained.

'Tablets training will open up teachers capacity to integrate ICT in teaching and Learining. Teachers will be able to use digital literacy program in content delivery to students making learning more enjoyable."  Patrick Munguti  Technology Edycation specialist. 

This essential training supports teachers-- many who have never used computers before--- to utilize this 21st century technology in their classrooms.  As the country of Kenya is expanding the use of technology, we are continuing to develop ways to provide these valuable resources to teachers and students in our rural community.

One of our goals at Kenya Connect is to help keep students healthy and in school.  One of the most cost effective ways to do so is through deworming coupled with hand washing and health and hygiene lessons.  Over the last two weeks, 5999 students at 28 schools were provided deworming medications. "My students health has improved tremendously due to the continuous deworming exercises. I have also noticed improved school attendance among the children." Mr. Benjamin Mwilu - Kambiti Primary School.  Prior to administering the deworming pill, students learn about the importance and effectiveness of hand washing and the best practices to do so.  Kenya Connect has installed hand washing stations at all 55 partner schools and our health clubs continue to make liquid soap.

All of our work to empower and engage students and teachers would not be possible without donors like you!  Your support has been essential to our many accomplishments and are making a difference in the lives of students and their families in Wamunyu.  We will continue to update you throughout the year with these project reports.  We also invite you to follow us on facebook and instagram to see the daily miracles happening in Wamunyu.

Thank you for helping to make the launch of 2018 so exciting!

Over the years we have provided project reports that shared the many initiatives that Kenya Connect has inaugurated to break down barriers to education and to empower and engage students and teachers to be successful in the 21st century.  These robust programs are a result of donors like you who support our work, and more importantly the students in Wamunyu.

Today we want to share a few stories of our Kenya Connect Super Heroes.  Your past support has helped Helen, the third daughter of a wood carver and subsistence farmer, use a computer for the first time.  Considering that Helen and most of our students lives with no electricity, this is quite a feat.  With access to technology classes, Helen learned how to use computer assisted design and a 3D rpinter to create a small solar flashlight.  Helen dreams of being a nurse, and having access to Kenya Connect's enrichment programs is helping her pursue her dream.  

Another Super Hero is Evans.  Evans has been part of the English ACCESS program and has exhibited strong leadership skills and has won recognition by the U.S. Embassy as a member of the ACCESS program.  He loves reading and acting and would like to be an architect.  The son of a casual laborer, Evans is dreaming big and is already contributing to his community.

Mutua is the only child of a single mom who works as a tailor.  He is extremely bright and outgoing and would like to be a teacher.  He has taken a number of computer classes including coding and 3D pritning.  Mutua loves to sing and dance and is seen as a leader.

And we have Carol, a joyful girl with physical and cognitive impairments.  She is in the prevocational class at the Wamunyu Special School.  Her mother is single and a peasant farmer.  Carol loves singing, reciting choral verses and poems.  An avid knitter, Carol plans to do this as a career.  Carol is also a champion handwasher and encourages her peers to wash up!

These are just four of the 17,000 Super Heroes that we work with each day.  Students in rural Wamunyu face so many barriers to education.  Support from donors like you have made a profound impact on these students.

Will you continue to support us in 2018 with a gift on #GivingTuesday or by year end?  All gifts on #GivingTuesday, November 28 will be matched and recurring gifts will be matched by 200% through the end of December.

On behalf of the Kenya Connect Team, please accept our continued heartfelt thanks.  You, too, are heroes for supporting our life changing work.