Empower, Engage, Educate in Rural Kenya!

You probably don't think twice when you wash your hands, but for many students like Mutheu in rural Kenya, it's not always an option due to the lack of water and soap. Over the last several years, Kenya Connect has worked to install 71 hand washing stations at all of our partner schools to keep kids healthy and in-school.  As the stations were installed, a program was held on effective hand washing techniques and the students were taught the song, "If You're Healthy and You Know it Wash Your Hands!"  Last summer, when our leadership team met with 50 of our Headmasters we learned that some of the stations were not being used due to the lack of soap which led the KC team to start seeking solutions.  

We are pleased to report that we met Health and Hygiene Specialist, Justina Pereira, who created a sustainable liquid soap making program.  At the end of February, Justina, held two workshops for teachers, parents and students from forty of our partner schools to learn how to make the soap and to create a sustainable program.  She also talked about the importance of hand washing at school and at home, proper hand washing techniques, and how to share information with others.  As a result, we have created health clubs at these forty partner schools and we will continue this pilot program in the upcoming months. 

"I am now happy to have sustainable liquid soap both at school and at home to help me remain clean and in good hygiene" notes Mutheu.

Donors like you have made hand washing possible in Wamunyu.  Your support has helped us install the water tanks and provide these type of workshops to help us keep our students healthy and in school.

We are also very pleased to report that now more students are reading books in Wamunyu.  In January and February, 727 books were checked out of the LRC - a new record for this time period!  We continue to grow our library so that we have even more books for students to borrow.  Reading helps our students gain new information, use their imaginations, help their fluency in English and Kiswahili, and provide enjoyment.  Your support of our programs help us provide staff for this vital part of our Learning Resource Center.

"Every week  when I come to the LRC for technology classes, I read a story book and also ensure that I borrow a book to read at home" says Mutua, a student from Makaalu Primary school.

Stay tuned for our next report about THE KC MAGIC SCHOOL BUS!  We are very excited that our new vehicle will be rolling into town in the next month!

On behalf of the students, teachers, and parents we serve in Kenya, please accept our heart felt thanks for your support!

Links:

• Liquid soap making video

Students in Kenya began their new school year in January.  For some of our students, it was their first year in secondary school, while others continued their education at their current primary school.  And as schools opened their doors for a new year, Kenya Connect has begun a new year of technology classes including specially designed classes by Level Up Village!  We have 55 students from the Mbaikini and Makaalu Schools taking a 3D Printer Class using Sketchup through Level Up Village.  It is an amazing and engaging opportunity for these students!

Meanwhile, we continue to grow our library with books authored and published in Kenya.  More students are reading at the LRC and at their homesteads.  Thanks to the "rent-to-own" light program, over 1,300 lights are now being used by students in Wamunyu.  Students are reporting a 20-30% increase in reading and studying as a result of these lights.  We will continue to expand this program to boost literacy and education in the community.

Our newest program, the reusuable sanitary pad project is being piloted with our ACCESS program girls and girls at Nunga Primary School and the Wamunyu Special School.  As part of the pilot, we are asking girls basic information about how they manage their monthly menstrual cycle and whether they would be willing to try the reusable kit.  In pre-survey questions, 20-25% of the girls reported missing school due to their monthly period. Although many of the girls are using disposable sanitary pads, they cite the cost as an on-going problem.  We will be piloting our reusable product with 70 girls to see if it is more cost effective, comfortable and reliable than what they are currently using.  One of the teachers from participating schools commented, "Can increase retention, transition, completion among our girls." and another said, "that is good, it will help our girls very much. Please issue them as soon as possible, we will appreciate very much.

All of our programs would not be possible without donors like you!  We continue to be able to break down barriers to education and provide innovative and best practices in learing because of the financial support we receive from our friends and donors.  

And we are thrilled to announce our Kenya Connect "Magic School Bus" will arrive at the end of February!  It is currently being built in Nairobi by Isuzu. This bus will bring students from distant schools to the LRC and bring much needed resource materials like books to the teachers.  We will be posting more on this project once the bus arrives!

The entire Kenya Connect team and the thousands of students and teachers we serve continue to be deeply appreciative to you for your financial support.  We look forward to sharing our progress in this new year.

Links:

• Recent Article on KC and Reading by Fulbright Alexis Kedo