By Sharon Runge and James Musyoka | Executive Director and Field Director
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!
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