By Muskan Singh & Elizabeth Okumu | Reporting Team
Greetings and Gratitude from Team RKF
Thank you for your continued support towards our project and communities! In our last report, we provided updates on the country-wide protests in Kenya and the challenges they brought in delivering our programs. Despite these disruptions, we remained committed to supporting the community through our Meal Kits and School Meals Program. Read the full report here: Carrying On Amidst Protests in Kenya.
In this report, we bring you some new and exciting updates! We’ll share highlights from our workshops with the Scholars and insights from this term’s Teachers, Cooks, and Interns Roundtable.
Scholars Workshop Update: Part 1
Our scholars returned from their second term, and we had fun, inspiring, and impactful activities planned for them! These workshops aimed to rejuvenate the students after their time in school and elevate their educational experience, expanding their imaginations' horizons and inspiring them to believe that their possibilities are endless.
Before we get into it, you can catch up on last term's workshops. Here’s a link: Shining on: Scholars Update
The workshop kicked off with a series of lively ice-breakers, such as musical chairs, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cups,” and the crowd-favourite drawing contest, in which scholars hilariously attempted to sketch their partner’s face without looking at the paper or lifting their pencils. Laughter filled the room as the masterpieces came to life! With our spirits high and hearts full, we kicked off the activities.
Cookout session: Scholars got hands-on with a fun cookout challenge! Divided into three teams—Team Galitos, Team FoodInn, and Team Wonderers—they each whipped up a unique dish: ugali and kachumbari, sukuma wiki with eggs, and vegetable pilau, respectively. Teamwork and friendly competition ruled the kitchen, from chopping veggies to stirring pots. From figuring out the recipe together to taste-testing the final product, every moment was filled with laughter, learning, and a dash of friendly competition. The reward? They cooked a delicious meal themselves and learned some profound life lessons in leadership, communication, and patience.
Art: The creativity didn’t stop at food! Scholars unleashed their inner artists in the art session with vibrant paintings and delicate origami. Working together, they created colourful masterpieces, boosting their confidence and showing how powerful collaboration can be.
Show-and-Tell: Scholars brought their talents to the spotlight! Naomi started things with a heartfelt poem while others danced, rapped, presented creative artwork, dribbled soccer balls, and even shared scientific concepts like making light without batteries. Every scholar had a moment to shine with plenty of applause and smiles. We wrapped up the fun activities with a screening of Encanto, soaking in lessons about self-awareness, teamwork, and perseverance. Afterwards, they shared their favourite moments from the film and the characters that inspired them the most.
And that’s just the beginning—stay tuned for part two, where there’s even more to come from these unforgettable workshops!
Teachers’ Roundtable
A famous drummer and singer of rock music, Phil Collins, once said, "In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn." Teachers dedicate their hearts and souls to nurturing the next generation. However, in their line of duty, they encounter various challenges that affect their delivery and, in the process, transmit to students.
Through the Teachers' Roundtable, the Rahul Kotak Foundation provides a platform for teachers to share their experiences and challenges and spotlight the neglected issues affecting them. We held our 3rd Teachers' Roundtable, a day of connection, learning, and reflection. It provided a space for educators to bond, share, and grow—fueled by insightful conversations and delicious meals. They discussed the challenges faced and took a deep dive into the power of a growth mindset with guest speaker Lynette Odidi. With inspiring sessions and engaging ice melters, the day was a step forward in cultivating resilience and positivity in public education.
Cooks + Interns Roundtable
Recently, we hosted a roundtable with our amazing field interns and dedicated cooks, the backbone of our School Meals Program. Our field interns, stationed at various schools, oversee daily operations—meal prep, queue management, and timely service—while ensuring all hygiene protocols are followed. This meeting was about hearing their experiences, discussing their challenges, and brainstorming solutions to enhance the program.
But it wasn’t all work and no play! We brought some classic Jenga to keep things fun and foster team spirit. The energy in the room was infectious, and the insights shared were invaluable. Our cooks, who work tirelessly to ensure nutritious meals are prepared daily, also voiced their thoughts. Their feedback is essential as they are on the frontlines, ensuring every child receives two hot, healthy meals daily.
Together, we're making strides towards a better, more effective Meals program for the children we serve!
Links:
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