Education Kenya Project #52745

Project Pamoja! Build the school of tomorrow

by Volunteers Foundation

Project Report | May 8, 2025
A Shared Love of Stories: Building Our Reading Community

By Monica Dan | Founder

Reading in Grade 6

There’s something special about walking through the doors of our new school building, the energy feels different. With bright classrooms, open spaces, and a dedicated library, the entire atmosphere has changed. One of the most beautiful sights? The library room, always full of children flipping pages, whispering about plots, and getting lost in stories. The new environment has sparked new habits, and reading is quickly becoming a favourite part of the day.

Something wonderful is happening at VFA , our school is turning the page on an exciting new chapter, and it’s one we’re all part of. We’re kicking off a schoolwide reading journey, and it’s all about falling in love with books, together.

This isn’t just another program. It’s a heartfelt move toward helping our students (and us grown-ups, too!) become curious, confident, and lifelong learners. And guess what? The buzz is already spreading, classrooms are feeling more alive, and conversations about stories are popping up everywhere.

At the core of it all is one simple, powerful idea: everyone in our school reads for 15 minutes each day. But this isn’t just quiet time with a book, it’s a shared daily ritual of wonder, laughter, and connection. Teachers and students sit side by side, flip through pages, and talk about the stories they love. Reading is becoming part of who we are.

And here’s a question to think about: what’s the book you’ve loved the most, the one you keep coming back to, year after year? Chances are, it’s left a mark on your heart, just like we hope this program will do for our students.

We’re already seeing the magic. Just a few minutes a day is helping boost reading skills, fuel imaginations, and bring us closer together as a community.

Why It Matters — Especially in Kenya

Kenya has made remarkable strides in literacy. As of 2022, the adult literacy rate stands at 82.88%, with youth literacy (ages 15–24) reaching an impressive 95.73%. These numbers show how far we’ve come, but also remind us there’s still work to do. In rural areas, access to books and quality education can still be a challenge.

By fostering a love of reading in our school, we’re doing more than building strong readers, we’re helping build a more literate, empowered future for Kenya. So let’s keep turning pages, together.

Because when we read, we grow!

Reading together in grade 3

Listening to a story in PP2

Reading in Grade 1

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Jan 9, 2025
New Year, More Students and Teachers

By Monica Dan and Paola Longobardi | Trustees at VF

Mentorship session

The new year has started, and we couldn't be happier to welcome our VF students back to class! Seeing them this morning, on their first day of school—hugging one another, laughing, and rushing into their classrooms with excitement—has filled our hearts with pure joy and renewed hope.

Their enthusiasm and energy remind us why we do what we do.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, last August we celebrated the opening of our newly refurbished school building. Today, we had the joy of welcoming 50 more students to our primary school—35 of them aged just 4 and 5—marking a 40% increase in our school population!

This milestone is a testament to the power of collective support and belief in the transformative power of education. But our journey is far from over.

Phase 2 of the building project awaits, and with your continued support, we aim to add essential resources like an IT lab and sports facilities

We are aslso thrilled to welcome a talented group of new teachers to our dedicated faculty. These passionate educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to our classrooms, further enriching the vibrant learning environment we’ve built together.

With our newly expanded facilities and an energized teaching staff, we are ready to embark on a year of academic excellence.

In addition to our core academic offerings, we will continue to enhance our co-curricular activities. Building on last year’s experiences, we aim to provide students with even more opportunities to develop their talents, expand their skills, and engage in meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.

We extend our heartfelt best wishes to the students who have transitioned from Volunteers Foundation Academy to Junior Secondary School. For them—and for our secondary school students, many of whom are studying at boarding schools outside Nairobi—we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting them both financially and emotionally.

To ensure they feel closely connected to the VF community, we have planned regular mentorship sessions and opportunities for them to reconnect with one another. These efforts will provide them with a strong support system, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as they continue their educational journey.

Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to Volunteers Foundation Academy. Your generosity is making a lasting impact on the lives of our students. We are truly grateful for your partnership in shaping their futures.

Here’s to a successful year ahead—one full of growth, achievement, and opportunity for all!

Thank you from us all at VF!

The VF students moving to Junior Secondary Schools

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Sep 10, 2024
One milestone reached, a new one on the horizon!

By Monica Dan | Founder

You might have followed the news on our social media, but if not...we’re thrilled to officially share some wonderful updates with you! Our newly redeveloped school building is now open, and the impact it’s having on our students is nothing short of inspiring.

This building isn’t just walls and windows—it’s a beacon of hope, guiding our students toward a brighter future. We firmly believe that a well-designed, safe infrastructure is absolutely crucial to fostering academic success and providing students with the quality education they deserve. Every corner has been created with love and care. Each detail reflects our commitment to giving children the best possible environment to learn, grow, and succeed.

Let me share a few success stories that highlight the transformative power of education and community support:

In the past, you heard me speak about Lucy, one of our students. Today, Lucy is a skilled birth nurse. Considering the high maternal mortality rate in Kenya, Lucy’s work is vital. If she assists with the birth of one child every day throughout her projected 40-year career, she will help approximately 13,200 mothers give birth, likely saving many lives in the process.

You might also have heard me speak about Clackson, a child we found in the bushes, literally, who is now studying Music at Kenyatta University. Clackson has already begun to give back to the community by leading our young students to the Kenya Music Festival, demonstrating the transformative power of the arts.

And then there’s Sharon, who recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Sharon is set to enter the workforce this September, ready to apply her skills and contribute to the economic development of our community.

These stories are just a few examples of the ripple effect that our program has created. Education not only changes the lives of individual VF students but also uplifts their families and the entire community.

Recently, one teacher shared with us that students are now lingering and never want to leave the school grounds after classes—yes, you read that right! They are choosing to stay, enjoying the comfort and safety of their new surroundings. The enhanced infrastructure is clearly encouraging more engagement and a stronger connection to learning.

With the additional space and resources, we’re excited to announce that next year we’ll be able to welcome even more students. A solid, well-equipped foundation like this ensures more children have the opportunity to receive the education they need to achieve their full potential, setting them up for long-term success.

The joy and enthusiasm among the students are palpable. Their confidence has blossomed, and it shows in everything they do—from their lively class discussions to their eagerness to take on new challenges. This is exactly what we aim for—an environment where every child feels empowered and supported.

And it doesn’t stop there. This new space will also become a key hub for the entire community, offering resources and programs that will benefit everyone. It’s not just a school; it’s a place where dreams take root and grow.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our donors. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors, especially to our amazing VF GlobalGiving supporters. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Fly&Help, MonteMare, and Ark Construction for coming together to bring this long-standing dream into a reality. Your generosity has made this vision come to life.

Excitingly, phase two of this development will follow, which includes building new sports grounds for our students. More details will come in the next few months! For now, continue to be part of the VF journey—be the light bearer for the new students.

Keep supporting us by donating a desk or sponsoring a child. Together, we can create brighter futures, one child at a time.

Thank you from the VF Team and all the students!

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