Schools
Since independence in 1963 Kenya had striven for a free primary education system but that was not finally realised until 40 years later in 2003. It is now compulsory but a prerequisite is a school uniform which many parents or guardians can not afford. The overall standard system of education is now 2 years in pre-primary, 6 years in junior secondary, 6 years in senior secondary and 3 years in university. This is an additional year in education from the previous system.
Although Kenya has one of the highest literacy levels in Africa the situation in remote rural communities in which our charity is working is quite different. Certainly there are plenty of primary schools with growing enrolments, due largely to the recent introduction of 'primary free', but there is still a desperate need for classrooms and basic facilities. Also the opportunities for secondary education are very few and far between and largely private with virtually none for the girls. Opportunities for girl child education after primary school are of growing importance to alleviate the problems of too early a marriage and motherhood and to make strides into the greater awareness of equal rights.
The challenges in education are also exacerbated by the shortages of teachers due to low pay as well as the growing number of orphans largely due to HIV/AIDS.
For example, Geoff's linked primary school in Chebukutumi started in 1973 with 3 classes and now has an enrolment of 1000 plus 150 in pre-primary. The number of orphans is 100 and this is a shocking reminder of the devastation of families due to HIV/AIDS and waterborne diseases and other health issues. The successful growth and development of Chebukutumi Primary School was assisted through financial support via the diocesan link and this success led to the opening of the Geoff Brown Girls High School there which was registered with the government in 2010.
On 4 March 2012 the Bishop of Bungoma, The Rt. Rev. George Mechumo officially opened and blessed the new Geoff Brown Girls High School in Chebukutumi. It was a grand occasion and cause for much deserved celebration, see the 3rd Newsletter in News. Each year we have been able to provide one or two UK sponsored scholarships for girls from the most needy families.
Our charity's aims in schools are to provide encouragement and support where possible and to consider grants for infrastructure and facilities. The pictures provide a vivid insight into the current situation in primary schools in this remote corner of Western Kenya.
