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When in doubt – go to the library …

In the words of George Martin, ‘’A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies and the one who never reads lives only one.’’

It is with great joy that we celebrate yet another life changing success this year in Esiteti Primary School, Amboseli. For three months we have been overseeing construction of a fantastic library for the school. The work began on 1st August 2019, with funding from long-term supporters A E Reimann Foundation and Skål International Monaco. We also appreciate the generous donation from Derrick and Kimberly Birum which has gone a long way to provide furniture, equipment, computers and books.

The construction was finished on the 24th October thanks to hard work from our regular contractor teams, Mofo Contractors and Building Company. Our structural engineer Anthony Mwai from Vector Africa Limited visited to inspect the works and has declared it complete and ready to equip.

This three month project has seen us realize a one of a kind library in Kitirua conservancy where the school sits. The library is large at a total of 4,185 square ft and is able to accommodate at least two classes in a sitting. It will be equipped with a computer section, reading area with shelving, and an arts and crafts room seating up to 30 children at a go. Shelves, desks, computers and aert and crafts equipment are all on order and being delivered over the next few weeks and we expect to have a fully furnished library by 15th of December 2019, ready for the new school term which commences in January 2020.

We trust that this investment will provide much needed support for the ever-growing community at Esiteti Primary School and the larger Kitirua Conservancy. It is a delight to see the changes at Esiteti, watching the student numbers grow and their exam results improve. We would like to thank all of you who have been a part of this journey!

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More than books and buildings – it’s a chance at a future

For the longest time, the Kenyan public education has been based on an 8-4-4 system which translates to 8 years for Primary Education, 4 years in High School and 4 years in college. Over the years, a lot of changes have permeated the learning halls and the system at large but what remains constant are the mixed emotions had by the scholars awaiting the scores for their final exams. For the oldest students (grade 8) in the primary schools, the Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) is a real defining moment, as it plays a significant role in determining the High school that the children will move on to. 

Last week, the grade 8 students were on edge as the Kenyan examination council through the Minister of Education, Prof. George Magoha, announced the KCPE results. As is customary, the top achievers and their respective schools head out to the streets to celebrate their performance as the rest of the country watch the jubilation on TV screens. Amidst the country’s celebrations, we received wonderful news from our very own supported schools whose students performed fairly well.

The highlight of this moment, however, was the report we received from Kachiuru Primary, our supported school in the remote parts of Isiolo, whose performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite challenges linked to the prolonged drought experienced in the area, the school has managed to record a steady improvement in their test scores.

Mr. Samuel Mutabari, the school’s head teacher, had this to say, “We wish to thank Land & Life Foundation for the support you have continued to offer Kachiuru Primary School. The school’s academic performance has improved over time and this can be attributed to your support and that of the donors”

Every one of YOUR donations, from textbooks to ablutions blocks, have played a significant role in establishing a bright future for these Kachiuru students. By providing improved facilities and extended resources, you have helped the school improve the standard of teaching and environment for learning – and now, the proof is there for all to see!

So thank you to everyone who has contributed to Kachiuru, to the Wildlife Warrior Program and to Land & Life. It really does make a difference!