WEALD School UK Visits St. Columbans Secondary School in Kenya for Classroom Building Program

Category: News & Updates

Date: July 19, 2024

WEALD School students from the UK partner with St. Columbans Secondary School in Kenya to build classrooms, improving infrastructure and fostering international goodwill.

Trans Nzoia County’s educational landscape is witnessing a positive transformation through an exchange program between Kenya and the UK, as WEALD School from West Sussex collaborates with St. Columbans Secondary School in Kitale to improve classroom infrastructure.

Gender Advisor in the office of the Governor, Justina Siti, lauded the initiative, noting that such programs promote development and strengthen bilateral ties. “While the two nations enjoy cordial relationships through trade and diplomacy, knowledge and skills transfer through exchange programs are equally important,” said Mrs. Siti.

The WEALD School students save funds annually from their personal resources to support infrastructure development in Kenyan schools, with Trans Nzoia being one of the beneficiary counties. This year, over 50 students from the UK are constructing two classrooms at St. Columbans Secondary School, aiming to reduce congestion where over 70 students currently share a classroom meant for 40.

Ms. Siti underscored the significance of personal initiatives in supporting the needy, calling on locals to emulate such efforts. “We urge our people to take up personal initiatives to support the underprivileged by donating to support a good cause,” she encouraged.

The project, initially conceived as an academic exchange, evolved into a charitable endeavor driven by students who fundraise through part-time jobs. John Murumba and Beatrice Chahilu, Kenyan project trustees, highlighted the program’s evolution and its impact since 2006, having built over 70 classrooms in 20 different schools across Kenya.

Beatrice Chahilu, the project’s trustee and treasurer, emphasized the challenges in the education sector, including the lack of physical facilities. “Many institutions lack classrooms, toilets, and laboratories. Parents often cannot afford to build these facilities, so support from well-wishers is crucial in providing a conducive learning environment,” she stated.

Several schools in Trans Nzoia, including Trans Nzoia Mixed Secondary School, Khaoya Friends Primary School, and Wiyeta, have benefited from similar charitable work. With a student population of 2,000, St. Columbans Secondary School serves a diverse community, including students from middle to very poor backgrounds residing in neighboring slums.

School Principal Laban Kamau expressed optimism about the program’s impact, emphasizing that the new classrooms will significantly improve the learning environment for students who have historically faced challenges due to inadequate facilities.

Key Points:

WEALD School UK collaborates with St. Columbans Secondary School in Kenya for classroom construction.
Over 50 UK students are building two classrooms to reduce congestion.
Program highlights the importance of personal initiatives and international partnerships in supporting education.
Since 2006, the initiative has built over 70 classrooms in 20 Kenyan schools.
Local schools benefit from improved infrastructure, enhancing the learning environment for underprivileged students.

The partnership between WEALD School and St. Columbans Secondary School exemplifies the power of global collaboration and personal commitment in fostering educational development and international goodwill.