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 and even to this day it is
not compulsory. The overall standard system of education is now 8
years in primary, 4 in secondary and 4 in higher.
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 being 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 8 classes, Standards 1 to 8,
with an enrolment of 1000 including 150 in Early Childhood
Development (ECD). However the orphans number 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 has been
assisted through financial support via the diocesan link and this
success has now 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 are able to
provide one or two UK sponsored scholarships for girls from the
most needy families. By 2016 we had 9 scholars at the
school.
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.