During my stay in Mikala working as a volunteer I got to be hosted by the area’s sub-chief so it made it easy to interact with the community. In my previous article I highlighted the major challenges experienced in the school and community at large. Hence, we set three goals to help us make a difference during our volunteer period. These goals included bettering the performance of students in St.Mikala Primary, motivating them to appreciate the importance of education and observe basic hygiene practices. In our efforts to actualize these goals, we are set to receive support from Action Aid which is a non-governmental organization.
Through my interaction with the community, I got to realize that Action Aid has invested heavily in the community by educating them on their rights. Moreover, the NGO has partnered with another organization and set up a water project for the community. This water project is the only source of water to St.Mikala Primary. Though, internal community wrangles often cause its unreliability making it difficult to carry out projects in the school. Therefore, it’s important that the leadership of the area intervenes to ensure the school always access water.
Regarding the challenge of frequent absenteeism due to lack of school fees, Action Aid has promised to pay school fees for 60 students identified in the lower primary for the next five years.Additionally, the NGO also promised to expand the kitchen garden. In return, the school administration is expected to form a club of students who will take care of the project. The excess vegetables produced will be sold to the community and the income received will help sponsor the students’ school fee. It will also identify needy families in the community and engage them in an income generating activities.I also got to engage with Sauti Ya Wanawake a group that fights for women and children rights in the community. It has put up a spirited fight to ensure that every child in St.Mikala community access an education.
During morning assemblies the children are reminded to observe basic hygiene practices also the school administration has made it mandatory from 3.10P.M-3.20P.M as time for cleaning. The local public health official has also participated by giving a talk on HIV/AIDS to the students. He also shared with the kids some exam passing tips and promised the class eight candidates an award to those who will achieve 300 marks and above. Amara conservancy that neighbors St.Mikala Primary has also reached out to the school to offer support.
All these efforts are tied to the goals set in the beginning of the volunteer program me. My major concern is St. Mikala has allowed special ed
kids in the mainstream classes which is also a hindrance to better performance. I do not understand if its lack of initiative or breakdown of information from county to the ministry to address this problem.It’s imperative this issue be addressed by the ministry or NGO.
