Education

Kiotani (Swahili for ‘Inside the nest’) is a Primary School and Boarding Facility located in the Lukenya Hills. It is home to 122 boarding students and serves an additional 30-day students from the local community. Since its opening in 2015, the school has provided education to over 4000 children in grades 4-8, supporting the most vulnerable children who often need rescued from challenging personal circumstances. Some do not have stable families, while others come from risky environments and may be victims of trafficking, members of child-headed families, or affected by harmful cultural practices such as FGM. Some are total orphans, necessitating care and protection in a rescue center.

For many, this school represents their only basic primary education opportunity. Kiotani Rescue Boarding School ensures the well-being of its students by providing three meals a day, thanks to a farm that supports their nutrition, and offering sponsorship opportunities for school fees and uniforms. Additionally, the school provides much-needed psychological support for those in need thanks to the support of Sponsors for Kenya, New Hope Foundation, and individual donors and supporters that have also donated to buy 10 acres of land equipped for a complete school and boarding facility in Lukenya Hills, including a greenhouse, a playground, a livestock house, water well, solar panels, dormitories, and classrooms.

Kiotani is a project that strongly emphasizes sustainable development. We have installed solar panels to ensure sustainability and reduce electricity costs. The greenhouse and crop fields grow different crops, such as tomatoes, kale, spinach, eggplant, and onions. Additionally, goats, chickens, and cows provide children with food and create revenue for the school. Kiotani is flourishing with fruit and vegetable plants, kids are having a blast, and we continue to grow and improve our infrastructure.

WHAT WE NEED

Your ongoing support is essential to develop students further, expand the farm, upgrade renewable energy sources, create a science lab, improve piping and drainage systems, widen the greenhouse, enhance classroom technology, and enhance security systems, among other needs.

Tumaini (Swahili for “hope”) Education Center is a day school located in the Kicheko slum areas of Mlolongo. It offers vulnerable children access to quality education. Since its opening in 2010, the school has provided primary education to 120 children from pre-primary to grade 4. In addition to education, Tumaini ensures that the children receive two meals a day, sponsorship support for school fees and uniforms, and psychological support when needed.

During the day in the slums, a lot of parents and caregivers are out doing various jobs to earn an income. A lot of children are left on their own, which can be very dangerous for small children. Because their parents or caregivers cannot afford to pay for the school fees, children lack active care during the day and are prone to bad influence, dirt, and abuse.

In the slums, many parents and caregivers are out working throughout the day, leaving young children unsupervised and exposed to various risks. With limited financial resources, these children often lack adequate care, increasing their vulnerability to neglect, harmful influences, and abuse.

Our program addresses this issue by providing a safe environment where children from the slums can receive care and education during the day until their guardians return in the afternoon. We offer protection, early childhood education, outdoor activities, and at least one hot meal daily. This meal may be the only food for some children all day.

The program's goal is to develop a full professional school where the children are prepared to join mainstream primary school institutions. These institutions are supposed to be free for all children in Kenya. However, parents face additional fees (e.g., exam fees, tuition fees, and school uniforms, among other small costs). Many times, this leads to a child being suspended from school and sometimes not returning.

WHAT WE NEED

Your ongoing support is essential for building and furnishing new classrooms, constructing an outdoor play area, providing materials for the dining room, expanding and funding the children's food program, and adding technology to the classrooms. Your role in this project is invaluable and integral to its success.

Kiotani School Lukenya

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Objectives of the School

Tumaini Educational Center

Kiotani School Lukenya

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Objectives of the School

Tumaini Educational Center

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