EDUCATION |
|
In Kenya all primary school teachers are trained and employed by the state, but everything else, buildings, books, equipment, meals must be provided by the community and parents. Consequently although the teachers are of a high standard, buildings, books and equipment etc. are few and of a very poor standard and maintenance. A typical classroom of mud brick walls, dirt floor, tin roof, a few desks and blackboard would accommodate 35-40 children. Ten children have to share a textbook, and exercise books and pens/pencils are in very short supply. Breaks are taken in the dirt playground, games played on the dirt playing field. Despite the drastic shortage of facilities, the children are desperate to learn and the staff dedicated to teach, and considering the difficulties, the schools achieve results which are remarkable. Education in Kenya, so far has not been compulsory, and because the parents have to make a small contribution of £10-£12 p.a. to the school maintenance fund (for buildings, books, etc.) this is beyond the means of many poorer parents. Thus bright children are often withheld from school through poverty. In many genuine cases AAF helps by paying the school fund fee enabling these children to be educated. |
|
 |
|
 |
AAF has been able to link many schools in the UK with primary schools in Kenya and the pupils of both schools value the exchange of letters, and ideas learning a little of the others culture in the process. The English children also run various fundraising events to provide books, pens, and games equipment for their Kenyan friends.
From general funds, AAF also carries out certain repairs and refurbishments to school buildings, and provides desks etc. where needed. |
