Jennifer's School

Jennifer is one of the most charismatic and courageous young women I have ever met. In 2007 she and her good friend Julia left the comforts of Canada to spend two months in Kakamega. Her mission was to assist CES by volunteering as a teacher in one of our schools. Jenn had a few options and then chose Namirama Girls SS. Getting there each day was not easy...first a ride by matatu then a boda boda bicycle taxi ride ending with a 2km walk. Jenn does not blend in the rural Kakamega countryside. She's one of a kind with blond hair that can be seen a kilometre away. Talk about a winner...that's Jenn!


On September 4 we visited Namirana SS, a residential girls school. Principal Florence Lihanda met us with the traditional "Karibu" greeting. How nice is that. This special word coming from the heart is magic...it makes one feel totally welcomed. The first question Principal Lihanda asked me was, "how is Jennifer?" Obviously Jenn had made an impact and a strong contribution to the school. She was loved and remembered by both staff and students. That's why I call Namirama SS Jennifer's school. She left her mark there.

The Deputy Principal Phoebe Ambetsa and the Chair of the Board Chrispus Olido (who also acts as Treasurer of CES Kenya) described the history of how the Society of Friends (Quakers) had founded this residential school. I was impressed with the the fact that it had a strong Guidance program. We were later treated to a great lunch consisting of chicken and ugali.

Motto: "Endeavour to Succeed"
Vision: "Quality Learning for Self Reliance"
Mission: "To create a centre for excellence and integrity for the empowerment of learners to fit into a dynamic world"

We met four delightful students - Maximona, Eddah, Everlyne and Horiddah. All are total orphans except for Eddah whose mother is still alive.

Maximona Wakhanu (F4) is doing well in Math/Science and plans to become a Teacher

Eddah Wamalwa (F4) is studying hard to become a Doctor

Everlyne Simbauni (F2) stands first in a class of 70. She wants to become a Lawyer. She has leadership qualities and is being groomed to become a prefect.

Horidah Maungo (F2) stands 10th of 70. She wants to become a Weather Forcaster. She will soon be a House Captain.


Namirama SS is a fine school that could do with a computer lab to give students greater opportunity to establish IT skills. I left Jenn's school knowing it was in good hands. The gardens, trees and shrubs around the classrooms made the whole environment rich and colourful. People there obviously take great pride in their school. Not all schools have such a beautiful place for their students to enjoy. Now I know why Jenn liked it so much here.