Overview of Kakamega Rural Secondary Schools

Ematiha SS was the first of 13 schools on our itinerary. Like all the other schools CES Canada supports through its orphan sponsorship program, it is a public secondary school. Many schools in the Kakamega area were initially sponsored by church groups. That means that seed funds were provided by the church for the initial startup. In most cases that would ensure one classroom with one latrine and one teacher. One of our schools (Namundera SS) began in 2001 with only 4 students.

The community then works together through a Board of Governors and a PTA to build facilities, to invite and pay teachers for their services and to create a strategic plan to augment the school population. Once the school has reached a population of 140 students the Ministry of Education then will recognize it as a legitimate school and will now begin to pay the fees for students and the salaries of teaching staff and one administrator. Non teaching staff salaries and the operational costs of running a school remains the responsibility of the community.

If there is a church or religious affiliation, there is now no longer any active partnership that provides funding for ongoing school needs. Schools can apply to the District Education Officer for additional funding for a special project; however, a hierarchy of needs mitigates against any immediate action. For the most part, funding for any building project must therefore be a community "harambee" initiative.

Some students cannot afford to attend school because they may be hungry, have no place to call home or parents or guardians to care for them. Many are also providing care for younger siblings. Each day is a test of survival in the best way possible. To pay for a school uniform, school resources and payments for field trips and other costs of transport is out of the question. All CES Canada students are sponsored knowing that their needs are fully paid for and that they can concentrate on their studies alone. There are some exceptions that you will read about as the journey through rural Kakamega continues.

Students who receive scholarships and support through CES Canada must have achieved an above average mark in the KCPE (Standard 8) and be recommended by both their teachers and Principal as having strong learning potential. They must also have demonstrated acute financial need as a result of being partially or totally orphaned by HIV/Aids. Each student has provided the same response to the question asked: "Would you be attending secondary school if you had not received support from CES Canada?" In every case, the answer was "No".

Presently CES Canada supports 50 students in 13 secondary schools who attend Form 1,2,3 or 4. Once a student begins our program there is every intention to support the student towards his or her achievement of the KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education).

In 2006 Benjamin Wafula (Makhukhuni SS)became our first CES graduate. He is now at studying at Tambachi Teachers College on a sponsorship through our Canadian partner ACCES. Last year in 2007, the following students graduated from our program:

Metrine Mayende (Bukhakunga SS) - admitted for a Diploma course at Kisumu Medical Training College sponsored by ACCES and now acting as a volunteer teacher.

James Wasike (Namundera SS) - applying this year to a college program

William Ashiono (Ikonyero SS) - working to support younger siblings

Lucy Imbiakha (Samitsi SS) - working to support younger siblings

And now...let's get on with the journey...

Leaving Kakamega at 7:30am September 4 I travelled with my hosts Malik Khaemba and Ben Udoto, Patron and Chair of CES Kenya. First stop, Ematiha SS was a 30 minute journey over rural roads dotted with potholes the size of a large goat. Rocks and streams and of course people walking on both sides of the red dirt road made the trip a challenge. Our 4 wheel drive Toyota made it through to the main gate and on to the grounds where we were greeted by Principal David Ambani. Established by the Church of God East Africa in 2001 it now has 145 students (85M/60F). Since there is a shortage of two teachers it is necessary for 6 teachers to do the work of 8. Unqualified volunteers such as former students will assist when called upon. Other priorities include 3 classrooms, a library, kitchen and dining hall, 4 latrines, 1 security gate and 4 staff houses. The needs are great, the resources are limited. An active Board of Governors and PTA are always fundraising and working on school projects as best they can.

I met with our four students at Ematiha SS. They looked so sharp in their red and white uniforms. Benson Ochango (F4) stands 4/24 in his class. "I am grateful for the support you have given us"

Lilliam Osimbo (F3) stands 4/32 in her class. "I am happy, my life is much better...you are making me to be seen as a real person"

Josephat Mwakha (F2) stands 10/34 in his class. "You are a blessing to our lives"

Geoffrey Musa (F1) stands 2/51 in his class. "I promise to work hard...I would not be here without CES"

I left Emitaha SS with the impression of it being a needy school but with a strong and courageous core of teachers and school leaders who are making a difference.