John Kirubi and Margaret Njeri Kirubi

Neighbourhood School located in Engoshura, Kenya

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In 2003, John and Margaret Kirubi started a school in their own home in Engoshura, Kenya because many children were left alone during the day as their parents looked for work. Initially, seven students came to the school via word-of-mouth. Today, ninety-eight students are attending; they are given lunch when they come to school and uniforms. Only 20 students are able to pay; this money pays the teachers. Most families earn less than $1 per day.  

 

 

 

 

 

Engoshura (Six miles from Nakuru)

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Many students are turned away from the Neighbourhood School because the school does not have enough water. A water borehole would provide the students with water for drinking, bathing, and for crop irrigation. Some students have no parents, most have only one parent; some have AIDS.

John Kirubi now works in Cleveland taking care of six elderly people at a retirement center. He earns $500 every two weeks. Each month John sends $300 to Margaret in Kenya via Western Union. This money buys water, food, and supplies for the ninety-eight students. The Kenya government gives no money to the school.

Margaret Kirubi lives with twenty orphaned students in the school. They stay in her house.

In Kenya, high school is free. Students must pay for kindergarten through 8th grade. All 8th grade students must pass a Kenya standardized test from a national accreditation agency in order to go to high school. All of the Neighbourhood School students pass this exam attesting to the quality of the education Neighbourhood School provides.

Water is located at a public borehole two miles away from the school. Two donkeys carrying water jars make three trips to the borehole each day. Water cost 2 shillings per jar; each jar holds twenty liters (60 shillings = $1). If the water is delivered to the Neighbourhood School, it cost 10 shillings per jar

A water borehole location for the Neighbourhood School has already been established and the necessary geological survey completed. The problem is the water is estimated to be over six hundred feet below the surface resulting in a completed borehole and pumping station cost of about $30,000. 

With this borehole in place, not only would the ninety-eight students be provided with safe drinking water, but water for bathing and crop irrigation as well. Thus, a food supply would also be provided for the school as well as sanitation and hygiene. No longer would it be necessary to carry jars on a donkey several miles into town and back. In addition, with water and food available, more students could be accepted in the school.

The Rotaract Club of Hiram College and the Rotary Club of Aurora are considering this project. We are also looking for other Rotary Clubs in District 6630 to co-sponsor the project as well. When Clubs have come on board, I will apply for a District and RI grant.

 

Students in classroom

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