Objectives:

The main objective of this project is to improve the accessibility of 300 school children to quality education and canteen services through the provision of classroom furniture and a canteen, as well as the construction of a canteen in the Kilulu primary school compound.
furnishing of classrooms and a canteen, as well as the construction of the canteen in the Kilulu primary school compound.

Activities carried out:

1.Procurement of materials and construction of the canteen

During the project, materials were procured in different phases for the construction of the school canteen, which started in September 2023. Rains in the region made access for trucks difficult and caused delays in the works, but work intensified from February 2024. The foundations, which were deep due to the sandy soil, required more materials than usual to ensure stability.

The construction included solid walls reinforced with wrought iron pillars, a sturdy roof made of hardwoods and green metal sheets, designed to blend in with the surroundings. The walls were cemented for strength, leaving an open section with wire mesh for security and ventilation, ideal for the hot conditions of the area. The floor was reinforced with stones and reinforced concrete to ensure durability, and three iron gates were installed in accordance with Kenyan Ministry of Education regulations.

This infrastructure was designed to be functional, resilient and in harmony with the local environment, in order to significantly improve conditions for the students.

2. Furnishing of the school and dining room

This activity consisted of the manufacture and purchase of furniture for the classrooms, especially the desks that were urgently needed so that the pupils could study properly. So far, 140 desks have been purchased and are already in use, although not all of them, as it is expected that there will be more pupils in the school next year.

Also 145 tables have been manufactured for the dining room and classrooms, most of which are already being used in the newly built classrooms and for the children’s breakfast and lunch which has already started to be served in the newly built dining room.

During the project period more furniture for the dining room and the school has been purchased, i.e. 8 cupboards and 3 base cabinets.

3. Feeding programme in the canteen

The school feeding programme provides daily breakfast and lunch in the new dining hall, improving the comfort and hygiene of the children. During the first phase of the project, meals were served outdoors using the available furniture. This programme is crucial for the children, as many would not have access to adequate food at home. The meals include rice, maize, beans, porridge with sugar and milk, as well as supplements such as vegetables and occasional meat, ensuring a nutritious and balanced diet to support their growth and development.

4. Project monitoring

The monitoring of the construction and the acquisition of furniture has been carried out by visiting the school and the construction site constantly, following the work of the masons and carpenters and trying to find solutions to any problems that may arise. So far the only problem has been the rains which have slowed down the work.

Results:

We can say that good results have been achieved from this nutritious initiative as part of the education and growth of children between the ages of 4 to 14 years old in the school.

In this academic year 2024 and thanks to these initiatives of construction of the dining room, furniture and nutritious meals, about 160 children have benefited, hoping that for the next academic year a larger group will be added, reaching 300 pupils.

The effect has been twofold: on the one hand, the new desks and tables have had a great impact on the pupils’ studies, as the children are very happy to be able to sit and study with dignity at their desks, something they have never done before in their lives.

And on the other hand, being able to eat with dignity at a table is a radical change in their education and in their character. This, in addition to eating properly, helps the children to grow in character and helps to increase the values of sharing and generosity by helping each other at the table where they eat.

This positive experience is already having a great impact not only on the children of the school but also on the parents of the pupils and the society of the area in general, who are grateful for these initiatives.

In addition, the nourishment they receive at mealtimes helps them greatly in their health and education.