In 2003, Kenya reintroduced free education. But is it really free……?
Education is one of the highest values in Kenyan society. Parents encourage their children to stay in school and get the best education that they can. Parents in the Village of Love are no different. However, the challenges they face are huge!
An interesting movie is “The First Grader,” based on the true story of Kimani Maruge, a Kenyan illiterate farmer and the world’s oldest person to enroll in primary school, who joined Kapkenduiywo primary school in Eldoret at the age of 84. He was elected head boy at the age of 86 in 2005. In the movie, when he first comes to school, he is sent home, not because of his age, but because he does not have a school uniform!
Public Elementary Schools
When “free” schooling was announced, the numbers attending the public schools increased dramatically, overwhelming the system. The public schools are understaffed and often very overcrowded, having up to seventy children in a classroom at a time!
Children living in poverty, such as Village of Love children often cannot attend these “free” schools, because they lack money for school uniforms, desks, supplies, lunches, and transportation. They tend to have a very intermittent education:
When a child has no uniform or school supplies, they are sent home.
Classrooms in government “free” schools are very over crowded.
Private Schools
Many parents opt for private schools that offer a higher quality education. These are mostly run by faith based organisations, individuals and private organisations. Fees are required, the amount depending on the quality of education supplied. Some of these schools do offer some free places for orphaned children.
Increased fees are expected to range from $250 to $500 per year.
High Schools
There are National, Provincial and District Schools. For students to be promoted to High School they write mandatory class eight examinations and are admitted to one of the schools depending on the grades they have attained.
Fees for District Schools range from $550 to $750, which includes boarding, meals and tuition.
Very high marks are required to gain admission to either Provincial or National Schools. A National School requires straight A’s, and Provincial Schools require slightly lower marks. The fees for these schools range from $750 to $900 per annum. These High Schools are all boarding schools. There are a number of day schools, but they have many disadvantages, such as the time wasted in travelling, lack of studying facilities at home and lack of food.
School Costs for Village of Love Children
There are currently 150 children in the Village of Love. Most of them are attending government run primary schools where there are no school fees required.
$10 a month will provide school supplies, desk, lunches, uniform and transport for one primary school child enrolled in a government “free” school.
SECONDARY EDUCATION: 27 children have qualified for Secondary School.
Approximately $500 is needed annually for each child for 4 years.
$40 a month will provide school fees for one Secondary School child
2014 Fundraising Goal for education: $15,000