St. John's Children's Centre Riruta
"Raised from the Ground" is the motto of St John's Children's Centre in Riruta School and since it opened it's doors with just 16 children that is exactly what has happened with this school.
In 2001, when Vision Africa was in its infancy, our field directors were on a visit to another school in the Kibera slum when they came across a school with an enthusiastic and dedicated head-teacher, Gerald.
After establishing a feeding programme at this school and a good working relationship, Gerald approached the field directors and suggested that Vision Africa could open up its own school in the satellite slum of Riruta in Nairobi, taking in students from Kibera and other slum areas where children live in dire circumstances and even "free" education is too expensive for some parents who have no money for uniforms, books, pencils etc.
This was done and there has been no looking back ever since. From 16 students, the school has grown to almost 200 although the clashes of January 2008 meant that 70 pupils dropped out of the school and the role is currently around 120.
St John’s Children’s Centre has achieved great academic success with many students achieving offers for places in good secondary schools. In January 2008 the news came that 17 out of 18 KCPE candidates had achieved marks which would lead to an offer from a good secondary school – a fantastic tribute to the dedicated staff and students.
By setting up a sponsorship programme, Vision Africa has been able to pay for school fees, uniforms and a meal every day for the children attending the school. We also pay for the rental of the school building and 4 members of ancillary staff including a cook and a guard.
Due to the success of the school, some parents are willing and able to pay school fees for their children to attend St John’s Children’s Centre, this contributes the remaining funds required to cover all the running costs of the school.
Although the basic needs of this school are now being met, there is always room for improvement. The school has no sports equipment and only a limited library. As well as seeking funds for these items, there are also several children who require sponsors.
If you would like further information on this project or to make a donation for educational resources, please contact us via the Kenya Team option on our contact form.
Alternatively, if you would like to sponsor a child in Riruta at a cost of £7 per month please visit our sponsorship pages. Thank you!
50p gives a child a main meal every day they are at school.
£1 a week pays for a child’s education
Updated: May 2008