Gordon Clem Academy: Kenya - More than Academics

Gordon Clem Academy opened in February! A myriad of challenges kept us busy the entire year! Low enrollment, failure of parents to pay their school fees, tribal violence which resulted in the looting of the Academy Shop and the theft of many items in both kitchen and living quarters, the migration of the village to a place of safety, and more.

We face more challenges in 2016! But now we have a Board of Governors who, though inexperienced, are realizing the challenges before the school and will be trying their best to work on them. It is helpful to remember that this is all new to them and that true education often takes many different forms. Even the students received bits of “real life” education stepping up to cook their own food as the budget for staff was over.

As the students take their final exams this week, we are planning for next year. We have already increased the security or the buildings and the first $300.00 will reopen the Academy Shop which paid for one teacher as well as providing a necessary community service.

Many students did not attend any school. They completed Class 8 and remained idle as there is no high school within a reasonable distance. Lack of knowledge about Gordon Clem Academy kept them from inquiring. Therefore, student recruitment has already begun and tribal elders, church and community leaders will be proactive to increase enrollment and see that Gordon Clem Academy is successful in the community.  

Links:

• Gordon Clem Academy Facebook

My name is Mark. I am seventeen years old. I live in Kiwanja, Burat Ward, Isiolo County, Kenya. I go to Gordon Clem Academy for studies because I believe it will change my life. We come for a new life through education.

My aim in life is to liberate myself from poverty. I am studying to become a pilot. My favorite subjects are physics, math, and geography. I like playing athletics because God gave me the talent of running so I love athletics and singing.

I live in a mud house with my sister, brother mother and my cousins. There are 12 children. One is in third year of high school, myself in first year of high school, four children in preschool, two in primary and four at home.

I lost my father because of malaria last year. My brother and I took him to the hospital. The doctor gave him treatment but he died.

My mother provides food and clothing for us by making charcoal and fetching water from a long distance about 6 kilometers.

We sleep at night on a hide. I do not have many clothes, and no food. Almost every night we sleep hungry because of the lack of food. My mother walks about ten kilometers to make charcoal to sell for food. This is my challenge because what little comes is not enough for school fees. There is no father to pay the school fees. I will be happy if I get a well-wisher to help pay my school fees.

Links:

• Gordon Clem Academy Facebook