Solar Lanterns for Tana Students

Dear Donors,

It is our hope that this May, 2024 newsletter from Tana Delta Kenya finds every one of you well and in good health.

On 25^th March, 2024, Tana River Life Foundation (TRLF) paid a visit to schools located in the interior namely Assa Primary School, Odoganda Primary School and Bisadi Kone Primary school. These schools are approximately 100km away from Garsen town centre in Tana Delta. The entire expansive land of Assa location is not connected to the national electric grid system hence communities rely on portable solar to charge and light their appliances.

TRLF team bought approximately 100 pieces of lanterns to be distributed to students in the three schools so as to assist them during night studies. However, the program has been interfered with due to the ongoing long rains and flush floods that are pondering the nation compelling the government to issue a directive through the Kenyan President on Friday, 3^rd May, 2024 that Schools reopening for term two, have been postponed until further notice. As a result, TRLF field representatives have downed their tools until the government re-issues a notice for schools to open. In Assa area, roads are normally very bad and impassable whenever it rains.

Amidst the challenges triggered by nature, we are optimistic that once everything comes to normalcy, we shall promptly reach out to help the students. We are thankful to all donors for the continued support. God bless.

Dear Donors,

Happy New Year! We hope that this update from Tana Delta Kenya finds everyone of you well and in good health.

Schools in Kenya closed as early as 28^th October, 2023 to pave way for National exams to take place. In addition, there has been a long holiday break of approximately 9 weeks which stretches to 8^th of January, 2024 where schools are slated to re-open. However, it is unfortunate to note that prior to the closure of schools, the country has been anticipating for el-nino rains that would affect most parts of the country. Indeed by late November, 2023, most parts of Tana Delta where we run our field operations was vastly affected by flash floods due to prolonged el-nino rains.

Schools and other infrastructure including households, roads, have totally been marooned by water hence making the interior completely inaccessible unless only by air. As a result, the government, well-wishers and local authority intervened to evacuate people and their properties to safer and higher grounds until the water recedes. To date, there are a lot of (internal displaced persons) living in makeshift tents.

Due to the current situation, Tana River Life Foundation, will plan for a field visit to schools after re-opening as from 8^th January, 2024 subject to the water situation in most parts of the Tana Delta. We are however optimistic that operations will get back to normalcy and students shall get back to school and embark on working smart towards achieving their educational goals and aspirations for their brighter future.

We are very grateful to all donors for their continued support to the students of Tana Delta, Kenya through their generous aid of Solar Lanterns. God bless.