By Alie Eleveld | Founder SWAP and Technical Advisor
Introduction of SWAP and the Adopt a School Initiative
Safe Water and AIDS Project (SWAP) is Kenya registered NGO with a mission to provide innovation solutions for improved health and economic status of communities SWAP has been operating in Western Kenya with public health programs, research and emergency response.
During this reporting period we supported 2 schools:
1) Ombaka Primary School – 470 students – Kisumu County
2) Ombaka Special School – 45 students – Kisumu County
Identifying needs and priorities in the school is done following an assessment involving school board of management and guided by the school health policies and guidelines.
During this period no funding came in through GlobalGiving, but alternative funding enabled SWAP to support the two schools.
Ombaka Primary School
The erratic rains and flooding in the region affected the sanitation of the school. Some of the latrines were submerged by water and others collapsed. The school is also hosting an evacuation center for families affected by flood which has also put a strain on the sanitation infrastructure
There was urgent need for constructing a latrine for the girls and renovation of the boy’s toilets. A contractor was assigned and several site visits were made. The construction was done during the Xmas holiday. Upon completion of the toilet early January 2024, 25 girls benefit as well as displaced families living in the evacuation center during emergency situation. The recommended toilet ratio for girl is 1:25 and for boys is 1:30. Ninety (90) boys will also benefit from the rehabilitation of their existing toilets.
Ombaka Special School
Ombaka Special School is a boarding school for mentally challenged children.
Due to the recent flooding in the area most of the electricity poles in the area fell down. The lack of electricity affected the boarders causing anxiety at night. It became also a security issue with the entire area plunged into darkness. It was very challenging for the care takers. They could not use modern learning technologies neither charge their mobile phones or laptops.
Since the area has sunlight in abundance the board of management appealed to well-wishers to install solar panels for the learners to get uninterrupted electricity and lighting. An expert was engaged to first do an assessment and materials were procured and it was installed during the closure of the school. It has created a conducive learning environment and made it easier for the care takers as well as improved security.
Way Forward
We seek financial assistance to continue supporting some of these very remote and marginalized schools where parents live in poverty and unable to contribute. Adopting schools will help to reduce the cycle of poverty, provide children hope for a better future and employment. It will further improve the health standards and prevent disease outbreaks. It will enhance more motivated teachers and a more conducive learning environment.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
By Alie Eleveld | Founder SWAP and Technical Advisor
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