Kipevu primary school (K-8) is situated in a disadvantaged area of Mombasa, Kenya. This school of 900 students lacks most basic facilities of toilets, running water, library and security. The classrooms are bare, but the teachers and students who arrive each day are dedicated to learning as this is the one possible path towards a better future.

Stratford Hall initiated a partnership with Kipevu School in 2006 and has had two student groups visit bringing school supplies, library books and has begun a letter exchange. The main aspect of this partnership however, has been the construction of a security wall around the perimeter of the school property. Without this wall, students and staff feel threatened during the day and the school itself is used for numerous illicit activities during the night. Any development of the school is quickly vandalized without a security wall.

The wall is over 800 meters long and the community of Stratford Hall is committed to raising funds for completion by January 2012. Work has already begun on the wall and phase 1 was completed last year – approximately 300 meters. In our final campaign this winter, we hope to raise the remaining funds.

As we believe in a long term partnership with Kipevu School, we cannot stop with the wall. Education involves many dimensions and we will continue working with the school community to improve the health, economic and social aspects of the Kipevu community. Notable long term investments will be focused on these areas:

• Improve water supply by reopening the existing well on school grounds
• Create rainwater catchment systems
• Assist in greening the school grounds, including a garden/vegetable field
• Improving the latrines for better access, especially for girls
• Enhancing the school library
• Establishing an IT classroom
• Working with the parent community through microfinance initiatives
• Providing scholarships for existing students as well as graduating students for secondary education.
• Continued teacher/student visits and seminar workshops.

Since our connection with Kipevu School, we have already witnessed a marked increase in the dedication towards improving learning from both staff and students. It’s about hope.