KYUASINI BOARDING SCHOOL LAUNCHED

REPORT BY ANITA LUKORITO

Kyuasini Primary Boarding School is officially opened today. This initiative is as a result of joint efforts between several associations including  Action Aid and Raha Solutions. The boarding school  is now expected to admit more than 200 boys and girls according to the headteacher Mr Kennedy Kitilu.

Spearheading the launch; Raha supplied water and they will continue refilling with water the water tanks in the school. They will also build Sani Solar toilets and distribute reusable safepad to the girls. 

“We appeal to Safaricom PLC to support in-kind. Branding our water tanks with their good name will enable us and many others who are like us to get water, toilets and safepad from RaHa. We are admitting 200 students but we expect more by end of this year”, Mr Kitilu said. The headteacher hopes for further expansion as the community has responded positively to the idea.

As compared to the past, education is now seen as a vital tool among the people. Kyuasini, located in Makueni county, has had poor attendance of students. The surrounding community was so immersed in cultural practices that devalued education.

However, with the determination of the school head and several associations, the boarding school has changed the negative concept. Girls were the overly affected gender with the number of early pregnancies and sexual assault cases on the rise.

“The local community is responding so well to this idea in contrast to what was there before.  Parents have now opted to taking their girls to school instead of early marriages. The  negative traditions are slowly fading away. “, Mr Kitulu added.

The school will need more amenities as more students get admitted. Items like mattresses and beds will be needed to help accommodate more students. 

According to the headteacher, students are to be admitted every week and the facilities may not be substantial enough to meet up the demand. Regarding this, the appeal for any assistance to help continues, the course will be of importance.

As much as girls will benefit most from the boarding facility, boys will also be at a better fit.   Being a part of the program will not only impact on the school but also on the wider community.