In the heart of Kenya’s Kitui County, a powerful story of transformation is unfolding—one that captures the very essence of Rotary’s focus area on Basic Education and Literacy.
When members of the Rotary Club of Hurlingham first set foot in Kyenze Primary School in Kitui County, they were met with a sobering sight: half-built classrooms overtaken by grass, walls cracked and bare, toilets without doors and no desks for pupils or teachers. Yet, within this picture of despair and heartbreaking reality in the face of neglect, Rotary Club of Hurlingham saw potential.
Determined to restore hope within the area, the club embarked on a mission to turn the incomplete structure into a haven of learning. Partnering closely with the local community, they ensured that every stage of the classroom renovation fostered shared ownership, transparency, and accountability ensuring the work progressed with integrity and purpose.
The club also replaced fragile glass panes with grilled metallic windows and doors, curbing the theft and vandalism that had previously plunged classrooms into darkness.
What had once been a forgotten shell gradually transformed into a bright, inspiring classroom block. New desks replaced the bare floor, fresh paint covered the cracks, and the renovated terrazzo floor invited curious minds to explore new worlds. The school came alive with laughter and song as pupils received new school bags and reading materials, transformation demonstrating a testament to the power of collaboration and open communication.
The emotional highlight came during the project handover when the school’s founder, overwhelmed with gratitude, lauded Rotarians for breathing life into her lifelong vision and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that sustain and grow the school.
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Hurlingham plans to tackle Kyenze Primary School’s next big challenge: access to clean water and rehabilitating remaining classroom floors envisioning a future where every child at Kyenze Primary School has a classroom to learn in and every opportunity to succeed!