Educating orphans & the disadvantaged in Kenya

Your support continues to make a significant impact on our work in the community. We're excited to share the latest developments in our programs which are directly benefiting the children and families we serve.

Learning Support Unit Reopened:
The new Learning Support Program reopened this term. We have created a new Learning Support Classroom, set up a learning structure and introduced new learning methodology and teaching methods. The programme is designed to incorporate different learning styles and to have as much interactive teaching as possible, to ensure children get the most benefit from their time out from lessons. So far, the children have responded well to games and activities that consolidate things they have learnt. Wherever possible technology is also used to enhance their skills, this has proved very useful in not only learning but giving the children their first introduction to using computers.

Before joining Roko 20 many of the children have had very long absences from school and have fallen far behind, whilst some may not have attended school at all. The program is prioritising the limited resources it has for pupils that need the most support so that they can begin their literacy journey.

All the pupils supported this term have already made big improvements in the short time they have been attending. Two brothers who enrolled at Roko 20 in September this year, during the middle of the term had not attended school for a number of years and were unable to read and struggled to recognise letters of the alphabet. However both brothers have been working hard and are now reading four and five letter words. They are enjoying reading their first books and are making big strides in building their vocabulary.

One girl at the start of the program couldn’t read and had very little knowledge of the alphabet.  She also had the additional barrier of speaking very little English so had limited points of reference for sounds and vocabulary. However this hasn't stopped her and she is now reading 4 and 5 letter words and is quickly building up her sound bank to blend and decode new ones. Even more pleasing is to see the confidence this has given her and to see her joining in with teaching other students their alphabet and sounds. She has the makings of a future teacher!

Boxing lessons: 

Traditionally, boxing has long been seen as a reserve for the boys. However, this term Roko 20 has been seeking to challenge that stereotype.

With girls particularly at risk from Gender Based Violence, boxing for girls has recently been introduced by a volunteer at Roko 20. By providing a safe and supportive space, the girls have been working hard learning the basics of boxing, from their stance, footwork and basic punches.

And whilst the physical benefits of boxing are more well known, it also has a considerable impact on mental wellbeing and is an excellent way to build confidence and encourage the girls to feel strong and empowered.

Unfortunately equipment is limited but that hasn’t stopped them unleashing their inner strength in twice weekly classes. They are eager to learn new skills and practice as often as they can.

To ensure boxing continues once our volunteer leaves, we are also in the process of trying to establish links with Boxgirls Kenya. They are a grass roots community based group in Nairobi, who also use boxing as a vehicle to provide girls with information about their rights by providing workshops on life skills, decision making, confidence and leadership. We are hopeful they may be able to assist with training a coach to take over the classes once our volunteer leaves.

Women's Mental Health Project:
In addition to providing free education to children in need, we are proud to support the well-being of our local community, especially the parents of our sponsored pupils. In partnership with the Kule Foundation, we launched a Women’s Mental Health Project. This initiative brings women together to discuss mental health, share challenges, and develop strategies for overcoming them.

The project also includes workshops on income-generating skills, such as beadwork, and team-building activities like dancing, singing, and stretching. These monthly meetings, held every third Friday, have become a vital space for women to connect, support one another, and build resilience.

Looking Ahead:
We are committed to expanding these programs and ensuring that both students and community members continue to thrive. With your continued support, we will enhance educational opportunities and provide even more resources for mental health and well-being.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your contributions are making a lasting difference in the lives of many.