Keep 300 schools in rural Kenya safe from COVID-19

Thank you for supporting this project keeping girls and boys safe and healthy at school and ensuring they get the best opportunity to stay in school. 

Students play a huge role in helping to ensure their schools are safe and healthy places to learn in.  Schools choose 20 students to form a healthy schools club and each club has 10 boys and 10 girls.  They take part in training about healthy schools, then they undertake a needs assessment of their school to identify what health risks there are and how to create an action plan to address these risks.  Some items are small and can be sorted out by the student club and other items that are bigger are undertaken in partnership with Brighter Communities Worldwide e.g. construction projects of toilets and water tanks.

Students of Sisionik Primary school in Sigowet Sub-County recently undertook their training.  They said “We are grateful for the support and look forward to partnering with Brighter Communities Worldwide on improving sanitation in school in different projects”.  Two of the items on their list include girls toilets and an industrial smokeless stove.

As the year progresses, each school in the programme works towards one of three flag awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold.  When the school achieves the criteria of each level they are awarded a flag which is flown in the school and shows that it is a healthy place to learn, play and live.  In March, students of Kakibei school received the Silver Flag for their commitment and work in becoming a Healthy School.  They said -

“We are deeply touched and grateful to receive this award. Your recognition motivates us to strive for even greater achievements. Thank you for bestowing this prestigious award upon us KAKIBEI. It is a testament to the amazing support we have received throughout our journey.”

Right now, there is an overseas volunteer team in Kenya and one of their roles is to assist the team in delivering the healthy schools programme. 

Cian and Clare joined staff member Sonya at Ketipyese primary School in delivering the sexual reproductive health and rights programme to the students.  They said – “we had an amazing day, we were astonished by the classes knowledge and enthusiasm for participation. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were embraced by the pupils love of learning. The whole school came out at the end of the day to sing and dance as a send-off for us”.

Caroline Chelangat, the program coordinator for the Healthy Schools Programme, is delighted to share the impactful progress made with this project thanks to your support.

Our partnerships with schools, local ministries and the community have been instrumental in addressing the critical challenges surrounding sanitation and hygiene in educational settings. By aligning with the principles of the World Health Organization’s Healthy Environments for Children Alliance (HECA), we have implemented targeted interventions that prioritize the safety and well-being of both students and teachers.

Through initiatives such as one day HECA Teacher Training, we have equipped educators with essential knowledge and resources to promote hygiene practices and disease prevention. The training covers topics including - latrine sanitation, germs and handwashing, water treatment, malaria control and students creating action plans as members of the HECA Schools Programme (HSP). These training sessions have empowered 36 HECA teachers and principals across 12 schools in Belgut Sub-County,

The impact of these efforts is tangible. Handwashing facilities strategically placed throughout school compounds will encourage regular hand hygiene practices, thereby reducing the spread of diseases and minimizing illness among students and staff. Additionally, the formation of HECA clubs (20 students in each school) will further amplify the message of disease prevention and control, as students become advocates for healthy practices within their homes, schools and communities.

On behalf of Brighter Communities Worldwide and the communities we serve, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for supporting this vital project. Your contributions have brought hope, reduced health hazards and laid the foundation for a healthier and safer future for generations to come.

Thank you for making a difference.