Kenya: Improved learning conditions for St. Juliet School in Kibera

Education is considered the best way out of poverty, which is why the St. Juliet Educational Centre was founded in Kibera in 2000. The great commitment of the teachers, some of whom grew up in the slum themselves, is the foundation on which the school is built. 16 teachers currently teach 567 pupils aged between four and 16 in eleven classes. The school is officially recognized by the authorities and offers curriculum-compliant teaching. The independent school is officially recognized by the authorities and offers lessons in line with the curriculum. However, it does not receive any public funding. The teachers only work for a small allowance. All costs must be covered by subsidies and private donations. 

Large water tank secures the supply

One of the investments made possible by our project is a 5,000 cubic meter water tank, which will supplement the school's water system built in 2022. The past few months have shown that further storage is needed. This is because the supply from the public network is extremely unstable. Solar panels are also being installed as an energy source to ensure the school community's supply and training is being provided on how to maintain the systems.

Our project also focuses on the topic of hygiene. Soap production training, hand-washing training and cleaning campaigns take place.  The school's hygiene club is also involved. The pupils receive hygiene kits, which contain sanitary towels in particular. This is a great relief for the girls and young women, who are better able to take part in lessons and everyday life while they are menstruating.

New kitchen and school meals

As in many places where there is great poverty, school meals at the St. Juliet Education Centre are the most important or even the only meal of the day for the children and young people. arche noVa is securing the food supply for six months and is also supporting the school in this area in the long term by completely renovating and re-equipping the school kitchen.

Much achieved in the previous project

Our first activities at the St. Juliet Education Center began in Covid times, when the need for help was particularly great. arche noVa then took care of the water and sanitation supply. A new WASH building with toilets and washing facilities as well as a waste incinerator (for menstrual hygiene products, among other things) was built on a nearby plot of land. The school community benefits from this directly and indirectly, as people from the neighbourhood can use the facilities for a fee.

New school toilets also a matter of dignity

“Clean water and proper sanitation are not only about hygiene, but they also preserve human dignity. For instance, self-esteem begins with having a safe and proper toilet facility, and not have to relieve yourself in the open streets and surrounding“, emphasizes Trish Kageha Chamb from the graduating class in a speech she gives to the school community."Our friends from arche noVa" know very well that cleanliness and adequate school toilets are an matter of high importance, which is why she is so grateful for the construction of the water supply and sanitary facilities.