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ROKO 20 ACADEMY
Murang'a, Kenya
Roko 20 Academy opened in January 2014 to provide a free, quality education to orphans and children from poor backgrounds.
Situated in a rural area in the Central Highlands of Kenya we are also working with our children's families and guardians enabling them out of poverty with small income generating projects.
We are a registered charity in the UK (No 1161826).
SCHOOL
We have five classes ranging from Nursery class (aged 4 years) up to Class 3 (aged 10 years). Each year we add a new class for the oldest class to move up to. We currently have 73 pupils.
STAFF
We employ 9 Kenyan Staff. These include 5 Teachers, 2 Cooks, an Administrator and a Director.
We believe in training and each year our teachers attend a top International school in Nairobi for training to improve on teaching methods. In addition we receive volunteer teachers from overseas who offer monthly training on enhancing teaching skills.
SPONSORED CHILDREN
The majority of our children live in the small villages close to the school and are referred to us by the Community's Health and Social Worker. Many of these are orphans left in the care of elderly grandparents who are struggling to feed them. Before we agree to sponsor a child we visit their home and carry out an assessment of the situation.
We sponsor 7 children who reside at a children's home called Murang'a Rescue Centre. Currently we sponsor 47 children in need.
INCOME
We rely on money from sponsorships, donations and grants. It costs around £12 a month to sponsor a child. We receive additional income from the 23 children whose fees parents can afford to pay for their education. This helps with running costs.
Another source of income is derived from hiring out our small 14-seater school mini bus.
PROJECTS
Our initial home assessments determine whether we sponsor a child and it also identifies areas where we are best able to assist the guardians/parents to become financially self-sustaining. Examples of successful and ongoing projects include:
1. Rabbit, Hen and Cockerel and Goat
We donate a female rabbit, hen, cockerel or goat on condition that the family build a suitable shed/pen or hutch. The first born female is returned to us to pass on to another family in need.
2.Elderly ladies Group
We have a group of elderly ladies, all aged over 70, who meet at school every month to socialise over lunch, do some gentle exercise and sing songs. They weave traditional Kiondos which are baskets made from sisal and wool. We assist by selling these baskets in the UK and abroad. All proceeds are given directly to the grandmothers less 10% which is kept by Roko 20 which we use to buy the ladies seeds for planting.
3.Parent training
We have a small group of parents who are being trained to plant and grow tomatoes and kale in the School's greenhouse (8m x 15m). The proceeds from the sale of the harvest are split between the group and Roko 20.
4.Small Business Loans
The mother of one of our sponsored pupils has a disability and is confined to a wheelchair. We gave her a small loan to set up a small business selling telephone credit. With the money made from this she was able to repay the loan and buy second hand clothes which she sold making enough profit to buy a goat. The sale of milk from the goat increased her income. With a start up pack from the local council and a donation of building materials from Roko 20 she now has her own hairdressing salon operating from near her home.
What makes Roko 20 different?
Ø We provide a free education for children who live in poverty.
Ø We provide three meals a day, uniform, books and basic healthcare.
Ø We continuously seek to improve teaching practices with regular teacher training. Corporal punishment is not allowed at the school.
Ø We are an inclusive school and educate children with learning difficulties and those who are HIV positive.
Ø Roko 20 does not believe in just giving hand-outs but encourages self-sufficiency from an early age. Our pupils will learn various skills including gardening, caring for animals, needlework and carpentry.
Ø We enable families out of poverty with small income generating projects. Parents or guardians are required to give two days voluntary work at the school per month as a way of paying back and promote independence.
Ø We use the knowledge and skills of parents whom we have previously assisted to volunteer their time to assist other families. For example, two mothers who benefitted from income generating projects, are now advising and helping two women, who are living in abject poverty and without hope. They are helping them to keep their homes clean by giving advice on hygiene, health and family planning and, most recently, bringing together members of the community to help build a latrine and kitchen.
For further information email:
Visit our website : roko20academy.com
Visit our facebook page: Roko 20 Academy
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Roko 20 Academy
Murang'a, Kenya
Tel: +254 7298 505 39
Email:
Registered UK Charity No: 1161826