In taking over the school liaison role from my predecessor I took it up wholeheartedly but not sure of where to start. My first impression was the number of schools already linked and the geographical demarcations across the three projects, with very minimal information about all the schools. I wondered how to gather all the data that could help me set a benchmark. Beth was readily available to avail me of information and orientate me on the job which gave me a positive start.

My vision is to see this programme blossom. Seeing children going to school from ECD to the next level with very sound mind and knowledge in a conducive learning environment would be just that. In spite of the very different interpretations of the schools link programme from one to the other, with many basing it on material gain for the Kenyan side, a common understanding should be sought so that all parties operate on the same level simply. I hope to see strong relations built between the Kenyan schools and the UK schools and even among the Kenyan schools themselves. It will create an enabling environment to exchange ideas and the children will be able to compare and contrast the western and African learning systems.

Paul Kendall and Leonard Odongo with gifts for Rosemarie Nursery School.

“Many hands make work light”. You can never go it alone and make maximum gains in your objectives by working alone. This work requires the involvement of all parties in the system i.e. staff across the projects, the teachers, children and the community. A high level of cooperation and commitment among the mentioned parties will enable us to get valuable gains out of the programme. The donkey work of laying the foundation has been done by Gordon as the initiator and Beth as the first Liaison Officer of the programme, giving us all (and me in particular) a challenge to help build further on the foundation. I strongly believe it’s a good one, which is here to stay if we all co-operate.

The teachers have a role to play and I hope to see co-operation and action to create a difference in our plans and dreams, to enhance a better understanding and relationship between us. With 16 schools already linked, it shows a lot has been done but I ask everyone to maintain and build on these relationships. In all that we do in schools we focus on the children, who will be the future parents and responsible leaders as they acquire one of the basic needs which is education. It is a long journey uphill and down the valleys but perseverance and commitment will make us achieve what we want for the children.

We appeal to more UK schools to link up with Kenyan schools, to know more about the education systems in our country and help us to understand more about the western world.

Leonard Odongo
Schools Liaison Officer