News Just In: KCSE Results!

Our very own Peter Makau, one of LSF form four graduates has managed to attain an A plain in his KCSE examinations! We are awaiting details on his subject performance as well as the results of his LSF colleagues. We shall keep you posted as this news develops.

Hatua Likoni Seeks Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) Funding

Hatua LIkoni recently sought Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) assistance to address the most fundamental problem facing primary education in Likoni- The dire need for infrastructure in classrooms that impedes education in Likoni. There are 19 public primary schools in Likoni with a total enrollment of 14,000 students but our schools have only enough desks to seat 9,000 students.

CDTF has been allocated 1 billion Kenya Shillings by the European Union to fund community led development projects in Kenya. In response to CDTF's call for proposals they received 10,000 applicantions. Hatua Likoni has been short-listed as one of 320 applicants to receive a site visit and be considered for final evaluation. Gabrielle Fondiller, Director of Hatua Likoni and Programs Director, Peter Kwame, visted 6 of Likoni's public primary schools this week, together with two representatives from CDTF to evaluate the need for desks throughout Likoni schools. If our proposal is successful Hatua Likoni will have the resources needed to totally eliminate the shortage of desks throughout all Likoni public primary schools, ensuring that every student has a comfortable place to learn.

Look Smart Uniform Project

Hatua Likoni students learn leadership and management skills by running their own community service projects.

This year Hatua Likoni’s form 4 graduates have embarked on a uniform donation project to see that 20 lower primary students from each Likoni public primary schools receives a new school uniform.
Uniforms have been donated by SOMB or ‘Shirt Off My Back’, a clothes company that was founded on a simple model: one sold, one donated. For every item bought, SOMB provides a uniform to a child in Africa.
Likoni Scholarship Fund Students visited every public primary school in Likoni to select students in need of new uniforms

These new uniforms are now being made and will be distributed next week

Grand Opening a Success!

On Saturday, February 5th 2012, Likoni's first public library came to life. This is exactly one year after the Harambee(fundraiser) to fund the construction of the library. The Likoni area has seen dismal results in the national examinations over the years due to lack of a good, education friendly atmosphere. In 2010 average end of primary school exam results, which determine if a student is accepted to high school, dropped below 200 throughout Likoni's public primary schools. These results are Well below the pass mark of 250, and among the lowest in Kenya.

Hatua's library is a much needed addition to Likoni's education resources. With students learning in overcrowded classrooms, and then have to go home to crowded homes with no electricity, the library provides a quiet sanctuary for them to study for exams and complete assignments, read books and learn new things.

Hatua's Library is also unique in that it is open to the public 7 days a week: weekdays 9:00am- 8:00pm, weekends 10:00am-5:00pm. We are already getting regular visits from the young students. Many come in and ask, "Bei gani kusoma hapa?- How much does it cost to study here?" and the answer is quite simple, it's absolutely free to use our library, whereas all Kenya National Libraries charge enterance fees. Those who want to become borrowing members are also pleased since they are not asked to pay a monthly fee, but rather a one time fee of Ksh.500 to be a registered life time member and to be able to borrow a book for up to two weeks. Those who prefer can register with Ksh. 1,000 and borrow two books at a time.

We would like to thank all those who have supported us in this endevour, including Likoni CDF, The Ministry of Youth Affairs, SDL Foundation, American Friends of Kenya, Kenya Education Trust, Foundation for Sustainable Development, Post Bank, Cooperative Bank and Sauti ya Akina Mama. We look forward to continuing to work together to improve education standards and access in Likoni.

Hatua's Library is a triumph for Likoni residents and one we are very proud of. At the same time there is more to do! Our library needs more shelves, curriculum based books and Kiswahili story books to complete our collection. To make a donation click here. www.HatuaLikoni.org/donate