Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects 2011/2012: Handing Over Ceremony for the project for the Improvement of Learning Environment in Eight Schools in Kamser, Rachuonyo North

Handing Over Ceremony for the project for the Improvement of Learning Environment in Eight Schools in Kamser, Rachuonyo North

Date

4th June 2012

Location

Kamser, Rachuonyo North District, Nyanza Province

Project title

The Project for the Improvement of Learning Environment in Eight Schools in Kamser, Rachuonyo North

Amount

US$ 65,843 (Approx Ksh5.4 million)

Attendance

• H.E. The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Toshihisa Takata
• Rachuonyo North District Officer
• Dr. Dorcas Otieno, Executive Director of The Kenya Organization for Environmental Education (KOEE) and its staff
• School Management Committees, Teachers, Pupils and PTAs from 8 Primary Schools

Totaling about 800 participants

Main activity

H.E. the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya Mr. Toshihisa Takata officiated the handing over of newly installed Solar Lantern system as part of the project for the Improvement of Learning Environment in Eight Schools in Kamser, Rachuonyo North.

The eight rural schools* in Kamser location that had no electrical connection previously faced health problems caused by smoke of paraffin and burden of paraffin cost as they used kerosene lamps in early mornings and late evenings for extra classes. To improve their learning environment, Kenya Organization for Environmental Education (KOEE), a Kenyan NGO, cooperated with Japanese SANYO Electric to provide 527 solar lanterns along with solar panels under Japan’s GGP scheme. Thanks to the GGP grant, over 550 pupils, especially standard 7 and 8, will be able to learn comfortably and the schools and parents will now be free from the burden of paraffin cost.

The ceremony started with entertainments by the pupils which they expressed their appreciation for safe lighting. On behalf of the eight schools, the Head Teacher of Kimira Primary School expressed their gratitude to the Government and the People of Japan. Then the representative of the school committees promised that the schools and communities will take responsibility for maintenance of the solar lantern systems. Dr. Otieno, the Executive Director of KOEE showed her appreciation to Japan and stated that this project not only made a great achievement in the improvement of learning environment but also contributes to the global environment as clean energy utilization.

The Ambassador Takata commended KOEE and the schools for the efficient management of the fund and for the timely execution of the projects. Speaking in Kiswahili “Elimu ni taa.(Education is light.)”, he encouraged the pupils to be ambitious, wishing that the solar lantern systems will work to keep the pupils motivated to study hard.

*The names of the eight schools: Kimira, Kibugu, Lieta, Kibaga, Warao, Mango, Kital and Rongo Nyagowa