In rural Kenya, the government provides less than 45% of what is needed to run a basic school capable of delivering adequate academic standards.
Sponsoring a entire class of 30 to 40 students costs $9,000 per year. To sponsor a class of students, please contact info@thorntreeproject.org
THE "SIXTY BY FIVE" (60 X5) PROGRAM
Our goal is to improve the quality of education so that every student in every class achieves 60% or more in all 5 subjects
When we first began working with the Samburu community, the Ndonyo Wasin elementary school received only 30% of the funding needed to function at a basic academic level. In that situation, three government teachers were responsible for teaching eight classes of students, one textbook was shared among four students, and students received one small meal for lunch from the government. Unsurprisingly, academic achievement and students KCPE test scores at Ndonyo Wasin elementary school were well below the national average.
In 2008, we implemented programs to help mitigate the funding disparity and to create opportunities for significant improvements in our student’s grades and academic performance.
We hired additional teachers, purchased more textbooks, provided students with breakfast and dinner, seven days a week. We had an agreement with teachers and parents that these resources were conditional on the schools greatly reducing teacher and student absenteeism and completing the syllabus by the end of the second term. We increased student access to teachers by adding extra teaching time at the end of the day.
We built a new library at each school and stocked the shelves with more than 2,000 books written in English and Swahili. An English language teacher is in charge of the library. Our goal is to ensure that every student is fluent in English, as it is the official language mandated for use in school text books and for the national exams in Kenya. Each student has one hour of guided reading in the library every afternoon.
Our sponsored schools
Ndonyo Wasin Elementary School
Opened in 1969 with just six classrooms. In 2002 only 34 students were enrolled. Attendance is now at 356 .
Sereolipi Elementary School
Opened in 1970 with only three classrooms. Five additional classrooms had been built by the end of 1980. In 2002 enrollment records showed 96 students. Currently, 627 students are enrolled.
Lerata Elementary School
In 2007 the community from Lerata asked us to help them with their elementary school. It currently has 216 students. This collaboration completed our coverage of North East Samburu.
