19.03.2020

Education in Kenya

For many children in Kenya education is an unachievable dream (we aren’t just saying this so you will donate, it’s true!)

Despite the pledge of free primary education by successive governments in Kenya, evidence indicates that large numbers of children (up to 1.4 million of those aged 6 to 18) do not attend school. One of the main reasons for this is that these ‘free’ schools are not really free!  They charge for exams and require the students to purchase a school uniform, textbooks, exercise books and more. These costs can put education out of the reach of many disadvantaged families and consign many of them to lives of poverty and struggle. A lack of education in children can lead to low literacy levels as adults and thus the cycle continues.

Open Hearts and Minds has a mission: to break this cycle of poverty.

Kokoth Kateng, located in the Nyanza Province of south-west Kenya, has a population of approximately 5,000 people and is nestled in the foothills of Mount Homa about 6 miles from the shore of Lake Victoria.

The region has been devastated by the scourge of HIV/AIDS, which killed many young parents.  In Kokoth Kateng there are about 700 orphans with about 450 of primary school age.  These children are often left to be cared for by elderly grandparents or other family members who may also have their own children to look after.  With so many mouths to feed, these families often end up having to choose between putting food on the table or sending the children to school.  Consequently, many of these children do not attend the government-run schools… they simply cannot afford it.

For over 10 years Open Hearts and Minds School has been providing free education to orphans and other disadvantaged children in the community.  

Help us make more children’s dreams come true today!  See how you can help.