The Shiri Mgungani Pre-Primary School.
The Shiri Mgungani Pre-Primary School opened its doors on Monday February 2nd with 100 pupils between the ages of two and a half and six and a half. The school is housed in the main building of the Shiri Mgungani site where there is ample room for two classes each of twenty-five pupils in two sessions. These sessions start at 7.30 until 11.00 after which there is a lunch of “uji”, and then from 12.00 until 15.30.
The classes are run on Montesorri lines although the older pupils are taught a little more traditionally in line with parent expectations. The two teachers Sarah and Veronika are totally committed to the children and even live next door to the school so as to be on hand at all times.
There is a small charge for the school – 4,000 shillings per month – although it is clear that even that is beyond the means of some of the families. In effect WATU subsidises more than 50% of the school costs. Included in the cost is a regular midday meal thus guaranteeing that all the children have something to eat in the middle of the day. We are very grateful to Cargill International of Geneva whose generous donation will ensure that all the children receive a midday meal. From September we will be cultivating a small “shamba” which the children will help to tend. We expect therefore to be able to supply the children with beans, spinach and other vegetables to supplement their uji.
The school is well-equipped and we are in the process of landscaping the surrounding area and adding playground furniture for the children.
