West Sechelt Elementary School (WSES) principal Carolyn Spence knew her school would be willing to help when she saw a school in Kenya with little more than a tin shelter, dirt floors and sparse learning supplies.
"I was in Nairobi on a mission trip and we discovered the school," said Spence. "I emailed my PAC chair right away and she was keen about doing something to help. We made the commitment."
Spence spent some of her summer holidays in Nairobi this year, touring the Tumaini Educational Centre where 45 students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 meet daily to further their education.
"But the teachers are not really qualified in the way we would expect," said Spence.That is one thing her students are helping to change with their involvement in Project Hope, a school-wide initiative to raise funds for the Tumaini school. That money will be used to provide proper training for teachers, purchase uniforms for students, stock the school with learning supplies, provide in-school meals for students and, eventually, build a new school house.
WSES has partnered with a school in Belgium and a church in Ireland to raise funds for the school in Kenya. Some improvements have already been made.
"Since we've become involved, they've hired one qualified teacher and they plan to provide professional development training for the others," said Spence. "There is also a food co-ordinator now. Children in that area definitely don't get three meals a day unless they go to school. Now they are getting a bowl of porridge in the morning and a full lunch."
WSES is in the initial stages of fundraising and are still brainstorming about what to do in the community. However, some students have taken the initiative and found ways to raise funds individually for Project Hope.
"After we introduced this idea, the kids jumped on it. Four students went home and made bracelets and necklaces to sell at recess," added Spence. "All of that money is going to Project Hope. Some kids have offered to do dog sitting to raise money and other students have pledged all their babysitting money."
School fees for a student at the Tumaini Educational Centre run about $5 a month. WSES is asking for community support to sponsor the 45 students in Nairobi.
"We are asking for community support to kick this project off. If you would like to sponsor one of the kids for a month or two, donate an auction item or make a cash donation, please contact us," said Spence.
If you want to get involved, you can contact Spence at 604-885-2825 or Brenda Rowe, the WSES PAC Chair, at 604-740-0298.
Project Hope wants to raise $11,000 for the Tumaini Education Centre during this school year.
"It is our feeling that kids today know they are part of a bigger world and will rise to the challenge, just as they did last December and January for tsunami relief efforts. This is about more than just raising money; it is about showing our kids that they can have a profound effect on the lives of children on the other side of the world. They can send not only supplies, but hope," said a press release on the initiative.
