Ndogo Primary School
Date started: Ground Breaking Ceremony 2 September 2008
Date completed: February 2010
Cost of project: £70,000
Size of school: Single stream school to be built for 320 pupils. Currently has 161 on role. Many more expected when new school is completed.
Pictures:
Ndogo Primary School taken just after the Handover ceremony. The staff quarters are on the left-hand-side of the picture and four of the former mud hut classrooms centrally placed on the left-hand boundary.
In February 2007 John Franklin, HM of Ardingly College, tells the parents and children of his plans to raise money for the new build. The mud school can be seen behind.
In September 2008 Hugh Dayton, President of the Langalanga Scholars' Association, 'breaks the ground' in a colourful ceremony.
This beautiful, purpose built school lies in a most beautiful area of un-spoilt Africa. It is, perhaps, the most dramatic school we have yet built thanks to its location, quality of workmanship and the hope it brings to a desperate community. The parent body consists of a number of tribes all eking out a meagre existence.
This project was funded by Ardingly College, Sussex, England to commemorate their 150th anniversary since the foundation of the school by Nathaniel Woodard. A group of eight 6th Form Leavers and three members of staff visited the school when it was under construction in 2009. Another larger group is returning in July 2010.
Because of this Ndogo's extreme remoteness, Kariandusi School Trust has converted what used to be Eburru railway station, built in 1903, into four houses as teachers' accommodation. By so doing it is hoped that staff absences will be reduced. Electricity cabling has been installed in the new homes and mains power is expected to be connected shortly. All accommodation is now occupied with the new Headmaster, himself a displaced person, having the first choice.
A purpose-built kitchen is being constructed at the time of going to press which will serve the needs of the resident staff. It is being built large enough should a feeding programme for the children become a reality at some time in the future.
One young school leaver, Sebastian Kimani, was awarded a Langalanga scholarship this year. His sponsor is a member of staff at Ardingly who is likely to return annually and will be able to offer help and encouragement to this, the first scholar from this school.
The Guest of Honour at the Handover Ceremony was Graham Turner a trustee of the Kariandusi School Trust and a Governor of Ardingly College. He is also a Fellow of the Woodard Corporation. The event, held on 16 February 2010, was a particularly intimate and enjoyable event that was enjoyed by all.
It now remains to be seen whether we have done enough to encourage the sparse local population to send their children to school. The project seems like an attempt at social engineering – and indeed it is! We will see!