News & Stories:
Kids' Corner
Essays from our program participants
This past December, we asked students from our programs to write a short essay describing how Kenya Connect’s programs have impacted their lives. We’ve selected two of the best – the first, written by Mercy Willy, a secondary schoolchild attending Ngului Primary School in Wamunyu, Kenya - and the second, written by Andrew Gradone, a sixth grader attending Mt. View Middle School in Mariottsville, Maryland.
We believe that these two pieces characterize Kenya Connect in ways that only children are able, and are excited to share them with our entire Kenya Connect family. Several of the other wonderful essays we received will eventually be posted on our website so check back often.
In the meantime – enjoy! And special thanks to Mercy and Andrew for your joyful expressions.
MERCY WILLY, Ngului Primary School, Wamunyu, Kenya
When I joined Ngului Primary School 8 years ago, the school was quite different from the way it is today. We lacked games facilities and the school was not protected with any fence. People could trespass while animals strayed in the school without much restriction. Thefts of school properties were rampant and we lived in great fear. There was poor school attendance by pupils. This started contributing to school dropouts and illiteracy in our society. Pupils in school were unhappy and less motivated in studies and so the school academic performance was not good.
However, thanks for the introduction of Kenya Connect programs in our school in 2002. It started off with a pen pal letter exchange with Broadnneck elementary school in USA. Through the letter exchange we had with the children of Broadneck, our writing skills started to improve. We broadened our knowledge and understanding of America and some aspects of her people’s culture like communication, games, pets, curriculum among other things.
In the same year we received a donation from our partner school which was used to purchase some new desks for us. Our staffroom was fitted with chairs and tables for teachers while some cupboards were bought for the lower classes to keep their books safe in class. The entire school was very happy and we felt motivated and doubled our efforts in school. The next year the exam results for our school were wonderfully good!
The following year 2004 Kenya Connect’s initiative enabled our school to acquire sports equipment like balls, nets and whistles. That year we scooped all the trophies in ball games championships and at the same time visited many schools from far for friendly matches.
In 2005 a major renovation program was carried out in the school. Classrooms were renovated and the whole school got a new facelift. Everyone was singing praises and thanks to the children of Broadneck school.
Water is life. Our school like many others within this region is located within a semi-arid area. Water is a major problem. However, we are grateful to Broadneck for connecting piped water in our school. Water-borne diseases were common because of taking contaminated water but now this is no longer the case.
Last year, my school managed to fence the whole school and build a strong iron gate with donations from Broadneck. Security is tight in our school now.
Through the efforts and love from our friends in Broadneck, we now live in a beautiful and healthy environment. Many students from neighbouring schools have re-joined our school. We have shown tremendous improvements both in class work and in co-curriculum activities.
Kenya connect programs have enhanced friendship, love and peace.
ANDREW GRADONE , Mt View Middle School, Mariottsville, Maryland
The Kenya Connect program has impacted my life in several ways. First, it was very interesting to see a video about the school day of the Kenyan children. Although their school was very small and many grades were in one room, the children seemed to be learning a lot and were quite happy. I was so impressed by how well they wrote and spoke in English. This showed me that having a good teacher with motivated students is more important than having a fancy school!
It felt great to help the kids in Wamunyu by getting them two new water tanks. Water is what brings life to our planet and now the children of this school will remain healthy with clean water. I hope that we can help them with other things in the future.
My experience became even more special when I was able to write and receive a letter from my Kenyan pen pal, Kiloo Kwinga. Although his favorite foods were different from mine, we also had many similarities. For example, he loves sports and is a good artist.
In my last letter to Kiloo, I asked him if we could continue to write to each other even when the Kenya Connect program is over. I even invited him to my home if he should ever travel to the United States. I would also love to visit him in the future to learn more about his culture and way of life.
It is my hope that the Kenya Connect program is the start of a friendship that will last a lifetime between Kiloo and myself.
