Brief History of Our School

[Kitale school]

Hello. My name is Esther and I am the head mistress of the Kitale early childhood farm & prison school in Kitale, Kenya. Presently, we have about 100 children attending our grade school. Our young children come from the prison compound (from parents working in the prison or from mothers residing there) or from the near lying farms.

Our school was founded about three years ago. Initially, we had about 30 children. The second year there were a few more and this last school year we had nearly 100 children. We are fortunate to have dedicated teachers besides myself: Everline C., Everline K. and Wanyoni, and myself, Esther.

Our children are from the 3-6 years old. They learn the following subjects:

1. English activities
2. maths
3. environmental courses that cover science, social studies, music and movement, creativity

The subject the children like best is the environmental course. For, they love playing and singing. We are working hard at helping them improve their English and mathematics.

We are very please to be a part of Our Song Circle - Wimbo Mviringo community. We look forward to getting to know you all and exchanging ideas and knowledge about our schools, cultures, and countries.

[Gabi's Class]

Esther, it was interesting reading about your school. I will tell my children about your school and ask them to write a little something for them soon.

[deb]

Esther, you must have a very challenging and gratifying task, helping young children grow up whose lives have already been touched by hardship. You teach very young children; I wonder where they go after they "grow out of" your school? 100 tiny youngsters is a lot for 4 teachers! You say they have English activities; what is their native language, and do they know why they are learning English? We would love to hear some of their songs....
I teach in the "inner-city" here in Toronto, Canada, and most of my students are challenged by poverty, yet they succeed in some of the most amazing ways. Our school has children from 4 to 14 years old, and has a strong social-justice focus, which is appropriate to our name, Nelson Mandela Park School.
I am very happy you have joined Song Circle, and I'd love to hear more about your teaching background, and about how your children spend their days!
Deb