The reopening of the school was also attended by parents, teachers, and government officials. [Patrick Beja, Standard]
Celebrations broke out in a remote village in Magarini sub-county, Kilifi, on Thursday when a primary school donors reconstructed at the cost of Sh7 million was launched.
Residents said the school, whose construction was funded by a non-governmental organisation Mamburui Oasis of Hope, will massively reduce the distance children have been walking to the nearest school.
Among other things, Mfulani Primary School in Mwangatini village did not have toilets by the time the donors were coming in. The school has 700 pupils.
Apart from officials of the NGO, the reopening of the school was also attended by parents, teachers, and government officials.
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The organisation has rebuilt the school through its own resources as well as donations from friends and well-wishers.
Mfulani Primary School pupils entertain guests in Mwangatini village, Kilifi County . [Patrick Beja, Standard]
Before the facelift project that started last year, pupils would sit on logs and on the floor in makeshift mun-walled classrooms.
Mr Samuel Birya, a community representative, said the children and teachers who had suffered for many years will now have a better place to study from.
"The school had poor structures but now that they have good infrastructure, it is our hope that the school will do well in national exams," said Birya.
The school has eight new toilets, a mosque, and a borehole.
"Today, we have opened a major project that will help 700 children. We came here last year and saw the plight of the children and that is why we decided to join in the project and help the school," said Ms Halima Omar, the chairperson of the Mamburui Oasis of Hope.
Also present during the ceremony were Magarini Deputy County Commissioner Mr Peter Thiongo, Magarini sub-county Director of Education Mr Ismail Barow, Mr Idris Maalim, a representative of Magarini MP.
Barow announced that the ministry of Education will register the school to enable it get government funding as well as additional teachers.
A section of Mfulani Primary School pupils. [Patrick Beja, Standard]
“We will fast-track the process and bring more government teachers here. The school will also enjoy government funding,” he said.
Mr Irfan Rajput, who led 22 members from London under the Muslim Charity, said they were happy to have supported the project and urged the community to ensure the school performed well.
