I will first begin by introducing myself. I am a student who just graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University with a Diploma in information technology, sponsored by Jitegemee. I have been a child in Jitegemee from 1996. I hope to continue my education if that chance opens up for me.
It was during our school vacation, in August 2009, when the Director informed me about some visitors who were to come that year. The visitors were none other than architects Mark Palmer and Rayya Newman, board member Shu Kahn, her daughter Jenya, and husband Kevin, and teacher Emily Gasoi. These guys were led by dear Madam Farah. Their idea was to share with us about how to come up with a design for the new Jitegemee school.
A planning committee was formed composed of parents, staff and students. We met early in the morning to travel to Nairobi University School of Design where we met with professor Musau Kimeu. We saw different buildings with different designs, though they appeared to be very expensive. Professor Kimeu led through our discussion in coming with an affordable plan to our new school. It took us not less than two hours! Every point discussed was put down in paper for future reference.
Then we went to Catholic University where we saw a rainwater catchments system and very huge concrete tanks, so big that they could hold large amounts of water that could be used if a drought occurs. Both parents and students came up with such an idea so that Jitegemee can have such tanks—but these tanks seemed too expensive.
Then we were able to visit a solar panel shop. It was not encouraging because the solar panels were not very affordable. The day was coming to an end and everyone was tired. But the next day, we still had one more place to visit: The Limuru School.
It took us one hour to our destination. When we arrived, everyone was pleased because it looked affordable. We saw their program was just like Jitegemee. This was the kind of school we had been looking for. It had a nice and spacious library where kids could learn without interference, good classrooms, and plastic water tanks to collect rain. It gave us hope that we can have a school just like that.
It was an amazing and very important journey that was taking Jitegemee another step after many years.
Bravo, Jitegemee sponsors!
By Charles Wambua Kieti
You must be logged in to post a comment.