2020, September

On the 16th,Association workshop in Haute-Savoie.
The goal of the workshop was to exchange on every subject concerning the association and its future. It also was important to share convivial moments.

On the 17th, General assembly in Haute-Savoie - 2 priorities for 2020-2021:

• Launching the necessary process to have Rekebisho school registered in the Department of Education. It is a long and difficult process but it would bring stability and security to the school.
• Starting the complete rebuilding of the school with a floor: This has been decided since the recurring degradation of the premises have been observed and since the teachers asked for larger classrooms and after many contacts with the Watoto foundation which commits to funding a large part of the rebuilding provided that it is lasting. However, we have to raise funds to finance a part of it.

Both these decisions have been taken with the agreement of the members of the committee and of the teachers.

2020, July

Raise of the salaries and compensations of Rekebisho and maintenance of the financial support made necessary by the crisis. The closing of primary school was extended until January 2021. All students will have to repeat their year.

2020, April

Given the difficulties faced by the members of the committee, the teachers and the parents to get food because of the price increase and the Coronavirus consequences, the bureau took the following decision:

• To maintain wages and allowances of all the school interveners
• To provide financial support to parents and children and to all the school interveners to buy food

2020, March

The health crisis hit Kenya. The government decided to close all the schools. The Assembly initially planned on the 27th got cancelled.

2020, February

A group of young Swiss and responsibles for the foundation Watoto spent 2 days in the Rekebisho school.

They came along a field trip to the playground.

They ate a meal they cooked with the children and the staff.

They offered an unforgettable field trip to Hartfield Garden.

The foundation bought school books and office furniture for the teachers’ office in Nairobi. This material had been spotted during our previous trip one month earlier.

2020, January

3 members of the Association went to Rekebisho from the 21st to the 29th.

The atmosphere was very nice and the collaboration between the committee and the teachers was good.

• The President worked with the school manager on financial and administrative matters.
• One bureau member, a former teacher, spent a lot of time in the classrooms.
• Members of the committee and a participant made 6 metal and wood tables and 12 wood benches.

On the weekend, maintenance work was done in the schoolyard to fill the holes and avoid standing water.
Wall and blackboard refit.

School trip to the playground.

Working session on the educational aspect: face to face interviews were led with every teacher and a group meeting was held. Some tools for the follow up of the students have been finalized and a meeting was held with the parents’ representatives who are very grateful for Rekebisho’s work.

Collective meeting with the teachers

Meeting with the parents’ representatives

It is to be noted that: the educational reform has changed: children over 9 years old now fall within middle school.

The teachers’ observations: lack of books and school material; bad working conditions: the classrooms are too dark and too small.

The participants’ observations: the premises are degraded: leaks in the roof; non-compliant electricity; the classrooms and kitchen’s floors have to be tiled…

Farewell tune: Give me power. Very moving thanks

Give me a pencil, a rubber, a ruler, a book, a uniform,
Give me education, education is power !!!

Novembre à Décembre 2019

Actions de communication :

• Présentation de l’Association en Haute-Savoie et en Haute-Loire
• Concert de la chorale de Chatillon sur Cluses (Haute-Savoie) au profit de l’Association
• Élaboration d’un nouveau flyer qui offre un premier niveau d’information sur Rekebisho et Les Amis de Rekebisho pour un public large

Développement de notre partenariat :

Rencontre avec 2 représentantes de la Watoto Foundation Suisse qui soutient des projets modestes liés à l’éducation et à la santé en Afrique, et principalement au Kenya.

La vice-Présidente a exprimé que le projet et la façon de travailler lui semblent intéressants.

La Fondation WATOTO dispose de fonds et souhaite aider Les Amis de Rekebisho dans le respect de nos valeurs et de notre fonctionnement.

2019, October

Summer workshops : October 3rd to 5th in the Grand Bornand

• Record on the achievements made since our trip in January 2019 : number of students lowered to 100; securing of the stairs; building of the office; purchase of school books in accordance with the new school curriculum, of chairs and desks for the teachers; beginning of the training of the teacher of upper levels.
  Regular meeting of the committee including 2 teachers, the financing of the exam tuition for the 3rd degree.
• Preparation of the trip to take place in January 2020 : one of the essential axis is the pedagogical field.
  In order to gather some opinions and information about the role of the school and the follow up of the children who leave school, we have created one questionnaire for the parents and one for the teachers and a board showing the follow up of the curriculum of the students.
• Financial record : the operating costs are covered by the monthly donations. The punctual and exceptional donations are decreasing and the big investments works have exhausted the available supplies.
  Actions are necessary to find new donations: power point presentation, grant applications and also widen, renew and raise awareness among members.
• Actions that are planned : Presentation at le Grand-Bornand on October 15th at the University populaire of Annemasse on December 04th and one presentation in Haute Loire.

2019, September

Meetings with the parents, the teachers and the members of the committee to inform them on the educational reform in Kenyaa and of the new educational framework : 2 years for pre-primary (4-6 years old), 3 years for the average primary (6-9 years old), 3 years for preparatory (9-12 years old) and a final mandatory exam after average primary.

2019, August

New visit by Sabine Godinez who had accompanied the Germans and Swiss youngsters who painted the walls of the school yard.

2019, July

First meeting of the committee and the teachers in the office.

Finishes : tiling, windows, doors.

2019, June

Beginning of the building of the office above the kitchen.

2019, May

French Ambassy’s reception for the NGOs which had obtained financing in the call for projects PISCCA (Projets Innovants de la Société Civile et Coalitions d’Acteurs) and record by the project manager.

2019, April

Presentation of Rekebisho school at the Université Populaire de la Vallée verte in Haute-Savoie (France)

Securing of the stairs leading to the water tank: raising of the wall along the alley and setting of a ledge right.

Purchase of desks and chairs for the teachers.

2019, March

Committee meeting with the teachers and the parents and elections of one room parent for each class

General meeting of the association on March 8th in Haute-Savoie (France)

Main decisions:

• Budget rise for food according to the increasing number of pupils and fruit adding.
• Stopping of the premises rentals because of the many damages.
• Projects and purchases: the priority is to make the access to the water tank safe, to purchase desks and chairs for the teachers and books for the new programs.
• As for the other projects: the building of an office above the kitchen, the setting of a canopy above the yard for sun or rain protection. We are waiting for the plans and we will study the options according to the available finances.
• For the creation of the 2 last levels of the primary school, the feasability has to be studied: where and how?

2019, February

Intervention of German volunteers to paint the school walls

2019, January

Trip to Nairobi from January 15th to January 24th

The school is transformed by the construction works that have been made (kitchen, toilets...) and has attracted more children: 131 children now go to Rekebisho.
Last week in Rekebisho was very active with the committee and the teachers, the making of new benches and desks, of closets which can be locked, the repair of the floors and the inauguration with the Embassy.

The inauguration with the French Embassy in Nairobi and its representatives (the director of the Cooperation and Cultural action service and the project leader of the call for projects), the chiefs of the area, the Elder of the village and the parents have been a highlight for Rekebisho and an acknowledgment of the school evolution.
The children have told texts, they have sung and danced then a snack has been served to everyone. It was made of a delicious fruit salad which has been much appreciated by the children.

The main decisions taken during the meetings with the committee members and the teachers are the following ones:

• 2 teachers are to be present for the monthly committee meeting.
• Need to maintain the school and the cancellation of the renting of the premises.
• Pay raise for the teachers.

2018, December

First aid training for the teachers

2018, October

Summer workshop at le Grand Bornand from the 08-10 to the 12-10

• Results of the 6 last months in Rekebisho.
• Debate on the future of the school and of the priorities. Shall the 2 last levels of Primary school be created? Shall an office above the kitchen and with an internet access be created for the teachers and the committee? Shall a metal roof over the schoolyard be built as a protection against the sun and the rain. Shall benches and desks be built larger for the pupils?
• Updating of the power point presentation of Rekebisho.
• Preparation of the trip to Nairobi which is to take place from the 15th January to 24th January.

Medical checkup for the children of the school

2018, September

Grant from the UP of Bonneville (Université Populaire)

Our secretary presented the association « Les Amis de Rekebisho » during the return party given at the UP.

The board decided to grant our association a yearly grant of 250 Euros. Furthermore, they offered to do a special grant demand to the UP for the buying of school material.

2018, August

As soon as the grants were given, the construction started and was led during the holidays. The school now has a kitchen, toilets, sinks and running water!
School started again in September.

Connection to running water and tank installation on the roof of the kitchen.

Tiling of the new toilets and toilets installation.

Installation of the sanitary bloc and walls painting.

Installation of the closets, of a stove and a work plan in the kitchen.
Connection to electicity.

2018, July

Salaries
After a 6 months probation, Florence ans Wilberforce’s salaries are increased.

Grant from the Embassy
The grant from the Embassy is granted but the budget has been lowered. The grants cover the hygiene and health objectives. No finances for the school material have been given and the amount is 3444 Euros and we are paying the rest of the project.

2018, April

General assembly of the association.

The following main decisions were made for 2018 :

• Rise of the teachers’ salary according to the grid proposed by the committee ;
• Progressing financing according to the funding from the Embassy, to the end of the rebuilding of the toilets and of the kitchen, to the purchase of the classes and kitchen material, to the installation of a water tank linked to the public water network, to the building of an office above the kitchen and the toilets ;
• Changes in the composition of the board and in the statutes of the association : appointment of a new treasurer and a new assistant treasurer, change of address of the head office which will now be at the place of residence of the presidency and the term of office of the president 5 maximum years.

Operation rice bowl: the project has been presented through a power point presentation by two members of Rekebisho to the children of a school in Cluses. The children only ate a rice bowl at the school cafeteria and the money thus saved has been given to Rekebisho.

A 1370 euros cheque is given by the headmaster of the school in Cluses.

2018, March

Visit of the school by the project leader of the Embassy.

The Representative of the Embassy with the whole team: the teachers and the committee.

2018, January

• Starting of the construction site of the restrooms in compliance with the standards: and 1 men’s toilet , 1 urinal, 2 women’s toilets and 1 toilet for the staff ;
• Starting of the construction site of the new kitchen inside the school premises ;
• A grant aid has been requested to the Cultural cooperation service of the French Embassy in Nairobi within a call for project for the funding of facilities such as classrooms, the toilets and the kitchen.

Beginning of the toilet’s and of the kitchen’s building

New tiled toilets

In the building : the kitchen on the right, and the toilets on the left

Inside the new kitchen

2018, January

Our treasurer Christian died after a long illness. He has done a lot for REKEBISHO, always with energy and passion. He was very much loved by the members of the committee and the children.

2017, December

Purchase of a new barrack adjoining the school, to extend the surface and allow the building of the new kitchen and the new toilets.

2017, November

The members of the bureau of the organization “les Amis de REKEBISHO” came to REKEBISHO school. Meetings with the teachers and the members of the committee . The following subjects were discussed

• the projects such as the building of new toilets and of a new kitchen on the school ground ;
• the financial problems: the cost of living went up in Nairobi and the actual wages of the teachers only allow them to survive. It’s therefore necessary to increase the wage ;
• the reforms implemented by the ministry of education in KENYA acknowledging the informal schools such as REKEBISHO.

Songs of welcome in the school yard

Trip to a park with games and animals

2017, October

Work to build new toilet drainage by digging 9 meters deep. Connection to the general sewer of the slum and leveling of the school grounds.

A committee member’s house was completely destroyed in a fire. Johny, the member, lost everything but fortunately, there was no victim. We helped him financially to rebuild his house.

2017, September

Summer Workshops from 13-15 September at the Grand Bornand:

• Discussions concerning the projects realized since last meeting in March 2017
• Examination of future projects: Sanitary Solution is urgent : New commodities connected to public network. Purchase of a water tank and later creation of an office for educational team, a better equipped kitchen. And water supply.
• Organization of the next trip to Nairobi from 22 to 30/11/17. On the program: to make a new film showing the evolutions of school, to discuss Kenya's school reforms, to study the imposed norms to become a school recognized by the government

2017, August

Painting of the class walls.

A big problem arises: the toilets have become unusable due to the clogged drainage and no glance allowing the unclogging. They are condemned as a result of health risks linked to a cholera epidemic in Nairobi. Children must use a toilet outside the school and must be accompanied by an adult each time.

2017, July

After the destruction of the adjoining house, rebuilding of the school wall, moving the main school door opposite the kitchen.

2017, June

Plastering of the class walls, making of metallic cupboard with a key to keep the educational material.

2017, April

Purchase of a house adjoining the school to enlarge the surface and make new toilets.

2017, March the 17th

GENERAL MEETING : Decisions.

Funding of the training of 2 teachers ; Funding of finishing works: plastering of walls and installation of wall cupboards in 2 new classrooms; the purchase of the adjoining house; preparation for new sanitary facilities (drainage of sewage), connection to running water.

For « Les Amis de Rekebisho » : Partial renewal of memberships and increasing number of members.

2017, January the 24th to February the 2nd

NAIROBI TRIP

The School still welcomes about 100 children, but the committee recruited a fourth teacher for the children aged 10 to 13 (level 3 and 4). This allows having fewer children per class in the primary grades.
Once a month, the children go to a big playground which is about 10 minutes away from the school. Members of the committee, as well as teachers, accompany the children and organize many games for their stimulation.

Two blackboards have been renewed, we also replaced school desks and benches and we bought books containing the new school programs, a huge pan and a jiko for the kitchen as well as watches for the four teachers.

A new member had brought some children tales books and English singing books with illustrations. This was appreciated by the school teachers and the school musician.

About partnerships: we met the chief of the local administration office and a “Village Elder”, a person chosen by the Village to settle the problems.

About the project for the school development: lthe committee and teachers validated the project of the purchase of an adjoining house to increase the size of the school. Further Priorities are to get toilets, sewers, a water reserve, sinks for better sanitation .Today the lack of water is a problem in Mukuru Slum.

We noted the reform imposing NGOs to pay contributions diseases and retirement pensions for the employees as well as of the important project of the reform of the Kenyan school system.

2016, september

Bad news: There was a great fire just around the school of Rekebisho.
Part of a wall collapsed, part of the roof burned. The house of the teacher Charlet has completely burned and the house of Eunice, the principal, was affected.
The playground is no longer because the administration wants to put a traffic lane instead of it.
We however managed to get back swings and slides.

Your donations are welcome. Thanks for them.

The wall

Le roof

The playground

Around Rekebisho

2016, 24-26 August

In Habère-Lullin (74)

Workshops between members of Lorraine and Rhone Alps including a reflection on access to care for people of Mukuru slum and projects for school: school expansion, sanitation, access to water current…

2016, June

In Mukuru, by the team REKEBISHO

Equipment of the playground with slide and swings

2016, May

By the team of Rekebisho

• Raising the floor of the high class to prevent water of the outdoor courtyard entering into the classroom in case of heavy rains. In addition, the step was dangerous for smaller.
• Repair of two small classes with stone walls, doors and windows.

2016, April

In Mukuru, by the team REKEBISHO

Installation of removable walls between classes to modulate the size of the rooms according to the teachings.
This work was carried out during the school holidays.

2016, February

Contact with the League of Education 54 to consider participation and assistance in fundraising (Contact current).

2016, January

Travel for 2 members of the board in Nairobi to meet the REKEBISHO team with the following objectives:

• Development of the school's expansion project with the committee
• Evaluation of the new committee functioning and parental involvement
• Support and promotion of teachers. Census work tools, evaluation of their dynamics and their needs…
• Presentation of the film "Children of Rekebisho", translated into English so that the committee may examine it and can eventually use it on site
• Administrative approaches to the government service of NGOs in Kenya

Members of the committee and the teachers

Transformation of the alley in playground

The currrent kitchen and the cook Carolina

The nap time

2015, 24-27 August

In Habère-Lullin (74)

Workshops around a global reflection on the relations between REKEBISHO and AMIS REKEBISHO and upcoming projects and August 27 evening meeting : discussion with members of the association (Haute-Savoie and Lorraine).

2015, 7-10 April

Holding of General Meetings in La Roche-sur-Foron (74) and in Essey-les-Nancy (54).

2015, 4 May

Organization of a concert with the choir "Slowly the Bass" in La Roche-sur-Foron to benefit REKEBISHO with screening of the movie made about REKEBISHO.

2015, May

Contact the Assisi Foundation, a subsidiary of the foundation of France for help in fundraising.

2015

In Mukuru by the team REKEBISHO

• The number of students rose to 100
• The Principal of the school was trained and obtained the state diploma. There are now 3 teachers
• Replacement of roof above the main classroom
• Purchase of benches, tables and school uniforms

2014, 24 november to 4 december

Travel for 2 members of the board in Nairobi to meet the team REKEBISHO with shooting and interviews of members for making the movie about REKEBISHO.

2014, October the 18th

Organization of a concert with the choir "Croque-Notes" in Essey-les-Nancy (54) in favor of REKEBISHO

2014, 24-30 August

In Habère-Lullin (74)

Workshops with members of "FRIENDS of REKEBISHO" with development of objects made by the team REKEBISHO for sale at upcoming concerts, rugs for "baby room" and August the 27th, extraordinary General Meeting with establishment of a sub-section in Haute-Savoie.

2014, March the 27th

General meeting in Essey les Nancy (54).

2014

In Mukuru by the team REKEBISHO

• Construction of a firewall boundary wall.
• Construction of a toilet area with 2 squat toilet.

2013, September

Travel for 2 members of the board in Nairobi to meet the team REKEBISHO.

2012, February

Trip of a member of the board in Nairobi to give the school Rekebisho an electrical installation with a minimum of security (electric wires in tubes, fuses, ...).