Minutes:
TRUSTS FOR AFRICAN SCHOOLS
NOTE OF A MEETING AT LOLDIA PRIMARY SCHOOL
ON 27 JANUARY 2020
Present:
Joseph Njeru Headteacher
James Ndinguri Senior Teacher
Diana Low
Gill Marshall-Andrews
Apologies:
Ben Arentz
Wanja Arentz
Johnnie Morris
Introductions:
Mr Njeru was introduced to DL and GMA
He outlined his previous experience as a
HT of long standing
and also as a lecturer at Mt Kenya University. His specialisms are
Education Management and Administration, the Sociology of Education,
and the Psychology of teaching and learning. He has a degree in
Early Child Education and
Community Development, a Masters
in School Management and is studying for a PhD in Education
Management.
He has experience of working with NGOs,
notably Build Africa and HSK in Gilgil.
He has been in post for 2 weeks and has
observed significant challenges facing him and the school.
Matters discussed were:
1. The deplorable state of some of the
latrines, which would undoubtedly be closed if Health and Safety
Executive should see them.
2. The need for transparency and
accountability is all financial matters. A display board (housing
all accounts, government funding, parents’ contributions,
donations, sponsorships, exam results and upcoming events) which is
accessible to teachers, parents, students, sponsors and the whole
community was discussed.
3. Government funding is set at 675/-
per primary pupil per year. This has to cover resources, repairs,
exam costs and other necessary expenditure. This funding is often
delayed which causes considerable problems.
4. One of the first challenges the HT
observed was the exodus of all pupils from the school at lunchtime.
This is particularly problematic for girls who are felt to be
vulnerable at this time as there is usually no-one at home. Support
for a kitchen and lunch
programme was discussed, but GMA confirmed that TAS does not fund
food or teachers.
Post meeting note: DL believes that the
children who carry their lunch do not leave school at lunchtime.
5. After school activities were
discussed. TAS would consider funding for clubs offering sport,
music, art, IT and Rights of the Child. Any other value added
activity would also be considered.
6. IT – the school has 185 tablets
which can be used for teaching of all subjects to all students. They
could also be used for after school or lunchtime clubs.
7. Girls education is a priority for the
government, and menstrual hygiene is a matter of concern for TAS too.
The school will produce an analysis of girls pregnancy trends. It
was noted that pregnant girls frequently opt for an abortion which
can be dangerous. Where the baby is born the government requires
that the mother can be re-admitted to school to complete her
education.
GMA will send the HT the TAS documents
relating to Child Protection.
8. Staff motivation was discussed. The
HT is planning a team building trip during the school holidays and
also a prize giving day to celebrate achievements and talents among
staff and students. The MP Martha Wangari
will be invited as Guest of
Honour.
9. There was a discussion about
splitting the school. HT said that there are at least 3 other
primary schools in the Naivasha area that have more than 3000
students and he didnt think splitting Loldia was a priority at the
moment.
10. GMA will try to arrange a visit to
the school by the General Manager of GRVL before she leaves.
She will also revive and possibly reprint
the school leaflets produced by TAS so guests at Governors Camp and
GRVL can be encouraged to visit the school and support it.
11. A WhatsApp group of the TAS team was
discussed.
HT contacts are as follows:
josephnjeru23@gmail.com phone: 0722604159.
POST MEETING NOTE:
GMA has arranged a visit to the school by
Njenga, General Manager of GRVL at 10am on Monday 3 Feb.
