A Solid Foundation

Mawewa School had its origins in a Jangwani church preschool. Eleven years later, we continue to provide a solid, early education foundation with nurturing and supportive relationships and positive learning experiences. The preschool is currently part of a large research program testing a curriculum that ensures young children in Kenya are well-prepared to start and succeed in primary school. Central to the curriculum are language acquisition, stimulation of the learning process, critical thinking, building active classroom participation, and constructive play. We are honored to be part of this innovative program.

In 2017, Mawewa Preschool has 66 children, ages 3-6, in three Pre-Primary (PP) Classes.

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PP1[/caption]The 2017 PP1 class has 21 students, ages 3-to-4 years. This entry level class is the foundation of the students’ education. In January, the children stepped into an environment and structure previously unfamiliar to them. The first term was all about getting them settled into school life. PP1 teacher, Mrs. Esther Mwangi, says the first weeks of teaching require much parenting: Consoling the fearful, waiting out tantrums, wiping tears, retrieving escapees, and helping the children to eat, toilet, and dress. Once adapted to school life, the children move on to learning many new skills, from the simple - holding a pencil, to the more complex – an introduction to computers.[caption id="attachment_3566" align="aligncenter" width="565"]

PP2[/caption]The 2017 PP2 Class has 22 students, ages 4-5. PP2 students, familiar with the school routine, eagerly returned to the classroom after their holiday. Their teacher, Ms. Edita Orinda, says the children get along well with each other, are inventive, and enjoy the creative classroom environment. These youngsters work well independently and on group projects. They love art lessons when they color, paint, and work with modeling clay. The meals they receive at school give them the energy to cut loose during recess and Physical Education class. They are currently preparing for the Kenyan Music Festival with singing games and poetry recitation.[caption id="attachment_3567" align="aligncenter" width="565"]

PP3[/caption]The 2017 PP3 Class has 23 students, ages 5-6. These children are self-motivated and enjoy reading. Their teacher, Mrs. Esther Ng’ang’a, says they even read together aloud from their textbooks, without prompting, when she is out of the classroom! PP3 students recently enjoyed a visit to a shopping mall outside of Mathare. For many of the children, this was the first time away from the confines of the slum. They had a marvelous time playing on a jungle gym, see-saw, and swing sets - luxuries not found in their neighborhoods.

Besides preparing our youngest students for academic excellence, Mawewa School creates an environment that affirms the value of each child. The most important affirmation they receive is through learning about the God that loves them. Our goal is to instill Godly characters, such as politeness, gratitude, kindness, obedience, love, generosity, perseverance, and respect. While we remain rooted in Christianity, we welcome children of all faiths.None of this work would be possible without the support of our donors. All of us at eduKenya and Mawewa Schools are grateful that you care about the children and families we serve and for your faithful generosity!