Open Arms Academy

16th February, 2010 - Posted by Dave Redelfs -

Open Arms Academy commenced classes on January 7, 2010 in our two former orphan homes, which became available when the children moved into their new homes. The Old Tumaini house is where the classrooms for  Standard 1, 2 & 3 are located, and the Nursery and Standard 4 & 5 classes are held in the old Upendo house.

While we have been approved by the District to begin classes, we do still have one more step to get official approval from the National Ministry of Education.  However, we are confident and have faith that all will go well.  Matt Tallman has done an amazing job putting together all the necessary paperwork and ensuring that the school will come into compliance with all of the National Ministry of Education requirements.

What I found surprising, given the conditions of so many Kenyan schools, was there were quite a few building requirements, set out by both the Ministry of Education and the Health & Safety Offices, that we have had to meet. These  included removing interior walls, inserting new larger windows, white washing the buildings, installing new floors, and the building of an additional latrine (outdoor toilet facility).

But it has been all worth it.  From the smiles on their faces, you can see that the children are excited to be in their new school.  And you can be sure that no one misses the long bus ride each way to and from their old school.