The National testing is over and all schools in Kenya are closed for the remainder of the year. This means that the Kiwimbi Camp, which will run for three weeks, has begun. This is always a very busy time at the Library! Activities during the Camp include instruction in math and English as well as games and sports, computer lab time and more. The incredible staff has created a schedule for running the programs to keep things organized and running smoothly.
The Kiwimbi Kidogo (preschool) also runs during the school break. The youngest children at the Library gather to learn ABC’s, shapes, colors and more. Their teachers lead them in songs and games to make the learning fun. They are provided a daily breakfast of porridge made from Kiwimbi-grown millet, and a daily lunch.
The caterers who serve lunch to the Grade 9 students in our Prep for Success program at the three Focus Schools where we work will be busy providing lunch to every child who is at the Library when the meal is served, every day of Camp.
Most of the secondary schools in Kenya are boarding schools, so the older children have returned home and go to the Library as well. This includes the group called Leadership Students, comprised of former participants in our Prep for Success program who showed academic motivation, determination, skills and leadership potential.
They tutor the younger children at the Library and also work with Kiwimbi staff on strengthening their own skills in academics, public speaking, communication, problem solving and more.
In December, the mentorship program with the rising Grade 9 students for next year begins, and all the other children who have been playing and learning at the Camp will be spending time away from the Library with their families. This will allow both students and staff to really focus on their important academic work, preparing for the new school years’ demands.
Kiwimbi International is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation.