Kiang’ombe Community Grants School Building to Ameena Project

Village elders and local leaders, energized by the possibility for something positive in their community, offered Ameena Project the free use of their abandoned school. Located in heart of Kiang’ombe, the community-built schoolhouse had been vacant for years due to lack of financial resources.

Over 50 Children Enroll

Over 50 children are enrolled and received two meals per day in an engaging preschool education in a safe environment.

A Move for the Ameena Centre

Kenyan government titled all land in the Kiang’ombe slum. Ameena Centre moved (literally, by hand) to the other edge of the community. Education Fund offered to core Ameena Centre staff.  Community medical clinic conducted by Christian Isakson and Ian and Anne May.

Piped Water Welcomed at Centre

Piped water was added to the site. Teaching interns from local Kenyan colleges come to Ameena Centre.

Building Expanded and Playground Added

School buildings expanded to include Grade 1. Playground added to campus. Ameena Project board of directors visit school and holds community medical and dental clinic, staff development and training, and celebrates 5th anniversary with community. Two teaching interns transition to teaching staff.

Program Continues Fantastic Growth

Grade 2 added to program. A total of 85 children enrolled at Ameena Centre led by 12 Kenyan staff.

Campus Improvements

Due to funds donated at our successful Portland fundraiser in fall of 2019, the Kenyan staff and Ameena Centre families were able to upgrade the playground equipment for our students to swing, slide, spin and enjoy. While less exciting for the kids, critical improvements were made to the campus, to include an upgraded fence, a new, permanent wall and a more secure and attractive restroom.

Pandemic Response and Community Support

During the government-mandated school closures during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ameena Centre staff facilitated food supply distributions to students’ families and built a new school structure to meet social distancing requirements. Students and staff returned in January 2021 after a nine-month closure. Donors’ generous support helped fund the Personal Protective Equipment and campus expansion that guaranteed a safe return to class.