In August 1996 during a holiday in Mombasa, Kenya, we came across the building in the photograph above. It was a school for 130 pupils! We decided there & then that we wanted to help.

Since 1996 we have returned to Mombasa at least once a year and always at our own expense. With support from friends at home, we were gradually able to pay for the construction of 7 more classrooms. Then in 2005 a couple from Bury in Greater Manchester went to Mombasa with a team of 12 builders from England & Ireland and built a new 2 storey block with 4 new classrooms. They also completed all the building work on the other classrooms.

We now provide a free education for over 300 children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years. Consequently we have to raise £25,000 a year. This pays all the teachers’ wages, purchases equipment, buys all the food and generally pays for the maintenance of the school.

In January 2007 Veronica & Roy Ashby from Derbyshire installed 7 computers, a printer & scanner together with workbenches & seats and have given training to our teachers. Veronica, Roy & their supporters have covered the cost of all this.

Many of our supporters have visited the school and seen for themselves the progress that is being made

In 2008 Stone Outward Girl Guides made a second visit to Mikoroshoni. We now have a Guide group of our own at school.

In May 2009 Nita & Elizabeth, two teachers from Rochdale spent 2 weeks at school working with KG3 & Standard 1 to improve their reading skills.

At the end of 2009 Dorothy Griffin, a retired lady from Wales spent 6 weeks working with the younger children. She enjoyed her visit so much that she hopes to go back later this year, 2010.

In May 2009, thanks to a one off generous donation from the Saga Charitable Trust, we were able to extend our feeding programme. Now all the children in school have either a porridge breakfast or a maize & beans lunch. It is our intention to continue to fund the Feeding Programme as the food is much needed and appreciated by all the children.

Thanks to individual sponsors a few of our pupils have been able to go on to Secondary School and one or two are lucky enough to be sponsored at College.

Since Joshua became our Headteacher at the beginning of 2008, his hard work & enthusiasm is proving to be a huge asset to the future progress of Mikoroshoni.

‘The Friends of Mikoroshoni Primary School’ still need many more supporters if the school is to continue to develop. If you would like to make a donation or join our £30 a year Gift Scheme then please contact us – the details are given below.