Learners from Lera village in Lonyiek location in Laikipia county have for long been forced to study under trees due to lack of school in the area.
The learners at Kamnanten ECDE centre converge under a tree next to Lonyiek-Churo road where they study on shifts to ensure all learners, who comprise of grade one and two classes receive adequate time for stury.
According to Ms. Mercy Cheruto with no physical class buildings in the area, the learners are compelled to study in the bushy environment that sometimes harbours snakes and also poses a challenge during rainy season forcing them to seek shelter at a nearby church.
“Sometimes when it’s a rainy day we go to a nearby church for shelter and in many such situations the pupils don’t come to school which leads to many students dropping out, “said Ms. Cheruto.
In addition, MS. Risper Nolari confides that though there are at least 100 learners at the moment, most of the times the number goes down to as low as 30 pupils especially when there is drought or even due to insecurity as they migrate to other areas together with their parents.
The teachers observed that conducting lessons is a great challenge because teachers and students have to contend with harsh weather conditions including heavy rains and the uncompromising scorching sun.
However, they have a reason to smile after Laikipia Nature Conservancy (LNC) offered to put up a modern classroom that will provide a conducive learning environment.
According to LNC director Mr. Adams Nigel, the project has been initiated as a way of giving back to the society and also empowering education.
Further the DCC Kirima Sub-County John Orata said the government had put into place proper measures to ensure the safety of the local communities and also enhance efforts to bring back cohesion.
