Our Work
We support children, young people and families in western Kenya by removing barriers to education. From school meals to scholarships, our programmes help students stay in education and build brighter futures.
Our programmes are designed to support students at every stage of their journey, from early years through to higher education, creating long-term change for individuals and their communities.
To date: 36 students have progressed through our Further or Higher Education programme. Of these; 26 have graduated with Bachelor degrees of these 4 have gone into teaching. We also have a vet, an occupational therapist, an engineering specialist, an actuary, a nurse and a forensic scientist. 2 students have gone on to further study at Masters level 1 has been accepted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, 1 works for the Kenyan govenment. Of the remaining 10, one is still studying at Kenya’s Maritime Engineering Institute, 5 achieved teaching qualifications and are employed in schools across the district and 4 are still in education.
Innis Breakfast Club
We fund a nutritional porridge meal each morning for nursery, year 1 and year 2 children paid for by regular donors for up to 100 children per day. Many children come to school hungry – full bellies = better concentration = improved educational attainment.
For the cost of a coffee here in the UK you could help us to improve education and health for a young child in Kenya!
Just £15 buys porridge for 40 children for 1 Term!
Secondary School Bursaries
Better KCPE scores = better Secondary Schools. Post KCPE, students are centrally allocated secondary school places based on their scores. The better schools (comparable to UK grammar schools) are expensive, boarding institutions that may be anywhere in the region. We began offering partial secondary school bursaries to the 2 highest achieving students to give them the best chance of achieving their potential. A small amount of funding is requested from the family as part of our offer. All of these students have gone on to receive further education offers. Secondary school education costs around £250 - £350 per annum.
Further and Higher education bursaries are offered to students showing promise and commitment to a further 3-4 years of study. Our further education bursaries have offered students the opportunity to achieve their potential, to secure well paid employment and to ‘pay back’ to their communities. University courses: range from £600 – £900 per annum. Other colleges/Teaching Certificate/Diplomas: £400-600 per annum. In addition, we offer to fund a reconditioned laptop at £200 each.
Further and Higher Educational Bursaries
Teacher Training
Of the remaining 10, one is still studying at Kenya’s Maritime Engineering Institute, 5 achieved teaching qualifications and are employed in schools across the district and 4 are still in education. Martin went on to complete a teaching qualification and now has a permanent post at a high school in Butere. 26 have graduated with Bachelor degrees of these 4 have gone into teaching.
Womens Interprise Projects
In addition to our young people’s education programmes we have given financial support to 2 Widow’s and Orphan’s Community Organisations operating in the immediate neighbourhood of Innis school. Using funds granted through UK trusts and foundations, this has taken the form of: Seed corn funding for income generation activities i.e. farming initiatives, food production and poultry rearing. Collective catering enterprises – the purchase of equipment, training in food preparation and group management training to facilitate registration with local authorities.
How 'Zest For Life' Currently Opperates
We have one partner Primary School – Innis Education Centre.
Nursery age children can enrol from the age of 4, graduation usually takes place at the age of 14 following completion of the Kenya Primary Certificate (KCPE) certificate. The main barrier to learning for the children at the school is lack of family income to maintain attendance. Many are one parent families (usually the mother); a significant number will be total orphans.
Our work with the school consists of:
The provision of a porridge meal each morning for nursery, year 1 and year 2 children. Funding is provided by regular donors for up to 100 children per day. Many children come to school hungry – full bellies = better concentration = improved educational attainment.
In 2012, we raised funds for the provision of a lending library and reference/work books at the school. More books in class and books to take home for after school study = better academic achievement. This is reflected year on year in improved KCPE scores.
Better KCPE scores = better Secondary Schools. Post KCPE, students are centrally allocated secondary school places based on their scores. The better schools (comparable to UK grammar schools) are expensive, boarding institutions that may be anywhere in the region. We began offering partial secondary school bursaries to the 2 highest achieving students to give them the best chance of achieving their potential. A small amount of funding is requested from the family as part of or offer. All of these students have gone on to receive further education offers.
In addition we have undertaken capital projects to improve the learning environment. These have included new classrooms, new latrines for girls and water tanks.
Further and Higher education bursaries are offered to students showing promise and commitment to a further 3-4 years of study.
In addition to our young people’s education programmes we have given financial support to 2 Widow’s and Orphan’s Community Organisations operating in the immediate neighbourhood of Innis school. Using funds granted through UK trusts and foundations, this has taken the form of:
Seed corn funding for income generation activities i.e. farming initiatives, food production and poultry rearing
Collective catering enterprises – the purchase of equipment, training in food preparation and group management training to facilitate registration with local authorities.