.........LEMUKOL'S: NEEDED: STAND WITH THIS SCHOOL TO MAKE IT STAND

Architectural impression of Kootoro Primary School

On Tuesday, 18 November 2014, we highlighted a story of a primary school devoid of any classrooms and/or learning facilities in Turkana County. We outlined our vision for education in the region, in general and the school's urgent condition, in particular. We signaled the County Government of Turkana of the same with a view to having authorities respond to the cries of the school. (Read story: http://lemukolwords.blogspot.com/2014/11/mr-governor-build-your-name-by-building.html )

I personally wrote an email to the County Minister for Education seeking her intervention. Silence reigned. To date no response has originated from the said authorities.

Mark you, the children of Kootoro Primary School are still learning under trees!

On Friday, 2 January 2015, we again amplified the school's story. At this juncture we underlined the main challenge bedeviling development initiatives in Turkana and parts of Kenya. We thought it would be beneficial for us and for the school-less children of Kenya to embark on a people-led approach as opposed to waiting for apathetic and unresponsive government functionaries. (Read story: http://lemukolwords.blogspot.com/2015/01/this-school-is-indicative-of-our-socio.html )

Current state of the school

The initiative started off successfully. So far several entities and persons have contributed towards the construction of Kootoro Primary School. We are getting many ideas from many unknown sources on how to better learning conditions in the said school.

Some volunteers have pledged to conduct a parallel program to raise cash for the kids’ uniforms and books. You see, we are moving ahead. The school is taking shape.

Back to Turkana, the local community is leading from the front. All they ask for is what they can't produce. They are ready "to build a school for their children with all they have. With all they possess."

This is their message: "Give us what we don't have and we collectively join hands in having this school stand. Stand with us. Stand with our children and humanity shall remain upright. Forever".

I am moved by their resolve. I know deep inside their hearts resides a deep belief that education is the needed tool to move them up socio-econo-political ladder.

Their wisdom is indispensable. Their hopes stand tall for all to see. It is for this reason that I find it a worthy cause to energize their efforts. We are called upon to materialize their thoughts.

My people, we can do this together. Time to act on their reflections is now. Let's come together and have this school stand. Let's stand with it. Let's stand with its pupils. Let's stand with all those who are standing with it.

Demonstrate your stand by visiting: https://secure.changa.co.ke/myweb/share/3602 . For MPESA contributions, the school's Head-Teacher can be reached via this number: 0719246277.

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Many thanks to the following persons/entities for turning up:

1) Mumbi Kaptere - Ksh 18200

2) Ultimate System Decisions -1 - Ksh 1365
3) Claire Bond Kshs - Ksh 2730
4) White Cliffs Music - Kshs 910
5) Jo Graeme kshs - Ksh 1365
6) Ultimate System Decisions -2 - Ksh 1638
7) Dr. Ekuru Aukot - Ksh 14000
8) Mr. Linus Ebenyo- Minister for Tourism and Trade, Turkana County - 20 iron sheets.

9) Mr. Tioko Logiron - Minister for Roads, Turkana County - pledged to donate iron sheets

The children of Kootoro Primary School are happy to know that you heard their pleas, and you responded accordingly. Be blessed.