The GRÁ Education Programme continues to expand with our Secondary Scholarships Programme, Third level Scholarships Programme and Education Employment Scheme. GRÁ’s Education Programmes are a foundation of what GRÁ believes in for the growth of future generations. GRÁ believes that, education is a threshold for development and it is a basic human right. Education is about dignity and empowerment - the basis of inspiration and growth for the individual and community.

This fund has been a critical factor in reducing poverty through education. The student scholarship programme was set up to educate students who cannot afford post-primary education and deserve the opportunity. GRÁ, with our partner in Kenya, sponsors over fifty students in our Secondary School Scholarship Programme. All the students are being provided with school fees, basic needs and school requirements upon joining form one and through to completion of form four.

Context:

The education System in Kenya consists of eight years primary education and four years of secondary education. Primary education has been free after 1999 but small fee is still required. Secondary education is not free in Kenya and most rural families do not have the means to support a child through the four years. Some of the students in the Secondary School Scholarship Programme:

Dennis Ngugi Maina, Benjamin Mabwa K, Joshua Muiga Maina, Mercy Ngerere, Veronica Karathi, Tabitha Wambui, Wanjiru Gakunga, Paul Kanyi, Irene Ngunju Ndonga, Beth Njeri Wambui, Godfrey Kamae, Simone Njoroge, Stanley Njuguna, Stephen Kibe, Esther Gathoni Ndungu, Monica Wanjiru Muhoro, Mercy W Kamau, Teresia Wambui Wairimu, Muslim Huka, James Njuguna Muthoni, Christine Misoi, Edward Msafiri Mwacharo, Farouq Wandati, Mwajuma Swale, David Muema Mwendwa, Makame Feisal Omar, Kithome Anna Katunge, Irungu Maina Emmanuel, Moses Maingi Mbali, Miriam Ndunge David, Mwinzi Aquline Ndanu, Bishamba Abdalla, Anna Martha Shali Sio, David Waweru, Peter Muhoro, John Kamau, Francis Njuguna, Rahab Waithera, Teresia Nyambura, Ann Wanjira, Peter Kuria, Benson Muturi.

GRÁ sponsors the employment of a teacher in Mugiko Primary School since 2007. Mr. Harrison is sponsored by GRÁ to improve the quality of education and reduce the overcrowded classes of up to 120 pupils. Improving the education standards of the school is vital to the education of students. The salary of Mr. Harrison costs GRÁ approximately €1,300 per annum.

GRÁ currently sponsors two young girls in the Third Level Scholarship Programme. This fund was set up to educate students in special areas who have completed secondary education. GRÁ also sponsored Eluid Njeri for Higher Diploma in Counseling in Zetech College, Nairobi in 2006/2007 and George Njuku Wanjiru for Higher Diploma in Community Health in Zetech College, Nairobi.

“Education has been of great help to me. It has enlightened me. My wellbeing of mind and life has come from education and changed to being positive. However, there’s still so much to be learnt and so many of my peers remain uneducated and so many hesitate to help. I am indebted to your kindness by working towards the betterment of the community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”- Eluid