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Progress Report on Our After-School Programme

We are excited to share the progress of our After-School Programme over the past three months, where we have remained committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that fosters the growth and potential of every child. Over the course of twelve sessions, we have seen strong participation and engagement, with each activity making a meaningful impact on the children, their families, and the community at large.

Empowering Through Support and Counselling

One of the core components of our programme is the counselling sessions, which provide essential emotional and psychosocial support to both children and caregivers. These sessions address challenges such as peer pressure, stress, and family dynamics, while equipping participants with the tools they need to cope effectively. In creating a safe space for children to express themselves, we are helping them build resilience, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, caregivers have received valuable guidance on positive parenting techniques, ensuring consistent support and love at home.

Academic Progress and Tuition Support

The backbone of our After-School Programme continues to be tuition support. Children engage in interactive lessons in subjects like Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, and Agriculture, which reinforce their classroom learning. Notable progress has been observed in the students’ academic confidence, with many showing improved comprehension in both oral and written tasks. Our tutors offer personalized support to slower learners, ensuring no child is left behind. Beyond academic performance, these sessions also instill strong study habits, discipline, and persistence skills that will serve them well as they advance in their education.

Promoting Literacy: The Reading Initiative

To further foster a love for reading, we have implemented a home reading initiative where each child borrows a storybook, reads it at home, and returns it for a new one. This system has cultivated a sense of responsibility and creativity among the children. Parents have reported that their children are more eager to share stories at home, signaling the development of a strong reading culture.

Life Skills Development

In addition to academics, life skills form a crucial part of the curriculum. Over the past months, we have led sessions on personal hygiene, healthy relationships, teamwork, and constructive problem-solving. Through activities like role-playing, group discussions, and trust-building exercises, children have learned to communicate effectively, respect each other, and make wise decisions. These lessons are not only shaping their social interactions but also empowering them to take on leadership roles in their families and communities.

Extracurricular Activities

Our extracurricular activities continue to provide a well-rounded experience for the children. Sports sessions emphasize teamwork, discipline, and physical health, while creative arts foster self-expression and confidence. Special activities, such as baking and modeling, offer practical learning experiences in patience, collaboration, and presentation skills. A standout event was our commemoration of the Day of the African Child, where children engaged in performances, discussions, and cake-cutting, reflecting on history, rights, and responsibilities.

Child Protection Training & Drug Sensitization

As part of our broader commitment to child welfare, we successfully established a Child Protection Committee, which is central to fostering a safe environment for children. The committee underwent thorough training on child safety, learning to identify risks and respond appropriately to child protection issues. This initiative strengthens community-based efforts to safeguard children and ensures that key stakeholders are equipped to act swiftly when necessary.

We also hosted a sensitization session in partnership with NACADA, raising awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The session aimed to educate both the Community Child Protection Committee members and local parents on the harmful effects of substance abuse, as well as the importance of positive parenting. By empowering community leaders with this knowledge, we are laying the foundation for a safer, healthier environment for children.

Volunteer Engagement and International Collaboration

Our programme was enriched by the participation of four dedicated volunteers from the UK and Italy, who taught various subjects and engaged with the children through play and shared meals. A particularly notable contribution was the creation of “talking walls”interactive displays that focused on child protection and academic topics. The volunteers' presence not only enhanced the educational experience but also provided the children with valuable exposure to different cultures and perspectives.

Collaborative Training on Child Care Reforms

In August, we participated in the Kajiado SimLab Training, a collaboration with organizations such as A Child's Hope Foundation, Shelter Yetu, and the Department of Children Services. This training focused on child care reforms, particularly the transition towards family-based care by 2032. Through shared experiences and insights, we strengthened our resolve to move away from institutional care in favor of more nurturing family environments for children. The session was an opportunity for us to learn from one another and work together towards a common goal of improving the care and well-being of children across Kenya.

Parental Engagement: Budgeting and Saving

In August, we organized a parental talk for Grade 5 parents, focusing on budgeting and saving. The session provided valuable information on financial discipline and long-term saving strategies, with the aim of fostering stronger financial management within families. Parents expressed interest in collaborating on joint ventures that could help them save and generate income together, which will ultimately create a more supportive and resilient financial environment for their children.

Conclusion

The past three months have been a period of growth, learning, and meaningful engagement for both the children and the community. Through our comprehensive approach combining counselling, academic support, life skills development, and community involvement we are nurturing well-rounded, confident, and capable children. The ongoing support of our volunteers, partners, and the broader community has been instrumental in creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We are deeply grateful for this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together to help children reach their full potential.

Thank you for your unwavering support, which makes all of this possible.