PARTNERSHIPS Community First Initiative When a vision for a secondary school emerged in 2009, the leadership team at St. Andrews believed that the community had to demonstrate ownership for the school in order to make it happen. Stakeholders were gathered for a meeting to see what they could do. The response was overwhelming. Thus began what the founding Principal at St. Andrews (peter ngugi 2009-2018) coined the "Community First Initiative".
The Community Stakeholders A local flower farm was the first to step forward and purchased 10 acres of land for the new school and built 2 classrooms and an administration block. Then upon registration as a government school, the local government in Naivasha graded a road to the land - 3.5 km from the village where our students come from. The enthusiasm from the community continues to grow and along with it the pride in their school.
The PTA (parents) built the kitchen
A traditional "Haram bee" (Kiswahili for pulling together) was held and parents, students and the community donated almost a million Kenya shillings ($12,000) to build two new classrooms.
Local flower farms have built 2 more classrooms
Night watchmen have been provided as well as fuel for the energy efficient cookers in the kitchen
The government provided 3000 trees to be planted through the "Work for Youth" fund and a local farmer donated fig trees for the compound.
In the drought, a local flower farm sent a water truck
The government built a classroom through the Community Development Fund.
An excavator has been loaned to clear a site for the Science Lab
A Christmas special event was held at the Great Rift Valley Lodge to raise funds to assist needy parents with unpaid school fees.
The Lodge also built a girls toilet block.
The Naivasha government has provided subsidies for identified students to help with school fees.
International Partnerships. St. Andrews invites and encourages international partnerships to come alongside these community first initiatives to help do what the school cannot do alone. Partnerships include resources of time, talent and treasure. Volunteer help in teaching and training and providing encouragement and hope for our teachers. Mission teams from American churches and other groups are invited to come and work alongside in building projects. To date, international partnerships have
Funded contraction of a 100,000 liter permanent water tank and guttering to harvest rain water.
Leveling of an athletic field – by the Kenyan government
volunteer short-term teachers from Holland and the US.
Student sponsorships – by Barbara Dougan Foundation, Barry Topple, Ben and Wanja and Friends of the school.
Partial funding for the Science Laboratory construction – by:
Marius Dekker of DGI, Fredric Meniai of monflerry, Douglas Whitney (USA), Hebel Gymnasium School (Germany) and Parents of School.
Supplies of laboratory equipments and materials – by Hebel Gymnasium School
Construction of music center – by the royal overseas league
Construction of three class rooms – by Bilashaka flowers.
Construction of library – Friends from USA
Supply of books for the library - Friends from USA and the Kenyan government
Construction of teachers houses – by Barry Topple and Parents of the school.
Construction of boys’ washrooms - by Great Rift Valley lodge and Parents of the school.
Alumni program – by Barbra Dougan Foundation.
Mentor program – by Deb Snell (Missionary from USA)
Students and teacher exchange program – Hebel gymnasium school (Germany)
Construction of boys and girls dormitory – Barbra dougan foundation.
The basic foundation has happened with community and government support but to excel and build a great school that provides hope and life skills is the challenge. That challenge is for you. Please read further to see where you can flip the switch and provide the light!