The Kamau Wairuri Foundation team made a follow-up visit to Rwathia Mixed Secondary School in Kangema to entrench our Dignified Learning Project on 5th September 2024 led by Dr. Kamau Wairuri, the founder and patron of the foundation. The team was received by the school’s administration, teachers and the students.
The team donated additional sanitary pads to all the girls at the school. Each of the 90 girls in the school received enough pads to last them for the remainder of the school year. This is in addition to the packs of sanitary towels they had received from the foundation last term. Dr Kamau reiterated the commitment of the foundation to ensuring that all girls, no matter their economic background, can attend school and access education in a dignified manner.
Mrs. Mwangi, a teacher who spoke on behalf of the school community, noted the significance of this donation. She said that school absence was previously quite high amongst girls, but it had now reduced following the earlier donation of pads by the foundation. She added that this second donation would mean that the girls are able to complete the academic year without unnecessary absences. She also noted that the provision of pads would also protect the girls from exposure to exploitative sexual relations that they would often get into, in order to afford sanitary pads. She expressed gratitude to the foundation for this intervention.
As per their earlier request, the school’s boys' soccer team was also provided with footballs. The team captain expressed gratitude noting that they had had difficulties training and preparing for competitions. Dr Kamau committed to return to the school with a further donation of kits to further enhance soccer in the team. The boys took part in a “pepeta” competition with the winners receiving cash prizes. The competition was very well received by the students, creating an instant buzz at the assembly.
Dr. Kamau also addressed the students, emphasizing the transformative power of education to them. Through a highlight of his own personal journey, he encouraged the students to stay focused on their studies, work hard and take heed of good advice. In the present-day world, he emphasized, education is crucial to improving one's life chances. He reminded them that coming from humble backgrounds did not necessarily predetermine their future but with grit, determination and hard work, education can be an effectively tool to change their lives and those of the families.
