Supporting Chome & Kiwinda Students

The focus for Sequoia's 30th anniversary year is to support 30 students whose families have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of you will have followed our long-term support of Chome Primary and Kiwinda Secondary Schools in Kenya. Over the years we have provided funds which have been used by the local community to improve the facilities for all the pupils attending the schools.

This year we are taking a different approach. In recognition of the way families have been impacted by the economic situation in Kenya, we have decided to directly support 30 students whose families are struggling to pay school fees. Although secondary education is supposed to be free in Kenya, in reality parents have to pay additional fees to cover infrastructure, teaching materials, food, uniforms, stationery and of course boarding fees.

All the students we are supporting are ex-pupils of Chome Primary school - some are now at Kiwinda as day-students and some have travelled further afield to board at a secondary school. All are from families who have been impacted by redundancy or a businesses that they relied on closing down.

We have already provided half the fees to the schools. In recognition of feedback received after our Christmas message we have, for the first time in our 30 years, launched this appeal to raise further funds, in the hope these families can ensure the education of their child this year.

Some of the careers the students are aiming for include:

Any additional funds we raise over and above the target will go towards further infrastructure support - new toilets and a girls dormitory at Kiwinda Secondary School and on-going maintenance of the Chome Primary School site.

We are acutely aware that there are many people in the world who need support right now - especially in this time of uncertainty and conflict. Any amount that you are able to donate is most welcome and will go directly to support these 30 students (please note that there is no gift-aid option as this is not a charity appeal). We will will ensure the funds are transferred immediately to the relevant schools.

Click here for further info on Chome & Kiwinda Schools