CONSTRUCTION OF A SCHOOL KITCHEN- 2024
Last year in 2023, we visited Gakeu Primary School to donate examination materials when we noticed that their school kitchen was dilapidated. We thought that a new kitchen would provide better facilities to support the nutritional needs of the students. This is how we embarked on the construction of the school kitchen.
Images of the old Kitchen
Construction of School Kitchen
Initially when we started the project we did not have enough funds for the construction of the kitchen and we had opted to refurbish the existing kitchen instead of constructing a new one.
However, upon meeting with the head teacher and expressing our challenge, she informed us that there was some building materials left over from a previous construction project and she decided to allocate them to this project. We were happy that the project could go on as planned and the school was also actively participating and owning the project.
We also involved the local community in this project by creating job opportunities in skilled and unskilled labour.
Images of ongoing construction of the new kitchen
As part of our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, we installed eco-friendly stoves in the new kitchen to help reduce carbon emissions thus contributing to climate change mitigation.
These stoves are designed to promote a healthier kitchen environment by eliminating smoke compared to a traditional three stone fireplace that was there prior to the construction. The stoves also help utilise fuel efficiently and reduce the demand of wood fuel.
Images of the newly installed eco-friendly stoves
Impact of the project
- This construction of the school kitchen project has significantly improved and enhanced the school’s infrastructure by ensuring the school meets health standards required for food preparation and service.
- The kitchen has enhanced the overall quality of food served to the students and in turn led to increased school attendance.
- The reduced amount of smoke from the eco-friendly stoves has had a positive health impact on the women who prepare the meals in the kitchen by reducing the respiratory and eye problems.
- These efforts have had a positive impact on the school community. By working with local contractors and suppliers , we supported businesses and created employment in the area.
- The school kitchen which is now a permanent structure will significantly improve sustainability by using energy saving stoves and cost effective solution,the kitchen minimises waste, reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills in the long run for the school.
Image of the new kitchen Image of students, teachers and donors in the new KitchenAcknowledgement to our Donors and Partners
This project would not have been actualised without the financial and in kind support from our donors and partners.
We thank our main partner and donor The British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) for their contribution of building materials and logistical support.
We thank the individual donors who contributed financially towards this project that enabled us to buy other building materials and pay for the construction labour.
The school board and administration played a vital role in the construction of their kitchen by providing building materials and allowing us to partner with them in this project. We thank them too.