Rainbow news

Probably you as a sponsor or friend of our project are very curious how everything at Rainbow4Kids in its operation goes.

That is why we want you to become acquainted with the education system in Kenya under the heading 'Kenian School year', but also to explain how the school year is put together, what an average school day looks like and about the environment of the school.

Please note: you can always read the latest news first.

It is with enormous pain in our hearts that we have to report that our dear friend Wim Zeeuwe passed away on January 1st.

He was always ready to help everyone in his area, his family, his parish and Rainbow4Kids had become his passion.

Wim took care of the marketing for Rainbow4Kids, including the website, Facebook, the many brochures and newsletters.

Many people will miss him.

We cherish the many wonderful moments we were able to experience together.

Planning school years

As you know the school year in Kenya well the same as the civil year, so starting on 1 January and ending on 31 December. Even after the cessation of corona of the school year 2020, the intention of the Ministry of Education to program the school calendar in this way from the school year 2023 can be worked with the normal regulation again.

If you take a good look at the schedule above, you can see that the second trimester of the 2020 school year started on January 4, 2021. At the moment, the children and teachers enjoy the school holidays and start on 10 May with the third trimester of still the school year 2020, followed by the holiday. On 26 July 2021, the school year 2021 will finally start. You can see how things are going in the diagram.

Class 8 of school year 2020 has now graduated, this is because the students of this school year were already allowed to start teaching at school in October 2020 and therefore graduated a trimester earlier. In the meantime, they have taken their final exams and are on holiday until 26 July, the day that secondary schools also start the school year 2021.

The ‘prom’ of class 8!

In the piece about 'News from the eighth grade' we already told about the party to replace the annual school trip for the students of class 8. In the meantime, ward gave us the following report with a lot of photos, where we made a selection.

A prom - what kind of thing is that - I can already hear you say. Well, with a prom, celebrating your last days at school or college is meant to be the end of a chapter in your life, better known as an end-of-year ball. The idea of organizing something like this for our Class 8 actually arose on the initiative of the students themselves. The Class 8 school trip was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID restrictions. The disappointment was great, why is their year just being affected...

During a game time, volunteer Ward was inundated with questions about whether he ever had a prom? Was this with music? Oh, was there a lot of food? Did you have a date? Was there dancing? From these questions he felt the interest and desire of the students to end their chapter at Rainbow in beauty.

Thanks to Goveco's financial support and the approval of Mama & Papa Rainbow, Jack and Ward got to work. Above all, it would and should be a day not to be forgotten. After some brainstorming they came up with a lot of ideas that were all bundled in a well-stocked day.

It all started before 8:00 in the morning. The students were getting ready, wearing smoothly ironed uniforms and grooming hair hairstyles, waiting for Ward to pick them up at school. They moved to the Rainbow Talent Academy, a new environment for Class 8 where most surprises awaited them. On arrival, a few group games were first played to make everyone 'warm'. We can assure you, with the warm sun in the background that is not difficult! During the morning, the class and teachers were divided into three parts. As it were, a kind of sliding system with three different activities. A first activity was a cooking workshop.

The students were introduced to Chef Joe and the wonderful world of cuisine. Cooking for a group of more than 60 people is not an easy task! The students learned a lot of tips and tricks in the kitchen and the preparations for a hearty meal were also started. A second activity was in art class under the direction of Teacher Amos. With him, the students made nice souvenirs. Bracelets and necklaces were made which they were then allowed to take home. A super cool activity where all creativity could be used.

Finally, in a final activity, a lot of effort was made to give the location a real party decoration. Numerous balloons and written flaps were hung up, branches of palm trees were gracefully braided and the teacher's table was covered very 'fancy'.

The cooking workshop

In the workshop at Amos we learned to make your own bracelet or necklace

Making the decoration was done in workshop 3

Of course, all that work makes you thirsty! Fortunately, a delicious aperitif was waiting around noon! A fruit juice cocktail with soda, unfortunately we are not going to reveal the recipe here, but we assure you, it was very popular. With many snacks and nuts, the reception of the day was started.

A livestream speech by mum & dad from Belgium was of course not to be missed! Beautiful words were told and here and there even a tear rolled. Closing such a chapter at Rainbow of course leaves a lot of memories...

Before the start of the workshops, mama Rainbow wishes the children a fun day and good luck with the exams via zoom from Lennik

The children watch and listen with full attention to what Mama Rainbow has to tell them

Then came a solid class act. This consisted of two super cool dances where the legs were already firmly thrown loose. Of course, all that dancing makes you hungry, but Chef Joe had a solution for that. A hearty pasta, or as he calls it: "A garlic induced penne with healthy veggies and minced meat", a whole sandwich to feast on! Of course, the dessert was not to be missed. The freshly fried banana was therefore very popular!

Welcome to our guests and... tasty food

After a quick clean-up, the tables were pushed aside and the party started. Both the students, teachers and the entire supported team were given ample opportunity to swing on their favorite pictures. For our students, this was perhaps the coolest activity of the day. Being able to put aside all the stress and worries about the exams and have a carefree time with all your friends, blissful right?

And hop with the legs....

By evening the party ended, but that was certainly not the end of the party!

The students went back to their familiar school environment where a real action movie was waiting.

Time with 'Fast Five' moved forward fast!

In the end, Ward planned another evening closing, a little moment of reflection to end this fantastic day.

With a satisfied feeling, everyone went to bed, fully charged to pop on next Monday's exams.

The school's dining room became a cinema

And before bedtime, check out

Moment of reflection with Ward and he was also thanked by the children for the successful day

And thanks again to Steven van Goveco for making this fantastic day possible!

24 March 2021: the last day of school of class 8

Today, 24 March 2021, was the last exam day for the pupils of class 8. It was also the last time that they entered the school gate as students of Rainbow4kids primary school . Most of them attended school here from the first kindergarten which is a total of 11 years. They have now a long vacation. We wish them all a nice future we hope that they think often about the time they spend with us.

We took a last picture , as a nice memory ,before they left the school gate.(We were agree that they removed their mask for 2 seconds 😊)

From Rainbow4Kids we would also like to thank the sponsors of these children for the many years of sponsors of their sponsor child. Through you they had a good education and are ready for the next step in their lives.

We also have the message below today from a mom from class 8. We've got her question about using her lines. I did tell her, however, that we would omit her name and her son's name. She totally agreed.

Jambo MAMA & PAPA RAINBOW!

I clearly remember the day my Son joined Rainbow 4Kids! in class 3 under Teacher Barnice, He had stayed home a whole term due to lack of school fees. Ididnt know what to do with him or where to take him! i had no idear of any school becouse whichever school iwould have thought of no mater how cheap it could have been still it was vert expensive to me, becouse i couldnt afford even a pair of uniform at that moment. Luckly 1 of your Teacher knewed my situation! i remember she came to me begging for my child to help not me going to ask her for help! when she took him he didnt have the uniform for a full term! and he was not chased away. and it's all about the LOVE, CARE and the Suport you have given to our Children,

The LORD brought you all the way from your country to come and Serve Him Here, by helping the needy. i have no words to expres how thankfull iam to you and all the people you have joined hands in helping us in Kenya.

MAY THE LORD KEEP YOU, PROTECT YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES And MAY HE BLESS YOU TILL ENTARNITY.

News from our eighth grade

Do you remember? On January 4, 2020, our children returned to school and continue where they left off on March 17, 2020, so the second trimester of the 2020 school year started.

The students of class 8 will be back to school from October 2020.

Tomorrow, Monday, March 22, the mandatory state exam begins. The same exam (KCPE exam) is taken in all schools throughout Kenya. Students who get a minimum of 350 points can be invited by secondary schools to continue their studies and receive a grant from the Kenyan government.

In our school there are some beautiful traditions before the exams start.

The first is the prayer day. On this day, students and teachers come together to pray to ask God's for the exams.

Another tradition is the annual school trip to Haller Park, north of Mombasa, with time to enjoy the beach and a nice ice cream. This school trip is offered to the children by our Belgian sponsor Goveco (www.goveco.com). For our children is this school trip is a very important day. So for them it is a big disappointment that due to the corona rules the trip should not be organized.

But luckily, a nice alternative was found. Ward, an enthusiastic monitor at Kazou, is currently working as a volunteer in our school. With all his experience and the support of the Kenyan Rainbow4kids team and sponsor Goveco, they organized a day in the classes of Rainbow Talent Academy. The children will not forget this day and keep it as a nice memory. They were able to enjoy themselves in various workshops such as cooking, jewellery making, dancing and even more fun things adapted to their age.

Ward has promised us to send us as quick as possible a report with photos. Thanks to everyone, especially Ward, who have committed to organise this beautiful day for them.

We wish all our students every success in the exams.

Class 8 at the start of the workshops in the Rainbow Talent Academy, 20 March 2021

Before the start of the workshops, Mama Rainbow wishes the children a great day and good luck with the exams

The children watch with full attention what mama Rainbow has to tell them.

Reopening boarding school

Because the third trimester has started for the 8th grade, the time is also beginning to prepare for the final exam. During the preparation and the actual exams, the students stay at school according to a boarding school formula.

Since it has been more than a year since the dormitories were used, a big clean-up was really necessary.

Under the guidance of their teacher, the mattresses and blankets were brought out to air in the sun.

There was polishing and the mosquito nets hung.

From tomorrow, Wednesday 6 January, they will stay at school to prepare their exams.

4 January 2021: finally back to school

Normally, the new school year starts in Kenya at the beginning of January. Just like with us on 1 September, the children will then look for their new class and teacher or teacher. But because of the school closure since March 16, 2020, things are going a little differently this time. Everyone returns to the class in which he or she retired in March. In other words, today is the start of the second trimester of the 2020 school year. Except for the students in grades 4 and 8. For them, the third trimester starts because they were allowed to come back to school as early as September 2020 to see if they could work according to the new guidelines of the Ministry of Education.

So finally back to school on January 4th. It got off to a quiet start after sitting at home for months. Many happy faces but with the toddlers there was also the occasional tear.

The Covid rules were applied everywhere.

Here are some atmospheric photos of this first day of school.

To close 2020

In the Christmas issue (December 2020) of the 'Vereniging voor Adoptiekind en Gezin vzw' a nice article about our project appeared.

With this article we conclude an eventful 2020 together with the will to fly back in from 4 January 2021, when schools in Kenya are allowed to reopen.

Corona or Covid-19 in Kenya

And then we are suddenly startled by the messages that reach us from Belgium. On March 12, the government announces that the whole country will go into lockdown, starting on Saturday, March 14. Schools, businesses and shops are closing and we wonder if we will be spared from this in Kenya.

But it soon became apparent that the first signs of the new corona virus were also catching on in Kenya that same weekend, albeit in Nairobi, but already in Kenya. Immediate action is being taken by the Kenyan Government. On Monday 16 March, all schools must be closed indefinitely on the orders of the government.

Rainbow4Kids follows this seriously. There is only a permanence of the school principal Mr Barasa alternates with Ms Joyce or Ms Fatuma.

The government also decided that no persons from countries where the coronavirus has broken out are allowed to enter Kenya. Planned visits by team members and volunteers have been postponed for the time being. At the moment, a few volunteers and teacher Marleen from the Rainbow Talent Academy are still present. Marleen's coming home this weekend. We wish our Kenyan team and all students all the best and hope to see them back healthy.

As soon as the school can be reopened, we will let you know via our website and Facebook.

An update on the corona virus in Kenya can be read by going to the homepage and clicking on 'Covid 19' (left column) or by the direct link: https://www.rainbow4kids.be/nl/?p=19.

Severe thunderstorms

On Monday 2 March there was less good news because there was a severe thunderstorm with a lot of wind. Part of the roof of class 5 blew away and many classes were flooded.

Fortunately, the roof was quickly restored and the lessons were able to continue on Tuesday.

Spirulina in Kenya

In February, a collaboration was established with the NGO 'Secteur 10' on the use of Spirulina.

Because spirulina is not yet known to us, here is some more explanation about both 'Secteur 10' and spirulina

‘Kugawana Spirulina’

'Kugawana Spirulina' is the name of one of the two spirulina farms run by 'Secteur10', a small NGO founded by a Dutch couple living in the south of France.

As Spirulina growers in France for commercial use since 2005, they decided in 2008 to start a spirulina farm in a small village in Burkina Faso to help the community of the '10th sector' of Ouahigouya, a city in the north of this African country. This place gave the name 'Secteur10' to the NGO.

In this farm, the spirulina is grown by 3 local workers and distributed to all children of the nearest primary school (with rice and beans also funded by the NGO).

This nutrition program had a major impact on the education and health of the children in the village: because there was no lunch at school before, more and more parents sent their children to school, and those children could benefit from good food every day.

Whereas in 2008 only 55 children went to our NGO-sponsored primary school,

there were already 680 students at the end of 2019!

A second project in Kenya: Kugawana spirulina

Because the first project yielded good results, the founders, accompanied by other volunteers (mainly family members), decided to start a second project in Kenya in 2015. The farm is located in Muhaka, a small village 40 km south of Mombasa, in kwale province in southern Kenya, and currently employs 6 locals.

The name of the farm is 'Kugawana Spirulina', which means 'Spirulina to share' in the local language, Kiswahili.

The aim of this second project is also to provide spirulina to those who need it most: children who do not receive balanced food, severely malnourished children, HIV patients, weak people.

In addition to learning to grow spirulina, growing and spreading spirulina, the NGO also helps the community with other issues. For example, the NGO's volunteers started a sponsorship program with Muhaka high school to help nearly 50 students from needy families so that they could not be expelled from school because the school fee could not be paid.

Why Spirulina?

Spirulina is a micro algae known as very rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients. It is also called 'miraculous algae'. Spirulina is ideal for fighting malnutrition in Africa, where helathy food is difficult to get.

Naturally growing in Lake Tchad, researchers found that people living near the coast were in a perfect state of health compared to most other people in that country. The African climate that is naturally warm makes it really suitable for spirulina agriculture.

With only 5 grams of spirulina intake per day, children with malnutrition can get back to health within a few weeks. We saw in Burkina a very weak child who was in good condition after 5 or 6 weeks of using spirulina.

For more info: http://www.secteur10.fr/kugawana-spirulina/

View of the breeding pond of spirulina

Use of spirulina at our school

A big day for 'Sector10' finally the start of the distribution of Spirulina in Kenya!

10 years after Burkina Faso, yesterday we launched our food program in a primary school in Kenya, the Rainbow4Kids primary school with 443 children.

In this school founded by a Belgian with the heart in the right place, 80 % of children come from very disadvantaged circles, do not always receive 3 meals a day and above all in an unbalanced way.

In that sense, a spoonful of spirulina is valuable to them: it can address the many shortcomings of most children.

A highlight for us after 3 years of presence in Kenya and after we have had to take a lot of barriers.

Before we gave the children their first meal of spirulina, we gave them a simple presentation to explain to them what spirulina was.

It was a great time to share, with surprising attention and beautiful reactions from the kids.

The team of 'Secteur 10' and 'Rainbow4Kids'

Our kitchen

Explanation in the refectory to the children about what spirulina is

Ready to hand out lunch

And do the kids like it? Look at their faces, they say, ‘Good!!!’

Rainbow4Kids warmly thanks the volunteers of 'Secteur 10' to choose our school to join their healthy food project for our kids.

And the works continue

During our crocus holiday we were working in the eighth grade class.

About fifty tiles were replaced by Angelo and painted by our volunteers.

Photo shoot

After the class lists were in order, the moment of the annual photo shoot had arrived. Cisse has made it his work. More than 400 students were allowed to pose, the teachers also got their turn and finally the class photos were also taken. All these photos can be admired on our website: https://www.rainbow4kids.be/nl/?p=12

Farewell to Alex

Our sympathetic cooking teacher Alex from the Rainbow Talent Academy died suddenly on 17 January 2020.

After years of working in the tourist hotels in Diani Beach, he had been the great inspiration of the Hotel Academy, part of the Rainbow Talent Academy, for some time now. He taught Kenyan youth everything about working in the hospitality industry.

Everything was covered, from learning how to set up a menu, making purchases from the local traders and preparing the meal yourself. But also how to pamper the guests by learning how to cover, serve and clean the table, but above all how to welcome guests.

On Tuesday 21 January, a farewell ceremony was held at the Rainbow Talent Academy. His students and friends testified here about how loved he was.

It was his desire to be cremated and to spread his ashes in the Indian Ocean so that he could fly and travel in the water.

Rest easy, dear Alex.

Working in and around the school

During the big holiday and also in January there was a lot of work in and around the school. The most eye-catching is the beautiful mural on the exterior wall at the entrance of the school. The concrete poles of the roof also got an African look. We also started installing solar panels, so that we can generate our own electricity. But there were also works on the staff room and the director-manager's office.

Our painted fence wall

The poles under the canopy got an African look

The first solar panels installed above class 8

The flexible partition under the roof on the playground also got a nice drawing

The entrance to Mr. Barasa's office and the staff room were moved to the front of the school, just below the large logo

Mr. Barasa's revamped office

The renewed staff room, annex library

Start 2020

At the beginning of a new year, in Kenya also means the start of a new school year, the 11th already in our own school.

As every year, it is always waiting at the beginning of the school year whether all children return to school. Nothing compares to the situation with us. Children stay away for all sorts of reasons. The most important one is because they and their families have returned to the area where the family originally came from. So those first days and weeks it's a coming and going of children. The new ones are first tested to see which grade they can go to.

In addition, there are also teachers who have left the school and have been replaced by new ones. These too should become normal teaching at the Rainbow4Kids school.

At the end of the first month, we were finally able to make the final class lists and found that 25 children did not return and that we enrolled no less than 443 children, a record number of children.

The kindergarten consists of 133 children, divided between the baby class (20); preschool (39); 1st kindergarten (36) and 2nd kindergarten (38).

And in primary school there are 310 pupils and the distribution is as follows: grade 1 (41); grade 2 (37); grade 3 (34); grade 4 (41); class 5 (42); class 6 (45); class 7 (38) and class 8 (32).

Looking back on 2019

Together with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy 2020, we will take you to Kenya with this video. Enjoy the most striking moments of 2019 together with us.

https://youtu.be/_QH72loBOks

Graduation day

Graduation Day took place on November 3. This day is the solemn end of the years in kindergarten. During this ceremony in front of the management, teachers and all parents, thanks are listened to; the diplomas are handed out and to decide there is cake and pilau for all guests.

Prayers day

Before the state exams for the students of class begin, a prayer day is always held to ask God's blessing for the upcoming exams.

Rain, rain and more rain

In October we were plagued by a lot of rain.

Extra vitimites

In the course of September we started with our children every afternoon a piece of fruit - watermelon or banana -to give. Deputy head teacher Fatuma ensures that the fruit is washed, divided into pieces and distributed.

In the pictures you can see from the facial expression of the children that it tastes.

First wash the melon, cut into pieces and... feast but

And the same with the bananas

Yes, we did it!

If you search our archive of the newsletters, you know that this refers to the official opening of our own school, Rainbow4Kids primary school, which was solemnly put into use in September 2009. This also means that our school has been around for 10 years and that should be celebrated.

It started in the morning by handing over a certificate and a letter to Mama and Papa Rainbow, because of the school staff. In the afternoon there was a festive lunch for the entire school population. And that was tasted!!!

The month of July at Rainbow4Kids

The month of July is one of the busiest months of the year at Rainbow4Kids. Every year during this month, team members and volunteers come to participate in the project for a few weeks. Below is an overview of what happened in the month of July.

New teacher

On 1 July, Mrs Mwanamisi Juma, teacher of Class 5, left the school for personal reasons. We thank her for the years she has worked at our school.

She has meanwhile been replaced by Mrs Eglene Atuo. From now on she will teach in the fourth and fifth grades of our school.

We would like to welcome her to our school team.

Birth

On The 14th of July, Sheila Murila, the miss of our kindergarten class, was the mother of a beautiful, big son. He was given the name Jayden and weighed 2,888 kg at birth. Here's a picture of the proud mother with Jayden. Good luck to you.

Volunteers in action

Here is an overview of the activities of our volunteers and team members on site. We've ranked them by subject.

Amini jewels

Thanks to volunteers staying at the 'Swahili Beach Resort', we managed to sell our 'Amini' jewels in the hotel souvenir shop. This collection was designed and created by Amos and his students at our Rainbow Talent Academy.

At our biennial happening on Saturday 31 August 2019 in Vlezenbeek, you can get acquainted with it and possibly purchase it.

Beach

On a beautiful Monday morning, our volunteers went to the beach with the first pp class. Even though the beach is not far from the school, the pre-schoolers rarely go there, even with their parents. So this was a real experience. In the pictures you can see how they enjoy this outing.

Curtains

Last year, all primary school classes were given new curtains for their closets. Because there was still a surplus, this year a number of masonry cabinets were also given a curtain.

First aid

On Monday morning there is theory at the Rainbow Talent Academy. At Alex's request, Nurse Karlien visited to guide the students through the basics of the first aid.

Karlien describes it as follows: today first aid given in the Rainbow Talent Academy. From burns, cuts to the Heimlich manoeuvre. The students were very interested, practiced the safety posture themselves and asked many questions. Everyone safe in the kitchen and at home!

Handkerchiefs

Last year we found that no child uses a handkerchief to muzzle his or her nose. That's when the idea arose to ensure that every child would get at least one handkerchief in 2019. Thanks to the help of many lovely people, we have returned this year with more than a thousand handkerchiefs. Handkerchiefs in all sizes and colours, including a lot of homemade ones.

Every child and staff member was given a handkerchief at the beginning of the month. At the start of the new school year in January, they get another one.

The boys put the handkerchief in their pocket, the girls fasten them with a safety pin on their uniform rug and the little ones put them in their backpack.

Of course, you can also use a handkerchief to disguise yourself.

Painting

The doors of the Talent Academy got a new tan.

Pharmacy

Checking the school pharmacy and making it up to date again is an annual chore for the nurses among the volunteers.

Post

As every year, mail from Belgium has come with us for our children. Thanks to all the sponsors who delivered this post to us in time.

During the first week everything was sorted by class, so that in the second week of July in all classes we could make children happy with mail from their sponsor.

Here are some pictures, more can be found on our Facebook.

Scouts

Lisa and Karlien, two of our volunteers are also both leaders of the scouts 'Bergrakkers' from Tienen. They are so motivated that they have taken the scout group of Rainbow4Kids in tow and shown them how scouting is done in Belgium. Through a video they were able to get acquainted with the workings of their Flemish group and they were taught how to lash a football goal.

Every Tuesday the group meets after school and they have about forty members.

Website

You can also work on the website and Facebook from home. But if you can do this on the spot, you'll feel much more involved.

Thanks to our volunteers and team members for their commitment to Rainbow4Kids during the month of July for a shorter or longer period.

Anne - Denise - Elise - Ingrid - Karlien - Katrien - Laura - Lisa - Lize - Mary Rose - Sophia - Wim: Asante sane.

On the Facebook of RoBa's Dancefactory we read on August 22:

Our teacher Elise went to Kenya in July. Through a real sponge amount from Roba's Dancefactory, colleagues, friends and family, I can proudly say that we have been able to invest in lessons in sexuality, first aid and other important life lessons for the children of Rainbow4Kids!

Rainbow Happening 2019

The main activity of and for Rainbow4Kids is certainly the biennial happening that continues in Vlezenbeek. On Saturday 31 August it was the fourth time that this happening took place under great interest.

Here are some atmospheric images:

Bart Keymolen's large barn is ready to welcome all the friends of Rainbow4Kids

Our shop with a lot of Kenyan handicrafts is also ready

Especially a lot of attention for our exclusive collection of jewellery.

These are made at our Rainbow Talent Academy and sold under the name 'Amini'

Conviviality trumps with good food and drinks

And the 'Riverside Country Dancers' provides the ambiance

For the children there was great animation in our African village

Volunteers September 2019

In September we were able to welcome another large group of volunteers who came to help us for a longer or short period of time. After a warm welcome by Mama Rainbow and a dance of the children, they immediately felt welcome.

Cleaning up litter

Our class 3 children, led by the volunteers who were present in September, went around the school to clean up the litter.

It is important that they learn how to sort waste, both at school and at home, and how to keep their environment clean. For this occasion, they were decked out with reusable materials.

Eighth grade school trip

This year, thanks to the sponsorship of goveco, our students from the last year have again been on a school trip to the Haller Park.This is done every time according to the same pattern, first a visit to the animals in the well-known Haller Park in the north of Mombasa and then to the beach to romp. In between they still enjoy a nice ice cream. It was another great day!!!

Our newsletters will now also appear in English

Some additional classrooms were made on our playground

Our playground also includes a covered area. It is used for both school and non-school activities. Think gymnastics lessons, dancing and parent meetings. Until now, this was one big open space. Very nice for activities that require a lot of space or if it rains, but less suitable to work with smaller or several groups at the same time.

We have now been able to solve this problem in a proper way by providing three flexible partitions, so that the space can be divided into four separate parts. All in all a lot of improvement, and this space is now used even more functionally.

Here the entire room is used to learn how to deal with numbers in a playful way.

In this way we have four additional rooms.

This is what the new classes look like. The banks are also new and above all sturdy!

If we don't need the classrooms, we turn away the 'walls' and have a large space back.

Did you know that Rainbow4Kids is also committed to the milieu?

Water is a very precious thing in Kenya. Fortunately, we can use rainwater that is collected and directed to different tanks. This water is used in the kitchen, for washing dishes, toilets and the chaste of the classes.

When the food is done, the children wash off their own food utensils. In the past, large plastic basins were used for this and the water was also generously tampered with.

Therefore, it was decided to make a proper construction, whereby the children can not only do the dishes, but where much less water is used and therefore less is wasted.

After lunch, all the children are given a cup of water. This is poured out by a teacher to prevent waste. This is not rainwater, but drinkable water purchased by the school.

The new school year after a month

In January we started a new school year in good spirits and for the eleventh time.

Now, after six weeks, we only get a real insight into the number of students who attend our school this year.

In the first weeks, new children are enrolled daily and students still come back from their stay on 'country' with family during the last big holiday and look up the school benches again.

At the moment, 14 February, 400 students have just been enrolled.

They are divided as follows:

Preschool: 106 children

Toddler garden: 16 children

1st kindergarten: 35 children

2nd kindergarten A: 25 children

2nd kindergarten B 30 children

Substructure 108 children

Grade 1: 36 children

Grade 2: 36 children

Class 3: 36 children

Superstructure 186 children

Class 4: 43 children

Class 5: 42 children

Class 6: 39 children

Class 7: 39 children

Class 8: 23 children

The photos of our 400 students can be found on the page 'Sponsored children'.

The photos of the teachers and in which class he or she teaches can be found on the page 'Core team' under the section 'Kenyan core team'.

For our chefs, this means a large number of students, that they provide breakfast and lunch daily for about 425 people.

In the meantime, we were also notified when the various holidays will continue in 2019.

Our Kenyan teachers and new teachers

Group photo of our Kenyan teacher team together with Mamma Rainbow (Katrien) and Dany, the founders of Rainbow4Kids, at the beginning of the new school year.

At the start of a new school year, it can also happen that a teacher no longer shows up. Fortunately, replacing them is not as difficult as in Belgium, there are more candidates available than there are places.

From now on, Mr. Salim Nassor, the task teacher, and Mrs. Tabia Abdalla will be the assistant in the first kindergarten PP1.

We would like to welcome these two new staff members to the Rainbow4Kids school.

Start of the new school year 2019

On Monday 7 January 2019, the start of the new school year 2019 was given. Throughout the day, parents - especially mothers - sat patiently in the dining room waiting their turn to enroll their son or daughter in our school.

At the moment we cannot say how many students have been enrolled in total. With us, every student is present on the first day of school in September. But the Kenyans don't take this so closely. Many of them, during the big leave - November, December - go on 'country'. That is, the whole family goes back to the area from where they came from. Most of the time, our students' grandparents still live there. If one of the parents is lucky enough to find a job there, they will continue to live there without notifying the school. But for the same, they can stand at the school gate again in mid-January to take their place in the classroom.

We have learned from experience that we cannot officially draw up the final student lists until the end of January, the beginning of February. That is also the moment we update our website by placing all the children on the website in their new class. From then on, all new students can also be sponsored.

New school gear

As with us, the children get new notebooks on their first day of school. In Kenyan schools, a lot of self-writing is still written by the students.

New students

Children who come to our school for the first time this school year will take an admission test on the first day to see which grade they can go to.

Best wishes

We are happy to offer our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy 2019.

Thanks to all the friends, volunteers, sponsors and sympathises for their support of our project in 2018.

Can we count on your support and sympathy again in 2019?

The Rainbow4Kids team Belgium & Kenya and all children of the Rainbow4Kids primary school.

How did our eighth grade students do it?

As you could already read elsewhere, all senior students must take the mandatory state exam. The same exam is taken in all schools throughout Kenya. This is called the KCPE exam. Students who earn a minimum of 350 points can be invited by secondary schools to continue their studies and receive a grant from the Kenyan government.

These are the results of our guests, arranged alphabetically:

Abdul Hakimu Muli 312; Abigeal Imali 240; Caren Tuva 269; David Mulwa 191; Esther Dickson 241; Esther Kerubo 353;

Faith Mukami 279; Grace Mumbi 264; Haluwa Hiribae 286; Hawa Dickson 240; Hellen Muhonja 302; Ian Waithaka 252,

Ivy Wanjuku 315; Jackson Mwinzi 297; Jawa Nyundo 360; Juliet Mundu 241; Kelvin Nijana 354; Lawin Guyavi 292;

Makame Omari 242; Melan Sada 333; Mercy Kasyoka 286; Mercy Mpa 285; Mwanaidi Hemedi 274; Newton Kiziri 245; Patricia Wanjiku 272; Rachel Rophas 258; Richard Kazungu Safari250; Sakina Hiribae 186; Simon Sombiroi 310;

Stacy Kamonya 305 and Teresia Jackson 264.

A total of 8,598 points were earned, with a class average of 277.35 points per student.

According to kenyan school system, 3 of our 31 students are entitled to a subsidy to start in secondary education.

We wish all the students and their teacher a big congratulations on the results achieved.

Did you know that there are also shops near our school?

Right across the street from our school you will find some shops. From the outside, in our eyes, they don't look so attractive. But know one thing, you can get anything. And if they don't have it, they're going to ask your neighbors to help you anyway.

For example, you will also find a seamstress, butcher, furniture maker, etc.

Did you know there's a village behind our school?

Behind the school is a small village with about thirty houses. Honestly, we'd probably call it shacks. They are few comfortable dwellings, usually only one room in one corner is cooked and in another corner, shielded with a cloth, is the sleeping area. In most cottages there is no electricity and for water they are dependent on the Rainbow4Kids well. Thanks to Rainbow4Kids, some toilets were built a few years ago.

For the Europeans who come here on holiday, it is incomprehensible that only 800 meters from the sea and beach, such homes are located. Behind the large hotel resorts, a completely different world begins.

Thanks to these hotels, there is additional employment for Kenyans, even if the working conditions are not comparable to those of our Western world.

Just in front of the school is the newest addition. The province has placed containers for recycling. These aren't just for the school, you'll find them everywhere. In this way, they try to make the Kenyan environmentally aware.

Do you know how we deal with religion at school?

Living with different religions is certainly not a problem in the part where our school stands. Both in the streetscape and at our school you see girls with or without headscarves. Everyone's religion is respected. Separate religious lessons are given to Christians and Muslims.

For the children who wish, there is a room where they can pray together during Ramadan, while the other children have lunch.

Did you know that at the end of each trimester we give the 3 best students in the class and to the 'most improved' student a 'clothing package'?

Did you know that every year we award a 'trophy' to the class that has achieved the best results?

Did you know that our oldest children stay at school for the last trimester?

In this way, they can focus on the National State Examination (KCPE) in peace and in a safe environment. In other schools, the seniors also stay the night. But then the parents have to buy everything themselves: mattress, sheets, pillow, mosquito net, sink, soap, ... Everything was purchased for them at Rainbow4Kids!

Curious what our children eat at school?

Every day, in addition to the porridge that serves as breakfast, our two chefs also make a hot lunch for the children and teachers for about 400 people.

· Monday:

o rice and beans

· Tuesday:

o cornmeal porridge/mash (ugali) and spinach

· Wednesday:

o rice and beans

· Thursday:

o cornmeal porridge/mash (ugali) and white cabbage

· Friday:

o rice with a banana.

· All pre-schoolers get a piece of fruit every day... so that they receive the necessary vitamins.

After eating, the children wash their own plate.

Did you know that all our children wear the same uniform?

In Kenya, wearing a school uniform is mandatory.

However we differ on this, one thing is certain: the children feel connected by wearing a uniform and are therefore equal to each other. There's no distinction.

Parents often find it difficult to afford such a uniform. In fact, we see all too often that the school uniform is their only wearable garment. As a result, the uniforms wear out very quickly.

Do you know what the school year looks like?

The Kenyan school year is the same as the calendar, in other words, the new school year always starts in January. And it's divided, like ours in three trimesters. The school year 2019 will then look like this:

· First trimester:

o 7 January 2019 to 5 April 2019 = 14 weeks

· Second trimester:

o 29 April 2019 to 2 August 2019 = 14 weeks

· Third trimester:

o 26 August to 25 October 2019 = 09 weeks

· Exam period:

o 28 October to 2 November 2019 = 01 week

So a total of 38 weeks will be going to school. In addition to the three larger holidays, two shorter ones are also planned, in the first term from 18 to 24 February and in the second term from 17 to 23 June 2019.

schedule
Lower Grade		Higher grade
07.00 u. - 07.40 u.	Reception	07.00 u. - 07.40 u.	Reception
07.40 u. - 08.00 u.	homework	07.40 u. - 08.00 u.	homework
08.00 u. - 08.40 u.	lesson 1	08.00 u. - 08.40 u.	lesson 1
08.40 u. - 09.20 u.	lesson 2	08.40 u. - 09.20 u.	lesson 2
09.20 u. - 10.00 u.	lesson 3	09.20 u. - 10.00 u.	lesson 3
10.00 u. - 10.30 u.	break	10.00 u. - 10.30 u.	break
10.30 u. - 11.10 u.	lesson 4	10.30 u. - 11.10 u.	lesson 4
11.10 u. - 11.50 u.	lesson 5	11.10 u. - 11.50 u.	lesson 5
11.50 u. - 12.30 u.	lesson 6	11.50 u. - 12.30 u.	lesson 6
12.30 u. - 13.20 u.	lunch	12.30 u. - 13.20 u.	lunch
13.20 u. - 14.00 u.	lesson 7	13.20 u. - 14.00 u.	lesson 7
14.00 u. - 14.40 u.	lesson 8	14.00 u. - 14.40 u.	lesson 8
14.40 u. - 15.20 u.	creative	14.40 u. - 15.20 u.	lesson 9
15.20 u. - 16.00 u.	cleaning	15.20 u. - 16.00 u.	cleaning
		15.30 u. - 16.00 u.	clubs
		16.00 u. - 17.00 u.	study

The highest class also comes to school on Saturdays until noon. Note that Wednesday is also a full school day.

For pre-schoolers, school time ends at 4 p.m. They are picked up at the school gate or wait, in the special waiting room, which big brother or sister has done, to walk home together.

For the students of the higher cycle there is an extra activity after school:

· On Monday, it will be a debate with opponents and opponents on a topical topic.

· There are clubs on Tuesday. One can choose from the scouts; wild life; young farmers; music; debate; Islamic Union and Christian Union.

· On Wednesday we will work on self-knowledge.

· A quiz will be played on Thursday.

· Sports and games are scheduled for Friday. Usually one goes to the nearby beach and in less good weather you can dance under the roof on the playground.

The school day always ends with cleaning not only your own class, but also by putting a hand in the cleaning of the kindergarten classes, the stairs and the hallway.

Did you know that there is a reform of education in Kenya?

The Kenyan government has decided to thoroughly reform the education system for the first time since 1985.

The old system was 8-4-4 = 8 years of primary school, 4 years of secondary education and 4 years of higher education or university.

Now we are gradually evolving to a 2-6-6-3 system = 2 years toddlers, 6 years primary school, 6 years secondary and then still 3 years of higher education or university.

In other words, now the children in our primary school go up to class 8. But from 2024 it stops at grade 6!

Class 1, 2 and 3 are already fully in this reform.

Do you want more information on this subject? Then read our newsletters from March and September 2018.