IMPACT STORIESNgala School
Dear Child Scholars Donor,
We promised in the February edition that we would be sharing exciting updates from our initiatives across different regions, showcasing how our ever-efficient directors are raising the next generation of amazing talents. We are excited to present to you activity updates from our indefatigable directors at Ngala School for the Deaf in Nakuru, Kenya.
A Visit to Ngala School for the Deaf: Addressing Urgent Needs
Ngala School for the Deaf in Nakuru, Kenya, is a haven for children with hearing impairments. Serving 202 students across Early Childhood Education (ECE), Primary, Junior Secondary, and Vocational Training sections, the school plays a critical role in ensuring that no child is left behind. However, with a high percentage of students from low-income backgrounds and an annual funding deficit of approximately 21,000 KES per pupil, Ngala faces pressing financial and infrastructural challenges.
Child Scholars’ representatives, Matthew Moore and Sara Reed, visited Ngala School from February 26th to 28th, 2025, for a thorough needs assessment and to meet with key stakeholders. The visit provided valuable insights into the school’s immediate and long-term requirements and allowed for direct assistance to be provided.
Key Challenges Identified
During meetings with the Acting Head Teacher, Ms. Burugu, and School Accountant, Mr. Wachira, the following concerns were highlighted:
Financial Constraints: Only 60% of tuition fees are collected, leaving a significant funding gap.
Inadequate Learning Resources: The school urgently requires whiteboards, stationery, and laptops for both students and teachers.
Boarding and Hygiene Challenges: Limited access to clean water, the need for fumigation to combat bed bugs, and a shortage of essential personal items for students.
Infrastructure Issues: Leaking roofs, falling ceilings, and unfinished painting in classrooms.
Limited Vocational Training Resources: A lack of materials and broken chairs hinder students’ ability to learn practical skills.
Absence of a School Dispensary and Nurse: Basic healthcare needs remain unmet.
Lack of Recreational and After-Hours Activities: The children have limited entertainment options, prompting suggestions for board games, table tennis, and sports equipment.
Immediate Assistance Provided
Understanding the urgency of the situation, Child Scholars provided tangible support:
Essential Supplies: Donations included foodstuffs, sports equipment, utensils (300 spoons and 102 replacement mugs), colored pencils, learning blocks, footballs, and flashcards.
Dormitory Fumigation: Collaborated with local authorities to arrange fumigation at no cost, ensuring a healthier environment for students.
Parental Engagement: Scholarship recipients’ parents were invited to share feedback, expressing gratitude for the financial relief and educational progress observed in their children.
Stories of Impact at Ngala
Among the many inspiring stories at Ngala, Mr. Mwema’s journey stands out. After his son James lost his hearing, he faced the tough decision of enrolling him in a specialized school despite financial hardships. With support from the school, James has flourished, learning sign language, gaining independence, and developing a deeper connection with his father.
Equally inspiring is the work of Ms. Ombima, a dedicated educator who teaches children their first means of communication through sign language. For many students, her classroom is not just a place of learning but a sanctuary where they feel seen and understood.
Ms. Wanjiru, the head of Ngala’s vocational training program, has taken on the mission of bridging the communication gap between deaf children and their families. Her free weekend sign language lessons for parents are fostering stronger bonds and ensuring that children feel supported at home. |
The Road Ahead: How You Can Help
While we have made strides in addressing Ngala’s immediate needs, long-term solutions require collective support. Plans for infrastructure improvements, water sustainability projects, and expanded scholarship funding are crucial for ensuring a stable learning environment for these students.
You can be part of this transformative journey. Whether through sponsorships, donations, or advocacy, every effort counts in making inclusive education a reality.
To support students like James or if you need details on how to contribute to Ngala School’s development, please consider making a donation to Child Scholars. For additional details on how to get involved, kindly click on this link: Ngala School for the Deaf or reach out to our team at childscholars@gmail.com to discuss specific sponsorship opportunities.
Together, we can create a future where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
