Feature: Chinese philanthropists boost access to education among Kenyan rural children

Katua Musili`s natural charm, dancing prowess and gift of the garb made her a star pupil in Wikithuki Primary school located at the heart of the semi arid Kitui county in lower eastern parts of Kenya.

The 14 year old class eight pupil`s love for education and extra-curriculum activities has not been dampened by the harsh elements and deprivation that stalks her native village.

Like millions of girls in rural Kenya, Musili has defied huge obstacles to pursue education aware that it will provide an escape route from the shackles of poverty and early pregnancies.

She is among dozens of bright and ambitious pupils from poor families studying at Wikithuki Primary school whose construction was financed by Chinese philanthropists.

Wikithuki Primary school is among 10 Kenyan schools whose modernization was financed through China-Africa Project Hope launched by World Eminent Chinese Business Association (WECBA) in 2011.

Kenya is among five African countries that have benefited from financial support from Chinese philanthropists to build and equip modern schools in remote settings.

Speaking to Xinhua on Friday when a delegation from China-Africa Project Hope visited Wikithuki Primary School, Musili hailed benevolence from Chinese philanthropists.

"The mud walled classrooms where we studied previously were not conducive for learning especially when it rained. Thanks to Chinese sponsors, we now have modern classrooms with solar lighting," Musili remarked.

She added that construction of new classrooms at Wikithuki primary school has inspired children from the neighborhood to pursue education.

Musili`s sentiment were shared by Mutati Wambua, a class eight pupil at Wikithuki primary school who aspires to become a judge when he grows up.

Wambua enrolled at Wikithuki Primary School when it was a backwater thanks to poor learning facilities and scarcity of trained teachers.

The affable 14 year old male student said Chinese philanthropists provided a respite to his peers who endured agony while studying in mud huts that were barely covered on the top.

"As you can see, the new classrooms are elegant and the inside has an ambience that enhances learning. Our confidence levels has gone up and we are currently competing evenly with pupils from urban schools," Wambua told Xinhua.

Former Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka partnered with the group to upgrade and equip several schools in his native Kitui County.

He accompanied the Executive Chairwoman of China-Africa Project Hope Lu Xingyu to an inspection tour of schools supported by Chinese donors.

During his opening remarks at Wikithuki primary school, Musyoka hailed Sino-Africa friendship for transforming the lives of disadvantaged rural children.

Since its inception in 2011, China Africa Project Hope has financed the modernization of 23 primary schools in Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and Namibia.

During her visit to Kitui County, the Executive Chairwoman of China Africa Hope Project Lu Xingyu presented USD 10000 towards equipping a modern library at Mama Malia School which is jointly sponsored by Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation and Chinese philanthropists.

In her address to teachers and pupils at China funded schools in Kitui County, Lu underscored the critical role of Sino-Africa friendship to address pressing challenges like poverty and illiteracy.

"The unity of Chinese and African people is key to promote our shared values and interests. Chinese people are ready to support Kenyan children realize their dreams," Lu remarked.

Chinese funded schools in remote Kenyan outposts have not only provided a new lease of life to children and youth, but have as well impacted positively on the wider community.

The Headmaster of Wikithuki Primary School Benjamin Nguti told Xinhua the modern learning facilities sponsored by Chinese well-wishers have transformed education in marginalized regions.

"We are currently witnessing a renewed passion for education by both children and their parents in this surrounding. The community has as well gained from this development," said Nguti.

The Chairman of Parents Teachers Association at Wikithuki Primary School, Munyoki Musembi lauded Chinese philanthropists for promoting access to basic education among needy children.

"Our children`s performance in class has improved courtesy of modern learning facilities. Majority of them are extending study time since the installation of solar lighting equipment," Musembi told Xinhua.

At the ultra-modern Mama Malia Secondary school, both students and teachers commended Chinese philanthropists for supporting a worthy cause.

Peris Kasembi, a 17 year old form three student admitted she felt privilege to pursue education in a China funded learning facility.

"We appreciate the donation of a fully equipped library by Chinese well-wishers and promise to work harder in order to succeed in life," Kasembi told Xinhua. Endit