Feature: Chinese-funded school's eco-friendly upgrades cause stir in Kenyan slums

Kenya's Sharon Busolo draws inspiration from iconic female leaders in politics and business who broke the glass ceiling to leave an indelible mark in the society.

The 18-year-old Form Four student at Beijing MCEDO School located in Nairobi's Mathare, a collection of slums, is determined to leave a legacy that would inspire future generations.

While growing up in Mathare, Busolo was fully aware there were many hurdles that stood in her path to success but is unbowed in her quest to become an accomplished scholar.

Busolo is among the 600 students enrolled at Beijing MCEDO School whose modernization reached a climax in September last year upon completion of new classrooms using prefabricated technology.

A team of Chinese architects were involved in the design and construction of the new classrooms using eco-friendly and affordable materials.

Busolo and her fellow students have benefited from the Chinese funded prefabricated technology to build new classrooms in a school that was previously synonymous with dilapidated structures.

"The new classrooms have caused a stir in this neighborhood and many children are even contemplating transferring from their schools to enroll here. At least we can now concentrate in class since the environment is very serene," Busolo told Xinhua on Friday.

She revealed that majority of her classmates have extended study time thanks to construction of modern classrooms.

"The ambience inside the classrooms has motivated everyone and it is not unusual to find students reading till late hours. We are hopeful our performance in the final exams will be impressive," said Busolo.

Prefabricated technology from China not only put a new shine to Beijing MCEDO School but also opened new job opportunities to Mathare youth who previously wallowed in abject poverty.

Zhu Jingxiang, an associate professor from the Chinese University of Hong Kong's School of Architecture, said prefabricated technology has provided a respite to congestion that affect learning institutions in Kenyan slums.

Zhu lead the team that designed and installed prefabricated classrooms in Beijing MCEDO School.

He revealed it took five months to construct the new classrooms using prefabricated technology imported from China.

"We engaged local manpower to assemble components together. They included steel frame, corrugated iron sheet and window panes. Our aim was to deliver new technology to offer solutions to congestion in classrooms," Zhu said.

Chinese architects volunteered to support construction of prefabricated classrooms in Beijing MCEDO School.

Zhu said the prefabricated classrooms are not only durable but can withstand natural shocks like flooding, heat waves and extreme cold.

"Structures made from prefabricated technology can last up to 30 years and resist extreme weather events. The technology is ideal for densely populated areas," Zhu told Xinhua.

Chinese philanthropic organizations have supported construction of new homes and schools in slums dotting African cities through use of prefabricated technology.

Zhu said prefabricated homes and schools have not only accelerated urban renewal in Kenya but have also unleashed new revenue streams for the youth.

"Prefabricated structures have transformed the urban landscape while generating new income for local people. In future, we might consider putting up office blocks using this technology," Zhu said.

Kenyan youth gained skills and income during the construction of China funded prefabricated classrooms in Beijing MCEDO School.

Kevin Ouma, a 21 year old former graduate of the school, gained immensely during the implementation of prefabricated classrooms project in September 2014.

"I was requested by the headmaster of Beijing MCEDO School to work as a technician during the construction of new classrooms. The Chinese engineers gave us basic training to enable us assemble components efficiently," Ouma told Xinhua.

It took him one week to master the art of assembling steel frames to pave way for the construction of a modern classroom.

Besides earning reasonable wages during the implementation of prefabricated classrooms project, Ouma gained skills that would open new doors in future.

"As a former student of Beijing MCEDO School, I have benefited from lifelong skills provided by Chinese donors. The technical skills will be valuable in future," said Ouma.

Chinese funded prefabricated classrooms have inspired children in Kenyan slums to pursue education with unwavering passion.

The head teacher of Beijing MCEDO School Benedict Kiage said the students' population has swelled since the completion of new classrooms.

"We have witnessed a renewed passion among children to study and their performance has improved tremendously. The community has also appreciated prefabricated technology and are keen to embrace it in order to modernize their homes," Kiage told Xinhua. Endit