The Chemolingot Primary School in Baringo County is not just an ordinary school.
The school which is located in Nginyang’ Division acts as a rescue centre to young girls who have been rescued from retrogressive cultures such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.
According to the school headteacher Ms Florence Lomariwo, the primary school has become home to over 200 Pokot girls who ran away from their homes to avoid circumcision and early marriages.
However, the school which was started by missionaries in 1975 faces challenges of infrastructure.
“We have a lot of challenges since the school still has several basic requirements for the girls including beddings. The old dormitories are dilapidated with no doors and the girls and boys don't have enough beds to accommodate them," said Lomariwo.
Ms Lomariwo noted that the school's population has increased to over 700 pupils with the majority being girls, hence the need for support to ensure that the pupils have a good learning environment.
The school has 13 dedicated teachers.
“The school has been absorbing girls who have run away from the retrogressive cultures such as FGM and early marriages since 2003,” said the headteacher.
Despite the harsh conditions, six girls have been able to continue with their studies up to university level.
Ms Lomariwo appealed to well-wishers to join hands in supporting the school so that the dreams of the girls can be achieved.
“The beds which I got in this school are now old hence the need to support the school. The community should now embrace education for the girl child,” said Ms Lomariwo.
It is due to these challenges that the Management of Nakuru’s Gilani’s Supermarket in partnership with the Rotary Club Nakuru donated various items to the school on Sunday, June 16.
The items worth Sh750, 000 included 50 double-decker beds, 150 desks and chairs, 100 mattresses and pillows as well as chairs and tables for the teachers.
Speaking at the school during the handing over ceremony, Mr Shamshar Gilani said the challenge faced by the school is what prompted the Board to support them.