Matungulu Girls High school, one of the few academic centers of excellence in Machakos County celebrated its golden jubilee anniversary at the weekend with pomp and color.
But despite its half century lifespan since its doors were first opened to local students just few years after independence, the respected giant of Ukambani academia is still grappling with challenges that pose serious threat to excellent academic performance.
The school, which stands on a ten-acre piece of land, still remains under staffed and reeling under a huge financial pressure to maintain majority of its buildings which have almost outlived their usefulness.
While addressing hundreds of parents and well-wishers who had turned up for the celebrations, the principal Peninah Mutiso painted a picture of an institution that still stands tall academically in the region, despite the underlying challenges.
“So far so good. We have tried ur best to make do with the available resources and infrastructure, and I am proud to report that Matungulu Girls remains the sub-county’s pinnacle of academic excellence and also among the top institutions in the entire county,” she said.
Among the school’s most pressing needs, according to Ms Mutiso is inadequate teaching staff, limited staff housing, congestion in classrooms and dormitories as well as ‘ancient buildings.’
“The school also suffers poor internet connectivity and inadequate ICT infrastructure which is necessary for modern learning and knowledge transfer,” she added.
“We have embarked in a process of rebranding with a view to transforming into a model learning center that will ultimately place our girls on the global picture,” she said.
Director of field and other services at ministry of education headquarters Maria Cherono officiated the ceremony. Also present was area district education officer Hellen Yahwa.