The Big Pen School
The school provides basic education and the hope of a brighter future for deprived children living in some of the worst slums in Kenya.
Despite poor facilities its 500 students performed remarkably well in the 2005 national examinations tables, prompting the Emirates Airline Foundation to pledge money to build a new school in Korogocho, Nairobi.
There was no land available close enough to the children’s homes so the decision was made to renovate their dilapidated school instead.
“The school is made up of several huts constructed of scrap metal and tin sheets with earthen floors,” said Stephen Kisaka, the Emirates Sales Manager, who co-chaired the project with Lloyd Mahowe, Finance & Administration Manager.
“The roofs and walls had gaping holes and were literally falling apart. In addition, the school had no electricity or other basic amenities, including sanitary facilities. With the support of the foundation, we decided to donate materials and our time to renovate the school.”
In 2008, a new-look school was officially opened at a ceremony attended by Emirates staff, the school administration, students and local leaders.