Kanyala Little Stars

Having visited the school recently, we have been extremely impressed with what the organization has been achieving with the very little resources they have.  The organization was set up in 2000 by Benter Aoko Odhiambo, and operates various activities including the Nursery and Primary School, 'Kanyala Little Stars' for orphans and vulnerable children.  The organization also strives to be self-sufficient by farming its own crops but recently has suffered due to drought and lack of proper protection of crops from hippos from the nearby Lake Victoria. 


What very much impressed us at the school was seeing how hard-working and organized both the students and teachers were. Considering the majority of students are orphaned and/or HIV+, this is no mean feat and a complete inspiration for anyone witnessing their efforts.  The school has been supported by a German organization but is still in dire need of supplies and a year-round clean water supply.  Additionally, Benter's farm is where the crops are produced to feed the 164 pupils of the school - most of whom completely rely on the food they receive at the school.  Although her farm was not as badly affected by the recent droughts, it still immediately requires an irrigation system.  

What is quite unsettling is that from Benter's farm, it is possible to see Lake Victoria, but there is no means of accessing the water-table at present.

We have come across an affordable solution - KickStart Pumps are relatively affordable and produced locally and if implemented on the farm, would mean that water would be able to be pumped directly to the crops.

We are currently awaiting a proposal from Benter and the organization, but are looking at fundraising for both these pumps and the year-round clean water system for the school. In addition, we have begun supplying the school with books and resources, and last week sent over 20 kg of materials to the school (see Fundraising details - 17,500 KES).  It is just a start, and we still need to spend about triple that amount to ensure all kids have books and supplies.

Current Projects:

Kanyala Little Stars School Books

Kanyala Little Stars Water Tank & Solar Panel


Kanyala Little Stars Organization

PO Box 225 – 40305, Mbita, Kenya
Contact: Benter Odhiambo
bentaodhiambo@yahoo.com


Organization History

The group started in 2000 and was registered in 2001 by the Ministry of Gender and Culture.  The group operates various projects, including a Nursery School and a Primary School which were registered in 2002 by the Ministry of Education.  The school began with 26 pupils and has grown to accommodate over 160 students, most of whom are classed as ‘Orphans and Vulnerable Children’ (OVCs).


In 2004, the organization initiated an environmental conservation project whereby a tree and fruit seedling nursery was established.  The sale from the seedlings facilitated the expenses of teaching salaries, maintenance of the school, etc.

The group also supports HIV/AIDS awareness, support of OVCs, human rights advocacy, school sponsorship, college internship and horticulture.  We therefore look forward to friends, individuals, groups or organizations which may have a common goal to come and help us share the development agenda through skills mobilization, economic support, and social and spiritual support.


Current Mission

Kanyala Little Stars is dedicated to providing humanitarian support, technical assistance and emergency relief to disadvantaged people (orphans, widows and people living with HIV/AIDS.)

Primary Areas of Interest:
  • Kanyala Little Stars works in partnership with local NGO’s to support and implement self-sustaining projects that expand basic educational opportunities, improve primary medical care and health conditions, create economic development and introduce improved methods for the poorest families – i.e. child-headed homes, orphanages, to help themselves.
  • Human Rights for people living with HIV/AIDS and the rights of  children
  • Environmental Issues – Woodlot, tree-planting, fruit-tree nursery and tree nursery.
  • Feeding program to disadvantaged people

Education:
  1. Day-care Nursery and Lower Primary School
  2. School, sponsorship, bursaries
  3. Entrepreneurial Education
  4. Alleviation of illiteracy
HIV/AIDS & Health:
  1. Home based care
  2. Nutrition
  3. Visitation and food donation to the sick and disadvantaged
  4. Behavioural change
Vision:
  1. To improve the livelihood of the community.  To work with widows, orphans, disabled children, enhance participatory approach to development within the vision of creating hope and happiness with God’s message, “I will comfort them and turn their mourning into joy”, Jeremiah 31:13
Objectives:
  1. To provide the best education to children at the foundation stage
  2. To spread and promote positive environmentally friendly projects
  3. To contribute towards the prevention and spread of HIV/AIDS in the community and advise on correct nutrition
  4. To promote socio-economic development
  5. To counsel youths on HIV/AIDS
Principles:
  1. Equality in all spheres
  2. OVCs are the No.1 priority
  3. Democratic decision making
  4. Decentralization of activities
Collaborators:
  1. Ministry of Education
  2. Ministry of Health
  3. Ministry of Gender, Sports Culture, and Social Services
  4. CAN
  5. ICRAF
  6. WOWESOK (Widows and Orphans Welfare Society of Kenya)
  7. African Now
  8. German Small Grants Fund
  9. Constituency Development Fund
    10. Target Group:
  10. The entire Mbita-Rusinga community with special attention to OVCs, Widows, the elderly, youths and widows living with HIV/AIDS
Achievements:
  • Creating a ‘greener’ Rusinga Island
  • Established a Nursery and lower Primary School
  • Brought many drop-outs back into the school system
  • Creation of employment
  • Successful attendance of workshops

Challenges & Constraints:
  1. Inflation and rising costs of food
  2. Unfavourable weather conditions leading to low harvest yield
  3. Political clashes
  4. Low payments for teachers
  5. Lack of good classrooms and water tank for clean water
  6. Lack of text books as Nursery Schools are not included in the Kenyan Government System and budget
Group Motto: “A Human Being is more than a profit.”
School Motto: “Children are Our Future”.
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