Mekaela Academies
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[edit] Summary
Mekaela Academies is the umbrella organization for non-profit private schools in Kenya. The Primary Section consists of classes from Standard 1 through to Standard 8, the Secondary Section consists of classes from Form 1 through to Form 4. Approximately 1,200 children attend the four schools: Manuel Alexander School, Likunda Primary School, Heshima Primary School and Lulu High School.
The schools provide boarding facilities for children on from the age of 10 years. Mekaela Academies implements boarding as mandatory for students of the class Standard 8. The education of the schools' students is based on the principles of Kurt Hahn.
Mekaela Academies was founded in 1993 by members of the German charitable society "Watoto e.V." (Watoto means "children" in Kiswahili). The three founders' objective is to provide quality education to the graduates of Mekaela Academies, thus improving their prospects for finding a place at a good university or a good job so they may maintain their existence by their own means.
The construction of the first three schools has been funded with donations made to Watoto e. V. Heshima Primary School is owned by the German foundation Eine-Welt-Stiftung, however the school is fully integrated within the organisation of Mekaela Academies.
Mekaela Academies was founded and is operated without interference or influence from government authorities. The organization is non-profit and works purely on a charitable basis. All profits must be distributed to the school children and their parents or the staff of the schools. The organization runs an extensive sponsorship scheme which enables approx. 400 children from very poor families to attend school.
[edit] History
- Founded in 1993
The three founders Frank Müther, Micki Wentzel und Stefan Wentzel develop a concept for a private school which should provide excellent education for children in Kenya. Mekaela Academies is registered as an organisation; it purchases its first plot.
- 1994 to 1996
Beginning of construction of the first primary school which is named "Manuel Alexander School" (MAS) to honour the first donor. The construction of the first building was completed in 1996; the extension by one more building was planned the same year.
- 1997 to 1999
Several classrooms were added to MAS. Due to riots many families living in South Coasts flee their homes into their tribal territories. At the peak of the crisis, the number of pupils drops to 90 from 200, the project faces termination. Generous donations from Germany help rescuing the project. After the returns of peace, development of MAS continues immediately. A sports field, a playground and a third building are being built.
- 1999 to 2002
Beginning of construction of a second primary school, called "Likunda Primary School" (LPS) as a boarding school. Two school buildings, a huge dining hall and some provisional dorms are erected in very short time.
- 2003 to 2004
Introduction of computer lessons as subjects without exams at Mekaela Academies. The boarding section of LPS is extended, around 400 pupils are attending MAS and LPS which are operating at their maximum capaicity. The planning for a third school, Lulu High School (LHS), commences. At LHS, the graduates of the two primary schools MAS und LPS will attend their secondary level.
- 2005 to 2006
Construction and completion of Lulu High School, the first secondary school of Mekaela Academies, with capacities for up to 200 students. Due to increasing demand for places in the primary section, LPS receives a second stream. Beginning of a cooperation with the German foundation "Eine-Welt-Stiftung" to build "Heshima Primary School" (HPS) as the third primary school if Mekaela Academies. Establishment of a school newspaper "Mekaela Times" run by pupils and teachers. Introduction of a students board with advisory status consisting of one boy and one gilr of each respective school.
- 2007 to 2008
Completion of the first building of HPS with three classrooms. For the first time in the history of Mekaela Academies, both MAS and LPS achieve a position among the top 20 of about 18,000 primary schools (Source: HSK) in Kenya during the 2007 KCPE exams. The first KCSE exams are conducted at LHS, Mekaela Academies has "produced" its first university students.
