Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK), a tea company in Nandi East Sub-County, has donated junior school science laboratories, Secondary school ICT laboratories, and special furniture to the special needs learners as a measure to enhance education, which is part of the companies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of giving back to the community.
Taboiyat High School received an ICT laboratory, while Sireet, Kaputi and Chemomi junior schools received science laboratories, whereas three schools with Special Needs Education (SNE) units within the Sub-county namely Nandi Hills township, Lelwak and Kibabet primary schools, benefitted from the generous contribution of favourable tables, chairs and instructional materials from EPK Tea Company.
Speaking at Kaputi Junior School after commissioning the donations, EPK Company Director, Leah Kibiii, divulged that EPK is committed to supporting the education sector, thus uplift learners, terming education as key to developing the economy of the Country.
The Director noted that the Company is steadfast in supporting local students to ensure they are not left behind in the current competitive technological era, adding that the Company has a scholarship program that commenced last year and so far, seven students have been incorporated in the scholarship, among them one student with special needs.
Kibii underscored the Company’s commitment to fostering a stronger foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for the learners to enhance quality Competence -Based Curriculum that can enable students to compete in the current job market.
“We started this journey last year and we want to equip as many students as we can with the facilities that is required. Ultimately, education is our future investment that is used to achieve social stability, improve livelihoods and a driver for long-term economic growth. We aim to catalyze and promote lifelong learning opportunities in the community,” Director Kibii pointed out, adding that the Company’s aim is to ensure that most learners have interactive learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
EPK Operations Director, Noel Smith, echoed the sentiments, noting that the Company’s objectives are guided by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide the impact on the Community, revealing that the integration of SDGs creates a sense of responsibility and accountability in everything the Company undertakes.
“Today we are here to demonstrate our commitment to the SDGs and to offer inclusive and equitable education to our surrounding communities,” said Smith.
Director Equity Group Foundation, Boniface Kinoti, who graced the occasion, commended EPK management for their unwavering commitment to supporting the surrounding community in terms of extending a hand in the education sector, noting that through such effort, children from humble backgrounds will utilize the opportunity to brighten their future.
“In a bid to support what EPK is doing to the community, Equity has donated 40 mango tree seedlings to the five schools that benefitted from EPK contributions, so that during the fruit season, students will be enjoying eating mangoes while at school,” Director Kinoti observed, adding that the Foundation is looking forward to partnering with EPK in supporting the local projects.
Nandi East Deputy County Commissioner, Ngalia Ndaya, lauded EPK for their initiative that contributes to the development of this Sub-county, urging locals to utilize this golden privilege and ensure their children excel academically.
He urged school-going children to ensure they utilize the equipment and infrastructure fully to boost their academics, warning parents and children who are engaging in activities that hinder children’s education of dire consequences .
“I want to thank EPK for being part of the development of this Sub-county. This is a great blessing to the local community that should not be taken for granted,” DCC Ndaya noted, calling on the community to support companies such as EPK to enable them to be part of area development.
Deputy Headteacher, Nandi Hills Township Primary, who is also In-Charge of the Special Needs Education Unit, Billah Chumba, expressed her gratitude, noting that the event marked a pivotal moment for the intellectually challenged children, adding that such children require a conducive learning environment with favourable tables, chairs and learning materials as compared to the children in regular schools.
“The impact of EPK on special needs children in this school is already visible, with students showing increased confidence and improved communication skills,” stated Chumba, calling on parents with special needs, to ensure they enrol them in learning institutions rather than hiding them at home.
By Ruth Mainye
