Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya

Funds were raised for the provision of Information Technology(IT) to the School. The IT systems were purchased and shipped to Mombasa and then onto Mumias. The aim is to improve the IT Literacy of as many Pupils as possible.

Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya - in their distinctive school uniforms

Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya - Gates are closed and there are security guards

Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya - located on the East side of the Compound

Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya - with its well maintained gardens

Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya - and each class room can seat more than 24 pupils

Provision of Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya - well spaced seating arrangements in each class

‹ › ×

OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT BY THE

ROTARY CLUB OF WESTMINSTER WEST

TO INTRODUCE LITERACY IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TO THE

ST. ELIZABETH LUREKO GIRLS' SECONDARY SCHOOL

MUMIAS, KAKAMEGA COUNTY, WESTERN KENYA

OVERVIEW

In early 2013, the Rotary Club of Westminster West was approached by Mr Juvenal Shiundu for assistance from the Club to support the School. President Girish Raval agreed to adopt a Project to support this school during his Presidential tenure which began in July 2013.

Initially, the Club considered the option to sponsor a student for four years of her secondary education. However after further discussions with Mr Shiundu, it was concluded that the provision of access to Information Technology to the school would be the preferred option as it benefits the whole school as opposed to the funding of the fees which would benefit only one student/family. There were no computers in the school and this Project would rectify the deficiency and raise the level of IT literacy in the school.

Fund Raising

On 14^th March 2014, a Fund Raising International Evening was organized at Zimbabwe House on The Strand in London. Over 100 guests turned up to support this event. A variety of International Food was catered and a DJ provided very lively music late into the night. There was generous sponsorship from a number of sources and a raffle draw was held. The funds raised from this event were allocated to two school projects - one in Kenya and the other in Zimbabwe.

Budget and Provision of Computers.

The computer technology was sourced through Computer Aid International in the UK. The Rotary Club of Westminster West submitted an evaluation form with the assistance of the School to Computer Aid International. On the basis of this submission, the School qualified for receiving the IT systems.

A total budget of £2,000 was allocated to this project for the provision of the following technology and supplementary costs:

1). 10 PCs - £700 (£50 PC + £20 Windows 7 & MS Word, Excel)

2). 1 x HP Laser printers - £100

3). 4 x Surge Protectors - £40

4). Shipping from London to Mombasa - £280

5). Shipping from Mombasa to Recipient School in Mumias - £100 (distance by road is approximately 880km).

6). Customs Tax.

7). Insurance, shipping documentation and inspection costs:: £350

Background Information on the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls' Secondary School.

The School is located in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Western Kenya and headed by school principal Mrs Josephine Omamo. The School was started in January of 2005 to provide a high school education to poor children from the community whose parents could not afford to send them to boarding schools. It started with only 18 girls and as of 2014, there were 220 girls including 80 boarders. The family of Mr Juvenal Shiundu donated the land that the school is constructed on. The school is 1.5 kilometres away from the grave of the first Bishop of East Equatorial Africa, James Hannington, who was killed by King Mwanga II of Uganda in 1885.

Community leaders who were concerned that some girls were not continuing on to high school started the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls' Secondary School. The founders of the school knew that not going to high school limited the students' individual opportunities as well as prevented the young women from possibly becoming more active and able to contribute to their community.

At the end of 2008, the first of the students completed Form 4 (the equivalent of GCSE "O" level grades in the UK) and took exams in preparation for university. By the end of 2013, the school had sent 6 girls to university while others have joined various colleges and training institutions. Being a young school and owing to the fact that most of the girls come from the very impoverished neighbourhood community, the school has potential but faces a number of challenges including those listed as follows:

most of the girls are from disadvantaged backgrounds and hence do not have access to essential items at home. Less than 30 out of 220 girls have access to proper lighting systems to enable them read and do their homework at home;

about 1/3 of the girls are orphaned and hence face a number of hurdles;

some of the students walk long distances to and from school and yet when they get home, they have still to do domestic chores before settling down to read.

There is an ongoing need for support to this school. It needs adequate textbooks, a science laboratory including equipment and facilities, as well as computers and IT facilities.

In 2014, the cost of fees were as follows:

Kshs. 39,000.00 (£280) per year per girl for a Day Scholar and Kshs. 61,000.00 (£432) per year per girl for a Boarder. 100% of funds donated would go to the school to provide assistance to the students.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Presidential Handover - 2024-25

Outgoing President Nishma Acharya hands over to incoming President David Ng

President Gordon hands over a cheque from Melissa to Nishma.

At the RI Presidential Peace Conference Dinner on 9 February 2024, President Gordon McInally inducted a new member - Rhea Ramanand, handed over a cheque for 6,400 euros to the club and presented a Positive Peace Award to PP Tarja Inovaara.

Sunil Acharya and his Tablas - the beat to get into the mood

This Diwali lunch also served as a fund raiser for the St Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Mumias, Kenya.

Rotarians and Interactors joined the Head Teacher, Mayor & Mayoress for High Tea in Gatton Park

The club joined RC reigate and RAAS Interactors for High Tea on 5 Oct 2023.

Veronica Pickering being inducted as a Honorary Member of Westminster West

This was an annual gathering of the club with district officers but we were suprised by the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

IPP Gina and President Nishma - June 2023

Immendiate Past President Gina Langton handed over the chain of office to Preisdent Nishma Acharya on 28 June 2023

President of the Rotary Club of Westminster West - H.E. Amb Julius Peter Moto

The Club was honoured to welcome DG Francis at its meeting on 1st July 2020. This was the first official visit by the DG to a club in the District. The incoming President H.E. Amb Julius Moto was handed the chain of office by outgoing President Anna.

President Mark Kelly - inducted 7th July 2021

The Club is holding a hybrid meeting - where six members are meeting in a socially distanced manner and the rest are joining the meeting via zoom.

Rotarians and Guests who attended the Christmas Lunch

The club held its annual Christmas Lunch in the Jubilee Room of the Bbar. President Mark Kelly presided.

This is a District 1130 Peace Committee initiative led by members of the Rotary Club of Westminster West who are past or present officials of the UN and the Commonwealth. Members from other Clubs were inducted after a 2 day Peace Building Workshop.

President Gina Langton was inaugurated as Club President. She took over from Mark Kelly.

Plant Seagrass in the UK Coastal Waters

Launch of the Rotary Peace Square in Kyiv -n the Spring of 2021.

A Rotary Peace Square was established in Kyiv to Promote Peace.

ROTARY PEACE SEMINAR - 22 February 2022

February is Rotary's Peace & Conflict Prevention Month. Moreover 23 Feb is Rotary's 117th Birthday. The Queen completed 70 years of service on 6th Feb 2022. This Peace Seminar Commemorates all three milestones.

Life Skills Project in Uganda

This project entails the provision of equipment and materials to a Vocational School in Uganda to train ex-Child Soldiers and School Dropouts.

London Rotarians participated in a global, 24-hour continuous, live broadcast of music, art and remembrance on 6th August, 2020, to mark the 75thAnniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Join Rotary in the spirit of Diplomacy, Diversity, Inclusivity, Opportunity, Community, Sustainability, Tenacity and Credibility.

Rotary & The Commonwealth Drumming for Peace

The Rotary Club of Westminster West collaborated with The Commonwealth Resounds and The Purcell School of Music to arrange a programme of Drumming Performances during the week in which Commonwealth Heads of Government met in London.

We Wish Rotarians and Friends A Very Merry Christmas

The Club holds its annual Christmas Lunch in December and invites all friends of the Club to attend as well.

Rotarians and Friends at the Annual Christmas Lunch - 4 Dec 2019

The Club held its annual Christmas Lunch on 4th Dec 2019.

District Governor Tony Sharma makes his inaugural visit to the Club.

DG Tony Sharma and his wife Harjinder visited RC Westminster West on 3rd July 2019.

President Juvenal Shiundu meets with Mrs Esther Mudy who is the President of the Rotary Club of Kakamega in Kenya.

This page lists some of the visits by members of the Rotary Club of Westminster West to other Rotary Clubs around the World.

On 14th March 2018, the Club held a Social Evening comprising Members, their Spouses or Partners, Friends and two New Recruits.

President Juvenal with members and friends of RC Westminster West on the Terrace of the IMO

Westminster West had a special dinner for its members on 28 June 2019 at the International Maritime Organisation - which is the only UN Agency in the UK. The Drinks Reception & Dinner was hosted by President Juvenal Shiundu and his wife Mrs Rose Shiundu.

This page lists the various club meetings and visitors to the club

President Juvenal Shiundu Receives the District Governor's Flag

DG Mike Wren paid the traditional annual visit to the Club and was accompanied by his wife Teresa.

Girish Raval (centre) presents the Encyclopedia to Rev Fr Patrick (left). President Juvenal (right) officiated.

Rev Fr Patrick Murunga is a Catholic Priest from Kakagema County in Kenya. He has come as a temp priest to a church in the UK. He visited the Club to collect a gift of Encyclopedias for the St Elizabeth Lureko Girls Secondary School in Kakagema County.

Rotarian Mrs Anna Croghan was inducted on 1st November 2017 at the Meeting of the Club which was held at Browns in Cardinal Place, Victoria.

Outgoing Club President Angela Campbell inducting Incoming President Dr Josephine Ojiambo for the Rotary Year 2017-18.

Incoming President Dr Josephine Ojiambo took over as President of the Rotary Club of Westminster West from Outgoing President Angela Campbell on 21 June 2017.

This is the Charter of the Rotary Club of Westminster West which was Granted on 2nd March 1945.

The Club's 70th Anniversary fell on 2nd March 2015. The Club held a Black Tie Gala Dinner on this day to Celebrate this event.

The Rotarians of Westminster West Welcome You To Their Club.

The Club has raised funds and undertaken several large and small projects both within the UK and in the International Arena. The Projects documented on this website are listed below. Go to the 'What We Do' tab to read about these Projects.

The Banner of the Rotary Club of Westminster West

Come and meet us and get to know our Club.

The Club Held An International Evening

The Club held an International Evening and raised funds towards the total required for the provision of a Library to the Lokusero Secondary School in the Laikipia District in Kenya.

Ms Felicia Munjadi was presented the Rotary Recognition Award as an acknowledgement of her Special Services to Rotary.

Westminster West Supports Local Community Projects and Recognises Individuals Who Assist the Club In Its Activities.

The dance group Semillas de Bolivia performed at our International Night.

Over the years, the Club has raised funds in support of several International Projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Rotarians and Guests at the Past Presidents Day Lunch on 14th May 2014

The Club held its Annual Past Presidents Day Luncheon on 14th May 2014. Past President Clive Knowles chaired this Meeting. Other Senior Rotarians who attended included PP Arvind Barve, PP James Allie, PP Robert Crane, PP Elwin Cummings Palmer & AG Francis

The Club inducted Dr Aruna Mannie as a Rotarian on 19th October 2016.

Salutations, Rotary Grace and a silent mark of respect to the late President Nelson Mandela.

The Secrets are out ; 1). how to park a Rolls Royce in Central London for a £25 month; 2). Who lies behind a Happy Woman in Iceland and who is responsible for a Successful Man in England; 3). Which Club had an encounter with Alcoholics Anonymous;

The Launch of the Lifeboat Project - a fascinating insight into the magnificent achievement of the Rotary Club of Westminster West which raised funds for the Lifeboat named "ROTARY SERVICE" - RNLI Official Number (ON) 1031 and Operational Number 50-001.

Rotarian H.E. Ambassador Gabriel Machinga and Rotarians of Westminster West co-hosted a Fund Raising Evening at Zimbabwe House on The Strand in London.

Funds were raised to Support the Provision of a Library to the Chirovakamwe Primary School in Mutare, Zimbabwe and Information Technology to the St. Elizabeth Lureko Girls' Secondary School in Mumias, Kakagema County, Kenya.

The School is located in Mumias, Kakamega County, Western Kenya (see Arrow on Map)

Funds were raised for the provision of Information Technology(IT) to the School. The IT systems were purchased and shipped to Mombasa and then onto Mumias. The aim is to improve the IT Literacy of as many Pupils as possible.

Westminster West Rotarians visited the Centre in Zimbabwe

The Rotarians of Westminster West visited the Chikuku Youth Centre in Zimbabwe in November 2012. They had facilitated the supply of tools, machinery and two water tanks, and then visited to review the progress at the Centre.

Handover of the Water Tanks at a ceremony on 25th May 2013.

These three Projects provide sustainable sources of clean water and sanitation for three communities with large numbers of children in Entebbe, Uganda. Project Duration Jan 2012- Nov 2013.

Secondary School Students in their smart uniforms at the Starehe Girls' Centre in Nairobi Kenya

In 2012, the Rotary Club of Westminster West Sponsored a Girl Student for the Entire Duration of Her Four Year Secondary Education at the Starehe Girls' Centre in Nairboi, Kenya. She Completed her Secondary Education in December 2015.

Desks and Chairs provided for School Children

Provision of essential items of furniture, laboratory equipment, books and uniforms to some rural schools and a van to transport physically challenged children to school in the Chickjajur Area of Karnataka in India. The Project was completed in March 2007

Leaflet to promote the fund raising for this Project.

Project to support the vulnerable children of Puno in Peru.

Bolivian Dance Troupe called Semillas de Bolivia entertained the Rotarians and their Guests.

Project to provide sewing machines and sewing accessories to the local branch of the Bolivian Institute for the Blind to enable the Institute to enhance its self help programmes for those who are blind or partially sighted.

Funds were raised for the Widows and Orphans of Genocide in Rwanda and sent to AVEGA which is a Charity in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is now an eco-centric Park providing green cover and recreational facilities to the populations living in the area through which the river flows.

Convert a five kilometre long stretch of the Mutha River Bank from a dump yard to a friendly, flood resistant Park, for the benefit of society as well as to enhance the awareness of the delicate ecology of the river and human settlements.

Map showing the location of Amman in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

A joint project between the Rotary Club of Amman and the Rotary Club of Westminster West to provide essential medical equipment to the National Tuberculosis Center in Amman, Jordan.

Map showing the location of Bukoba in Northern Tanzania, on the Western shore of Lake Victoria, close to the border with Uganda.

Two Class Rooms were needed for the school in Bukoba. Fund raising events were held in 1998 and 2000. These events raised funds to build the class rooms for the school.

The Jaipur Limb Centre - Jaipur, India

The Rotary Club of Westminster West and the Westminster Inner Wheel Club adopted this project as one of its main projects for which it contributed financial support over a period beginning 1991 to 1995.

Map showing the town of Bonthe in Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone.

A British VSO Volunteer Nurse was sponsored to work as a Nurse/Mid-wife at a Clinic in Bonthe in Sierra Leone.