The Every Child Counts Scholarship Program

The Every Child Counts (ECC) scholarship program is a transformative initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to underprivileged pupils in Kenya, specifically targeting students enrolled in Waitua Primary and St Anne’s School in Murang’a County, Kanjeru Primary School in Kiambu County and Senior Chief Mutunkei Primary School in Kajiado County. These four schools are currently the focus of ECC in other programs including the school feeding program and improvement of school infrastructure program. Needy students from these four primary schools are supported to continue with their high school education. This program was established with the vision of ensuring that no child’s education is hindered by financial constraints and that every child, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to access quality education.

Through generous contributions from well-wishers, the program has been able to provide financial aid to 37 students from poor backgrounds across the four selected schools. This has enabled them to pursue their high school education without worrying about the burden of tuition fees, school supplies, and other related expenses. By addressing these financial barriers, the program has not only uplifted the lives of individual students but also contributed to improving the overall academic environment of the schools involved.

Due to the scholarship program, the beneficiaries have demonstrated remarkable improvements in their academic performance. Many beneficiaries have excelled in their studies and demonstrated their potential to become future leaders and contributors to society. By nurturing these bright minds, the program has sowed the seeds for positive change and progress in their respective communities and beyond.

It is our hope that the Every Child Counts Scholarship Program will get support from the local community, businesses, and other charitable organizations. Increased support and donations to the program will help expand its reach and provide more scholarships to other deserving students. Expanding the program's reach to cover more underprivileged areas remains a challenge due to resource constraints.

Official Opening of the Kanjeru Special Needs Unit Block

We are happy to share with you a heartwarming milestone in our journey towards an inclusive future. On August 1, 2023 Every Child Counts CEO, Bindu Balakrishnan inaugurated the Special Needs Block at Kanjeru primary School Kiambu County. This is in indeed a momentous projedctthat will transform the lives of students who are abled differently. The decision to construct the special needs block was born out of a shared vision to create an educational environment that embraces every child, regardless of their individual challenges. We recognized that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword but a powerful catalyst for positive change. Many children with disabilities in the community faced barriers to education hindering their growth and potential. We knew we had to act to break down these barriers and empower every child to thrive.

The impact of the special needs block on the students at Kanjeru Primary School has been nothing short of remarkable. With specialized facilities and resources, the block caters to the unique needs of each child, ensuring no one is left behind. The building is wheelchair accessible and the classrooms are equipped with resources i.e. dormitory, washrooms and bathrooms, therapy spaces and customized learning materials that have been incorporated to create an environment that fosters growth, independence and self confidence in every pupil.

The inauguration of the special needs block has touched the entire community. Parents of the students with special needs expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities their children now have access to. The joy and hope we witnessed during the ceremony were unparalleled, and it has inspired us to do even more.

The journey towards inclusivity has been a collective effort. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, both local and international community who embraced our vision and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure that “Every Child Counts” is more than just a name. It is a guiding principle that drives our mission to break barriers and transform lives. With the support of our incredible community, we will continue to thrive for an inclusive world where every child has an equal opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. Together we are building a brighter future for the next generation.

Kanjeru Special Needs Children

Kanjeru Primary School has a total enrollment of 757 pupils, which consist of 636 in primary, 42 in special education and 79 in Early Child Education (ECDE).

For the year 2022, the school has prioritized the following projects in the Special Needs Unit:

- Construction of a Classroom Block for the Special Needs Children

Kanjeru Primary School has 42 children in Special Education. These children of both gender have challenges including, physical disability, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech autism among others. The school intends to have a special classroom block to cater for the needs of these children. Currently, the special needs children use classrooms built for children with no physical challenges. The classroom block will be designed to make it easier for use by those with physical disabilities. It will also be located closer to the other facilities used by the special needs children within the school compound.

- Learning Materials for the Special Needs Children

The special needs children in Kanjeru come from the neighboring poor villages. Majority of parents of the special needs children lack money to support the Special Needs Unit with learning materials. The school therefore seeks support to buy learning materials for the Unit including puzzles, boards, word picture match, thinking cards, number tracing boards, board games, skipping ropes, swinging rings among others.

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