By R, KNA
Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK), a private tea Company in Nandi, has handed over eight science laboratories they built for junior schools to the Ministry of Education ahead of national examinations.
The Sh18 million project is part of EPK tea company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, aimed at supporting the local community, while at the same time boosting the government’s agenda of reforming the education sector by ensuring the Competence Based Education curriculum flourishes.
Speaking during a handing over exercise held at Nandi Bears Club in Nandi Hills subcounty, EPK General Manager, Richard Koech said the science laboratories will facilitate understanding of scientific concepts and develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem solving as well as experimentation.
Koech said the laboratories will support both learners and teachers in appreciating scientific concepts, foster curiosity and creativity, improve comprehension and memory as well as cultivate positive attitude towards science thus setting a foundation for future learning and career pathways.
“This year in March, we handed over 12 laboratories and two ICT hubs. Today we are handing over eight science laboratories. As we hand over these laboratories, may they stand as a symbol of shared commitment; a partnership between the private sector, community and the government; all working together to nurture the next generation of scientists, innovators and leaders,” Koech said, adding that the company is committed to building at least eight laboratories every year.
The manager disclosed that in addition, the company is offering full scholarships to learners, as well as mentorship programs during holidays and further said that so far, they are sponsoring seven students with plans to sponsor more students in future.
Joyce Mageto, an EPK official noted that they also have a menstrual health and hygiene program, where they supply school girls with sanitary towels quarterly every year as a measure to ensure girls are comfortable in school enabling them to attend school full time.
“We have a program called Tabasamu which is a menstrual health and hygiene program that supports school girls and women within the company with sanitary towels quarterly and during the World Hygiene Day every year,” explained Mageto.
Nandi County Director of Education, Harrison Muriuki, commended EPK tea company for the unwavering support to the education sector describing it as a great boost to the teachers, learners, parents and government at large adding the investment will translate into a game changer for performance by those schools.
Muriuki noted that such facilities promote inclusivity in learning institutions given the fact that most residents are not well off economically and called on junior school teachers to redouble their efforts and utilize the science laboratories to boost learners’ education.
“We as the Ministry of Education, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for providing a state-of-the-art science laboratories to our junior schools in Nandi County. We are aware you have also built classrooms complementing what the government is doing. Your commitment to education is really commendable,” Muriuki noted.
Eight schools benefited from the sponsored laboratories namely, AIC Mosombor, Kibabet, Kipkoror, AIC Tendwet, EPK Sokot, Kimaran, Nduroto and Savan junior schools.
