Tea company Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) has commissioned eight science laboratories across eight junior schools in Nandi County, following their modification and upgrade to the tune of KES16 million. This effort is part of EPK’s ongoing education initiatives in Nandi County through enhancing access and quality of  science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). EPK said this move is aimed at fostering a stronger foundation for the learners.

Three of the schools that benefitted from the laboratories are located within EPK’s tea estates, including Khartoum Junior School, Kipchamo Junior School, and Kipsitoi Junior School. Other beneficiaries were neighboring community schools including, Septon Junior School, Kamarini Junior School, Chepkunyuk Junior School, Nandi Hills Township Junior School and Cheptabach Junior School also benefited.

EPK Company Director Leah Kibii Chirchir noted that the organisation is committed to enhancing to the welfare of the communities and the environment in which it operates.

“Four years ago, EPK, through a partnership, built the first Science Laboratory at Savani Secondary School and the examination results, particularly in Science Subjects have significantly improved. In 2020, the first cohort to sit KCSE following the construction of the science laboratory, managed to get two students transition to university. Since then, the school’s been posting a positive deviation, with four students transitioning to University in 2021, eight in 2022 while in 2023, 14 students transitioned to university,” she said.

“Today, as we commission more laboratories for the Junior Schools, we believe that this will go a long way in supporting the Government’s Competency Based Curriculum that is meant to nurture talent and prepare our children for a practical approach that develops their skills and competencies by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills.”

EPK believes in investing in communities, and has continuously worked with various partners to make education projects relevant to the needs of the schools and the students over the years.

Similarly, EPK launched its secondary school education scholarship program that seeks  to support and empower academic achievers by providing them with an opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations. The initiative has started with three students receiving full scholarships, two boys and one girl, at a total cost of KES2 million.

Mrs. Chirchir added, “Ultimately, education is our investment in the future, as it contributes to social stability, improved health, and livelihoods, and is a driver of long-term economic growth. Our goal is to catalyse inclusive and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities in our communities.”

Read also: 30 students secure scholarships in Bomet and Kericho

EPK continues to work towards realizing Sustainable Development Goal 4 for Quality Education through its continuous efforts to the community by providing free education to the children of its employees through issuance of bursaries, as well as establishing and improving the quality of schools within and near its plantations.

The company’s education projects have benefitted over 60,000 learners since 2019, with investments of more than KES30 million.

EPK has established 15 schools within its estates already, and continues its efforts to create a positive impact on the educational landscape and the broader community, supporting students to access quality education and equal education opportunities.

The company has supported Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres with appropriate classroom furniture that encourages learning. It has also supported schools to enhance inclusion and increase digital literacy through computer donations to schools, besides, assisting schools establish computer labs for learning, and have access to computers for administrative use like tracking performance and setting internal assessments.

Additionally, the company is supporting adolescent girls and boys in schools with life skills education and support with menstruation products, helping to steady the attendance of girls in schools thus leading on the path of gender equality.

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