Impacts of a community school for underprivileged families

Bridge Kenya has reiterated its commitment to access of quality education to all children regardless of their social background

The School which has been serving children from underserved communities since 2008 uses innovative technology to support learning and manage the day-to-day running of the schools.

Bridge Kenya Managing Director Griffin Asigo says they use a technology-powered teaching model that is designed to reach the most underserved communities to improve learning outcomes for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

He says the model has been a gamechanger and the reason for the consistent good performance in national exams.

“Despite coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, Bridge pupils are empowered to compete with their counterparts from more affluent backgrounds. Our graduates have received admission to elite national secondary schools in the country, while others are now pursuing their dream courses in universities in Kenya and in the US,” He said.

He singles out Geoffrey Atulo a former student at Bridge who is now studying at Bowdoin University in the US as an example of the never give attitude the School has impacted on its leaners.

“In Kenya, challenges arising from poverty are well documented. Children from poor families struggle to access a good education as well as better schools. As a result they remain behind their more affluent peers in terms of literacy and language development. Their futures are not as bright because they rarely get the opportunity that a strong school and committed teacher can bring,” He said.

Kimberly Betty a student Bunyore Girls High School sat her KCPE exams at Bridge in 2020 and was among the top performing girls in the country with a score of 411 marks.

“I had never scored above 400 marks in my entire primary life. When the results came out and I had scored 411, I was elated. I attribute my success to God, my parents and my teachers at Bridge,” She said.

Damiana Mukami who has been a teacher for more than 8 years at Bridge Kwa Njenga academy in the larger Mukuru community say, “I have been at Bridge for so long that I consider my pupils a family. I have seen pupils come and go and later progress to high schools such as Alliance, Kenya High, Starehe, and top universities such as Kenyatta University, Moi University, Jomo Kenyatta University and so many more.”

The School continues to receive credit even from parents with John Njuguna whose three children are enrolled at Bridge Kinoo in Nairobi saying the school is more of a family.

He lauded the School administration for their commitment and understanding saying the school has really supported those who can’t afford the financial burden of access to quality education.