May 27, 2025
Part of the Russia Cultural Workshops Series – Taita Taveta County, May 2025
About the School
Mwasere Girls Secondary School, a thriving boarding school for girls in Mwatate Constituency, Taita Taveta County, has been a pillar of education since its establishment in 1975 (originally as a primary school). Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and Infrastructure Funds, the school is currently home to 1,040 students from Form 2 to Form 4, guided by a dedicated team of 40 teachers. Under the leadership of Principal Madam Janet Talu, Mwasere Girls consistently excels in Home Science and Computer Studies and offers French classes, reflecting its commitment to a broad and modern curriculum.
The school also boasts an active Agriculture class with its own banana garden and cooking pots, and a variety of clubs including Science, Young Farmers, and a Swimming Club (utilizing Ore Park as they lack an on-site pool). There’s even a proposed Russian Club, stemming from the “Path to Russia” initiative, showcasing the students’ eagerness for global exposure.
When We Visited – 27 May 2025
Our “Path to Russia” team visited Mwasere Girls Secondary School on the afternoon of May 27, 2025. This cultural and educational engagement aimed to introduce students to Russian education and traditions, fostering global awareness and inspiring future aspirations. The vibrancy of the student body and their enthusiasm for learning were truly remarkable.
Activities Conducted
Our program at Mwasere Girls focused on cultural exchange and understanding their educational needs:
- Introduction to Russian Culture: An engaging session that provided students with an overview of Russian traditions, history, and daily life.
- Educational Session on Russian Education: A deeper dive into the Russian education system, highlighting potential opportunities for student exchange and scholarships.
- Interactive Q&A: A lively question-and-answer segment where students enthusiastically posed questions about Russia, fostering a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue.
- Discussion on School Needs: Engaging with the school administration to identify their most pressing infrastructural and resource requirements to enhance the learning environment.
Challenges Observed
Despite its achievements, Mwasere Girls Secondary School faces significant challenges that impact its capacity and learning environment:
- Severe Classroom Shortage: The large student body is hampered by a critical lack of adequate classroom space.
- No Administration Block: Despite promises, the school still lacks a dedicated administration block.
- Overcrowded Dormitories: The dining hall has been converted into sleeping quarters due to dormitory overcrowding, affecting both living and dining conditions.
- Inadequate Dining Furniture: There is a shortage of furniture for the dining area, further compounding the issue.
- Insufficient Computer Facilities: The computer room is too small, and the number of computers is inadequate for the high demand.
- No Swimming Pool: Despite an active swimming club, the absence of an on-site pool requires students to travel to a park for training.
- Limited Library Resources: The library lacks sufficient revision and academic materials.
- Laboratory Shortages: The physics lab is frequently used for other purposes due to a general shortage of laboratory facilities.
- Limited Kitchen Equipment: The kitchen operates with only one damaged cooker, limiting meal preparation capacity.
- Inconsistent Funding: The school is overly reliant on inconsistent support from CDF and the Ministry of Education.
- Fee Payment Challenges: Parents struggle to pay fees, despite the school’s popularity and strong academic performance.
- Need for Land Expansion: The school requires additional land to support its growing population and future development plans.
Why It Matters
Mwasere Girls Secondary School is a testament to the power of education in shaping young lives, particularly for girls in Kenya. Supporting Mwasere means addressing fundamental needs that will directly improve the quality of life and learning for over a thousand students. The “Path to Russia” initiative believes that by addressing these infrastructural and resource gaps, we can help this school continue to nurture academic excellence and foster global citizenship.
Looking Ahead
Our visit solidified a commitment to addressing the critical needs of Mwasere Girls Secondary School through a series of planned initiatives:
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of new classrooms and an administration block, and expansion of dormitories to alleviate overcrowding.
- Dining Facilities Restoration: Furnishing and restoring the dining hall to its proper function.
- Enhanced ICT and Library Resources: Expanding and equipping the computer lab with more devices and stocking the library with comprehensive revision and academic materials.
- Science and Practical Learning: Building a dedicated science laboratory and repairing/replacing damaged kitchen and Home Science equipment (cookers, sewing machines).
- Land Acquisition: Securing additional land for future expansion and development.
- Program Formalization: Formalizing the “Path to Russia” diplomatic and academic exchange programs, including hiring a dedicated Russian language teacher to support the new club.
These initiatives are designed to create a more conducive and enriching learning environment, ensuring Mwasere Girls continues to empower its students to achieve their full potential.
