May 28, 2025
Part of the Russia Cultural Workshops Series – Taita Taveta County, May 2025
About the School
Mbololo Secondary School, established in 1971, is a mixed-day secondary school located in Voi Sub-County, Taita Taveta County. With a student population of 140 (67 girls and 64 boys) and led by Principal Mr. Antony Obiya, the school is sponsored by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Desai Memorial Foundation, and the County Government. Mbololo Secondary stands out for its academic focus, with Kiswahili as its top-performing subject, and uniquely offers Mandarin (Chinese) as an additional foreign language.
Beyond academics, the school actively engages in agricultural projects, cultivating millet and maize, and maintaining a tree nursery to support environmental sustainability. Students also participate in Table Tennis. Despite a very low dropout rate, the school faces significant infrastructural and resource challenges.
When We Visited – 28 May 2025
On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the “Path to Russia” team conducted a cultural and educational workshop at Mbololo Secondary School. The session aimed to broaden students’ horizons by introducing them to Russian culture and educational opportunities, complementing their existing foreign language studies. The students’ keen interest in Mandarin extended to their curiosity about Russian culture, making for a highly engaging visit.
Activities Conducted
Our engagement at Mbololo Secondary School was designed to be interactive and informative:
- Russian Cultural Presentation: An immersive session introducing students to key aspects of Russian traditions, history, and modern life.
- Educational Insights: Discussions on the Russian education system and potential pathways for future cultural or academic exchange.
- Interactive Dialogue: A lively Q&A segment that allowed students to explore their questions about Russia and compare cultures.
- Needs Assessment: A focused discussion with school leadership to identify critical infrastructure and resource gaps.
Challenges Observed
Our visit revealed several areas where Mbololo Secondary School requires significant support:
- No Dining Hall: Students lack a proper dining facility, impacting their meal experience and overall well-being.
- Incomplete and Unfurnished Toilets: Existing student toilets are unfinished and lack modern flush systems, posing hygiene challenges.
- Incomplete Science Laboratory: The science lab is unfinished, lacking windows, furniture, and essential equipment, hindering practical science education.
- Absence of a School Library: There is no dedicated library, depriving students of a structured space for reading and research.
- Lack of TSC Computer Teacher: Despite having internet access and 10 computers, the school lacks a Teachers Service Commission (TSC) deployed computer teacher.
- No Borehole: The school is entirely dependent on inconsistent county piped water supply, lacking its own reliable water source.
- Classroom Deficiencies: Classrooms lack ceilings and curtains, affecting comfort, light control, and overall learning environment.
- Unfenced Compound: The school compound is not securely fenced, raising safety and security concerns.
- Inadequate ICT Room Furnishing: The ICT room needs better furnishing and layout to optimize its limited resources.
- Limited Laboratory Access: Students have restricted access to hands-on laboratory learning due to the absence of proper equipment.
Why It Matters
Mbololo Secondary School’s commitment to offering diverse subjects like Mandarin, despite its challenges, speaks volumes about its dedication to student development. Supporting Mbololo means investing in critical infrastructure that will directly impact the learning environment, health, and academic potential of its students. The “Path to Russia” initiative aims to help these bright students achieve their full potential in a conducive and modern learning space.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to Mbololo Secondary School focuses on addressing its core needs to create a more effective learning environment:
- Dining Hall Construction: Building a fully equipped dining hall to provide a proper mealtime experience for students.
- Sanitation Upgrade: Renovating all student toilets and installing modern flush toilet systems.
- Science Lab Completion: Finishing and furnishing the science laboratory with windows, furniture, and necessary equipment.
- ICT Enhancement: Deploying a TSC computer studies teacher and upgrading the ICT lab with improved furnishing and resources.
- Library Establishment: Creating a proper school library to provide students with essential reading and research materials.
- Classroom Improvements: Installing ceilings and window curtains in classrooms to enhance comfort and concentration.
- Security & Water Infrastructure: Constructing a secure perimeter fence and exploring borehole drilling for an independent and reliable water supply.
- Resource Acquisition: Acquiring essential science lab equipment and furniture to facilitate practical learning.
These initiatives are crucial for empowering Mbololo Secondary School to continue its mission of providing quality education and fostering well-rounded individuals.
