June 9, 2025
Part of the Russia Cultural Workshops Series – Siaya County, June 2025
About the School
Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School, located in Siaya County, is a mixed-day institution serving approximately 700 students with a dedicated team of 23 teachers. Operating under a no-school-fees policy, the school makes education accessible to all, relying heavily on community and donor support. Headed by Mr. Oiye, with Mr. Paul as the Deputy, Oseno Komolo excels in subjects like English, Christian Religious Education (CRE), and Mathematics.
Beyond academics, the school engages students in sports such as handball and volleyball, and benefits from periodic hygiene education supported by Colgate. While the school is committed to nurturing its students, it faces significant challenges in its infrastructure and resources.
When We Visited – 9 June 2025
On June 9, 2025, the “Path to Russia” team visited Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School. Our workshop focused on cultural exchange, providing students with an overview of Russian traditions and language. We also engaged with the school leadership to understand their needs and discuss opportunities for integrating Russian language into the CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum) and future exchange programs. Despite the visible challenges, the enthusiasm of the students and the dedication of the staff were truly inspiring.
Activities Conducted
Our program at Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School involved:
- Formal Introduction: Meeting with Headteacher Mr. Oiye and Deputy Mr. Paul to establish a collaborative foundation.
- School Tour: A guided tour of classrooms and key facilities to observe the learning environment firsthand.
- Cultural Exchange: An interactive session providing an overview of Russia’s traditions and language, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
- Curriculum Discussion: A productive discussion on the potential integration of the Russian language into the CBC framework and exploring interest in future exchange opportunities.
Challenges Observed
During our visit, we identified several pressing issues impacting the school’s operations and student welfare:
- No Student Feeding Program: Only teachers are catered for, leaving students without a consistent meal at school, a significant concern for vulnerable households.
- Overcrowded Classrooms: Classrooms are severely overcrowded, with some streams accommodating up to 84 students, hindering effective learning.
- Dilapidated Infrastructure: Many classrooms suffer from broken floors and leaking roofs, posing safety hazards and damaging learning materials.
- Inadequate Sanitation: Only one latrine is functional for over 400 girls, indicating a critical need for improved hygiene facilities.
- Outdated Library: The school library exists but is outdated and lacks sufficient resources.
- Non-Functional Computer Lab: Despite available electricity, there is no functional computer lab; computers are currently in the staffroom.
- Unreliable Internet and Stolen Equipment: Internet connectivity is inconsistent due to budget constraints, and a previously donated projector was stolen.
- Curriculum Gap: The CBC curriculum requires a foreign language, but no teacher is trained to deliver it.
Why It Matters
Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of significant limitations. Supporting this school means addressing fundamental needs that will improve daily life for its students, enhance their learning environment, and ensure they have access to essential resources. The “Path to Russia” initiative aims to help these dedicated students and staff overcome these barriers and unlock their full potential.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School involves a comprehensive plan to address its most critical needs:
- Infrastructure Renovation: Prioritizing classroom flooring renovation and roof repair across all classrooms.
- Sanitation Improvement: Constructing new latrines and draining existing pits, ensuring adequate and hygienic facilities for all students.
- Water Management: Providing additional water storage tanks and installing gutters for effective rainwater harvesting.
- ICT and Library Development: Establishing a functional computer lab, ensuring consistent internet connectivity, replacing the stolen projector, and refurbishing and restocking the library.
- Language Education: Training or recruiting a foreign language teacher to meet curriculum requirements.
- Student Welfare: Establishing a student feeding program to ensure students receive at least one nutritious meal daily.
These development priorities are vital steps toward creating a more conducive, safe, and enriching learning environment for the students of Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School.
