On July 7, 2025, the Path to Russia team had the pleasure of visiting Kibutha Mixed Secondary School in Kangema Constituency, Murang’a County. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by vibrant greenery, the school welcomed us with unmatched warmth, curiosity, and an eagerness to engage with the wider world.

The visit, which ran from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, was centered around a Russian language and culture session attended by 51 of the school’s best-performing students. From the moment we stepped into the classroom, the energy was undeniable—students smiled brightly, asked thoughtful questions, and actively participated in every segment of the session. Their quick grasp of new language concepts and their insightful reflections on Russian culture spoke volumes about their curiosity and academic strength.

The farewell was unexpectedly emotional. As the session ended, students expressed their joy and gratitude for the experience, creating a heartfelt moment that underlined just how meaningful cultural exposure can be in the life of a young learner.

Led by Principal Mrs. Naomi Wanjiku Kiharu, who has headed the school since 2020, Kibutha Mixed has made great strides in infrastructure and learner development. The school accommodates 87 students from Form 2 to Form 4, supported by 13 teachers, and is known for strong performance in Christian Religious Education (CRE), Kiswahili, and Home Science.

While Kibutha has avoided many of the common challenges faced by other rural schools—such as lack of feeding programs, uniform shortages, or documentation issues—it still faces critical gaps in facilities and equipment. The school maintains a thriving garden that supplies vegetables like cabbage, skuma wiki, and bananas, supporting its well-structured feeding program, which is covered by an annual fee of KES 18,700.

Yet, several needs remain unmet. These include:

• Fully equipping the Home Science lab with modern appliances and tools
• Renovating the science labs and improving water and sanitation infrastructure
• Setting up internet access and a functional computer lab
• Providing tables for the dining hall and installing electricity in the Home Science room
• Introducing Kikuyu-language books to support indigenous language learning
• Enhancing the meal plan to include protein-rich foods like eggs and meat at least once a week

Madam Naomi, along with her deputy Mr. Mwangi Ifrahim Kimani, have shown remarkable leadership and a clear vision for the school’s growth. Their commitment to creating a safe, stimulating, and globally connected learning environment is evident in both words and action.

Our visit to Kibutha was not just a workshop—it was a testament to what’s possible when learning meets openness and inspiration meets opportunity. We left Kangema with full hearts and a firm commitment to continue building our partnership with the school and supporting their journey toward growth, innovation, and global connection.