We are proud to announce the successful completion of the permanent classroom at Nakuru Grace Academy, allowing them to expand their provision safely and sustainably to support students in Grades 7–9.
The Challenges
Nakuru Grace Academy is a privately owned school providing free education to 202 children from nursery through to grade 6. Students leave after grade 6 because the school doesn’t have the infrastructure to support grades 7-9. Many students are unable to find a new free school to attend, which results in many of them dropping out of education altogether. Children in Kenya who drop out of school early can face a range of long-term social, economic and health risks.
Nakuru Grace started the construction of a permanent classroom to cater for grades 7-9, but ran out of funding, so building work came to a halt.
Through African Adventures Foundation, the Catholic Diocese – a volunteers church kindly donated funds so the classroom could be completed.
Construction of the classroom
The funding enabled the completion of the permanent classroom, transforming an unfinished structure into a safe, fully functioning learning environment for students progressing into Grades 7–9.
The construction project was delivered in four planned phases.
The initial phase focused on the structural elements of the building, including the substructures, reinforced concrete works, walling and lintel installation, as well as fitting the windows.
The second phase concentrated on completing the internal finishes and installing doors to secure the classrooms. Ceiling boards were then installed during the third phase, before the final phase completed the electrical works, ensuring the classrooms were fully operational and equipped with lighting.
The impact
The completion of the new classroom has already had a significant impact on both students and their families. Previously, many families experienced financial and social strain when their children were forced to transfer to another school after Grade 6, often facing additional fees, long travel distances or difficulty securing a place in another free school. By enabling students to continue their education at Nakuru Grace Academy through Grades 7–9, the project has removed a major barrier to learning continuity and helped reduce the disruption, learning gaps and increased risk of school dropouts associated with changing schools.
The new classroom also provides a much-improved learning environment, with bright, well-lit and ventilated spaces that create a more comfortable and effective setting for education. Multiple power outlets have been installed to support digital literacy lessons and future technology-based learning opportunities.
The expanded facilities have also increased the school’s capacity to accommodate more pupils while maintaining stable enrolment and allowing siblings to remain together within the same school community.
Next steps
Following the successful completion of the permanent classroom, we are delighted that a second round of funding has now been secured to continue the school’s expansion. Thanks to the generous support of the Jephcott Charitable Trust, Nakuru Grace Academy will begin constructing a further two external classrooms later this year.
