Adult Literary Schools – update

Satemwa JB adult literary schools have now entered their second term.  Registered students have stabilised at 550, although during the harvest period and post growing season when seasonal workers leave the estate, the numbers dropped by around 100.  However, the numbers have picked back up into this new term.

Satemwa’s headmaster noted this pattern is normal and the same is seen in the primary school.

School operates from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.  Students can attend any of the four learning centres around the estate so long as they are a Satemwa worker or their spouse.  Due to space restrictions and limited number of local teachers, the JB cannot open the schools up to the whole community of 36,000 people, although judging by the 30% take-up amongst Satemwa staff, there is a clear hunger for more learning.

There are now 21 teachers across the scheme and students ages range from 18 to 70 years old.  However, some of the oldest lady students do not know their exact age.

Satemwa managers have noted that not only are the students hapy to be learning new skills like literacy, numeracy, English and life skills classes, but they are also more motivated at work.  Mr Gomani, manager in STE coffee division suggested “some of my staff are starting to show more confidence now with writing, keeping records and reading English, but it is early days.  I will make a study after one year”