Every time I walk through the streets of Maji Ya Chai, I am reminded of the power of education, not just for children, but for the entire community. I’ve lived and worked here for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how access to learning can change lives, shape futures, and strengthen the bonds that hold a community together.

At Cherith Junior School, education goes beyond the classroom. It touches families, inspires neighbours, and builds hope where it might once have been scarce. I’ve watched children who once hesitated to speak or ask questions grow into confident, curious learners. Their confidence doesn’t stop at the school gates; it radiates into their homes and into the wider neighbourhood. Parents become more involved, neighbours notice the change, and slowly, the community begins to grow together.

I remember one little girl who arrived shy and quiet, unsure of her place in the world. Over months of patient guidance and encouragement, she started reading aloud, helping her classmates, and even sharing ideas for community projects. Her transformation was more than academic; it inspired her family to believe that they, too, could dream bigger. Moments like that remind me why education is so much more than lessons; it’s hope in action.

As Kofi Annan once said:

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”

I have seen this truth in Maji Ya Chai every day. Education empowers children to dream, equips them with skills to build their future, and strengthens the entire community. When children learn and grow, their families gain confidence, neighbours are inspired, and the cycle of opportunity expands.

At Cherith Junior School, we celebrate these everyday victories, smiles, small achievements, and newfound confidence. Each child’s success is a story of hope for Maji Ya Chai, a reminder that education is the foundation of stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.