Our School News Log
Recent news + school activity
over the years.
Ecology and Conservation Trip to the Giraffe Centre
On the 15th of January,2025, a total of 48 children accompanied by 2 teachers went on an Ecology and Conservation trip to the Giraffe Centre. Each year the Education department at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (Kenya) AFEW, allocate places free of charge to school children who would otherwise not be able to take part in such trips.
The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya) is a Kenyan non-profit organisation whose main purpose is to educate Kenyan school children and youth on their country's wildlife and environment.
Patmos School is extremely grateful to Mr Victor Ochieng, Tourism and Conservation Education Officer in the Education Department of AFEW (K), for organising and facilitating this trip for the children.
The children were delighted to be able to see the giraffes close up and to be able to feed them, January 2025
The children learnt about a variety of animals including crocodiles. January 2025
Donation of Funds for Grade 9 Text Books
In December 2024 the school received a donation from Viv who is a dear friend and supporter of the school from the UK. Together with her friends who belong to an art club in the village where Viv lives, they raised funds from the sale of art and craft items at a Christmas coffee morning. They decided to send these funds to Patmos Cottage School. With this donation the Founder of the school, Richard Wanjala Manya, at the start of the new year in January 2025, was able to purchase much needed Grade 9 text books. In total 36 text books were purchased, 4 copies of each of the 9 subjects studied in Grade 9.
There are currently 18 pupils in the Grade 9 class and before receiving this donation, the pupils were having to share the few text books they had with several other children at the same time. This made studying and concentrating on a particular subject very difficult for the children. Therefore, these additional text books will make a huge difference to the pupils and their lessons and it crucially means that the children have to now only share a text book with one other person (a ratio of 1:2).
Patmos Cottage School is extremely grateful to Viv and her friends in the art club for their kind donation and for all their past support.
Patmos Cottage School children with some of the new Grade 9 text books. January 2025.
The Grade 9 text books donated cover a wide range of subjects including Maths, English and Integrated Science. January 2025
Patmos Cottage School Resumes Lessons 2025
Patmos Cottage School resumed lessons on Monday 6th January, 2025. Children and staff have started the new school year with energy, enthusiasm and a resolve to achieve their goals. In total there are now 234 children enrolled at the school (110 boys and 124 girls). The school which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, is under the leadership of Founder and Director, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya. The Headmistress, Mrs. Peragia Masinde, oversees a team of 11 teachers and there are also 3 school social workers, as well as a librarian, an accountant and a community liaison officer. The ancillary staff which include 3 cooks, 3 cleaners and 5 security personnel also play an important role at Patmos Cottage School.
We wish all the children well and give our thanks to the teaching staff and all the staff at the school for their dedication and commitment to the children. Our thanks also to Yatima Outreach and Orphan Outreach for all their amazing help and support.
Pupils at Patmos Cottage School. January 2025
The Headmistress and teaching staff at Patmos Cottage School. January 2025.
Maize and Bean Harvest for 2024.
During the December school break, the Founder of Patmos Cottage School visited the school maize farm. He reported that from the 4 acres of land that was rented in 2024 a total of 82 x 90Kg sacks of maize and 2 x 90 Kg sacks of beans were harvested in 2024. A different variety of beans were planted this year but unfortunately due to unpredictable weather (unreliable and erratic rainfall patterns), pests, diseases and poor soil quality, this variety did not yield a good harvest. Land rental prices escalated last year as the demand for rental land has increased. Therefore, Richard has prudently negotiated with the land owner to allow him to continue renting the 4 acres of land for a consecutive period of three years. Some of the sacks of maize harvested will be sold to fund the land rental costs, equipment hire and fertiliser for the maize farm. The remainder of the maize will be sold to purchase food items such as fruit, eggs and some meat to enrich and fortify the meals provided at Patmos Cottage School so as to ensure a balanced, healthy diet. The 2 sacks of beans will be sold and the funds raised used to buy the common variety of beans which will then be planted this year interspersed with the maize.
To read more about the maize farm click here
Some of the 90 Kg sacks of maize harvested in 2024.
December 2024
Recognition Ceremony held for Former Pupil.
On 11th December, 2024 a Recognition Ceremony was held at Patmos Cottage School in honour of former pupil Elvis Ouma. This is one of the outstanding success stories of Patmos Cottage School since its inception. Elvis joined the Grade 4 class at Patmos School in 2010 and with the support and guidance of the Founder of the school Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya together with the Yatima Outreach team he went through his studies to Grade 8 and achieved high marks in the KCPE exams. With the assistance of the Yatima Outreach sponsorship team, he completed his secondary schooling in 2018 and secured a place at university. He has just recently successfully completed a bachelors degree in Commerce and Finance and is now in employment at a software company where he has a position as a social skills developer.
Eight post graduate pupils from Patmos Cottage School were taken through a motivational session by Elvis where he taught them about important lessons he had learnt during his academic journey. He spoke of the importance of family including for him the wider Patmos School and Yatima Outreach family, mentors from the university, as well as surrounding himself with a good network of friends. He spoke to the pupils of the importance for discipline, hard work and faith especially at challenging times. The event concluded with a special lunch and a celebration cake. We wish Elvis well in the next chapter of his life!
Elvis cutting the special celebration cake with the Founder of the school Richard and Elijah the Yatima Outreach Sponsorship officer. December 2024
Elvis with his mentor at Patmos Cottage School, the Founder Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya. December 2024.
Patmos Cottage School Christmas Party
Christmas for many is a time for joy and celebration. However, the stark reality is that for millions of children around the world like those in Mathare, whose parents live on less than a $1 a day, Christmas day is just the same as any other day. So it was with great joy and much excitement that the children looked forward to their party.
The school welcomed 182 pupils including graduates as well as 31 staff and 6 visitors from Parkland Baptist Church led by Madam Moreen Wambulwa. There were Christmas carols, presentations and speeches from departmental heads as well as festive games and a lovely Christmas meal followed by cake. The visitors shared a hot lunch with the staff and spoke with the children before presenting their donations of scholastic materials, printing paper, stationery and sweets and biscuits.
A wonderful and memorable occasion was had by the whole Patmos Cottage School fraternity.
Patmos Cottage School children having fun at the school Christmas party. December 2024.
The cutting of the cake ceremony in honour of the guests from Parkland Baptist Church. December 2024.
Patmos Cottage School Record for 2024
As the current school year comes to a close the record for Patmos Cottage School as at November 2024 is that there are 200 children enrolled at the school, 40 children who graduated from Patmos Cottage School are in secondary school, 7 children are currently at university and 2 children are enrolled in vocational studies. One pioneer student who completed his primary school education at Patmos Cottage School successfully completed his bachelor’s degree in finance and has secured employment.
This record is a remarkable achievement for the school and high praise must be given to the Founder Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, the Headmistress and all the staff at the school for all their hard work and dedication to the children. Our thanks also to Orphan Outreach and their kind supporters and Yatima Outreach for their unwavering support and commitment to Patmos Cottage School.
We wish the pupils and all the staff a good school break and look forward to welcoming them all back in January.
Pupils at Patmos Cottage School. November 2024
Teaching staff at Patmos Cottage School. November 2024
Two Day Team-Building Event
A Two day Team Building event took place on 28th/29th November, 2024. Those attending the event included Yatima Outreach Departmental Heads and staff from Narok, Bungoma School and Patmos Cottage School. The activities involved building strong bonds amongst staff, embracing differences and sharing opinions to achieve a common goal.
There were talks by the Human Resources manager on HR Policy, the Patmos Cottage School Head social worker spoke on child protection and safe-guarding policies and the communications co-ordinator took the teams through communications policy. The BIG Outreach team conducted 2 sessions which focused on team work and leadership skills, work life balance, mental health, team support and collaborative sacrifices, problem solving and conflict resolution and trust and leadership amongst other topics. The team building program concluded with an award ceremony and certificates were presented for the Department of the Year and Employee of the year award for 2024.
Staff from Yatima Outreach, Patmos Cottage School, Narok and Bungoma School who attended the event. November 2024
The Yatima Outreach Executive Director Mr. Tom Wambulwa addressing the staff. November 2024
Two Day Team-Building Event
A Two day Team Building event took place on 28th/29th November, 2024. Those attending the event included Yatima Outreach Departmental Heads and staff from Narok, Bungoma School and Patmos Cottage School. The activities involved building strong bonds amongst staff, embracing differences and sharing opinions to achieve a common goal.
There were talks by the Human Resources manager on HR Policy, the Patmos Cottage School Head social worker spoke on child protection and safe-guarding policies and the communications co-ordinator took the teams through communications policy. The BIG Outreach team conducted 2 sessions which focused on team work and leadership skills, work life balance, mental health, team support and collaborative sacrifices, problem solving and conflict resolution and trust and leadership amongst other topics. The team building program concluded with an award ceremony and certificates were presented for the Department of the Year and Employee of the year award for 2024.
Staff from Yatima Outreach, Patmos Cottage School, Narok and Bungoma School who attended the event. November 2024
The Yatima Outreach Executive Director Mr. Tom Wambulwa addressing the staff. November 2024
Vacation Bible Study at Patmos Cottage School
On Monday 11th – Friday 15th November, 2024 a Vacation Bible Study (VBS) event took place at Patmos Cottage School. VBS is an outreach event that many churches offer, usually during school breaks, to connect with the children and families in their communities. Each day of this week long fun-filled program had a set of activities planned with different facilitators. Through engaging storytelling, interactive discussions, and creative exercises, pupils were encouraged to delve into the depths of biblical teachings, allowing them to connect the November VBS theme of "birth of Jesus Christ" to their own lives. The VBS welcomed an average of 273 children each day. Through the dedication of Patmos Cottage staff and the enthusiasm of the children, the VBS succeeded in creating a memorable and impactful experience where children could both learn and have fun, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of their faith and moral values.
Orphan Outreach/Yatima Outreach and Patmos Cottage School are passionate about conscious living and spirituality. Pupils from Patmos Cottage School have attended the VBS consistently since 2016.
Children attending a lesson during VBS week. November 2024
Children participating in a fun event at the VBS event. November 2024.
Graduation Day for Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) Pupils
On 31st October 2024, Patmos Cottage School celebrated the graduation of 20 Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) pupils (10 boys and 10 girls), in a memorable ceremony attended by staff, parents and fellow students. The event highlighted the achievements of these young children as they completed their early years of education marking an important milestone in their academic journey. The ceremony featured a heartfelt cake-cutting session and a special prize-giving segment, where each graduate was recognised for their hard work and achievements. Teachers and administrators presented the graduates with awards, acknowledging their individual progress and dedication. Smiles and pride filled the air as each child received their prize, embodying the joy and significance of this occasion. The event not only recognised the children's accomplishments but also reinforced the supportive role of parents and teachers in nurturing future success.
Patmos Cottage School Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) children celebrating with their teacher on their Graduation day. October 2024.
The Graduation cake baked especially to celebrate this special occasion. October 2024.
Patmos Cottage School hosts National KPSEA exams
Patmos Cottage School was recommended by the Sub County Education Officer to host 3 schools whose Grade 6 pupils were sitting the KPSEA national exam. There was a rehearsal for this event on 25th October with briefings by the exam supervisors and invigilators to the children. The Patmos Cottage School Education Department then successfully hosted these exams over a 3 day period from 28th to 30th October, 2024. In total 98 children participated in the assessments at our facility which were aimed at assessing pupils’ performance at a national level.
The collaboration with Roots Institute and SHOFCO Girls to host their KPSEA candidates was a positive step towards fostering educational partnerships within our community. The Patmos Cottage School Education Department is proud to have provided the facilities and support needed for a successful assessment period and is committed to continuing its support for national educational initiatives. This event highlights our commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, reinforcing our role as an educational hub in the region.
Grade 6 pupils from Patmos Cottage School about to sit their KPSEA national exams. October 2024
Pupils from SHOFCO Girls school and Roots Institute sitting their KPSEA national exams at Patmos Cottage School. October 2024
A Family from France Visit the School.
On the 22nd October, 2024 Patmos Cottage School had the pleasure of hosting a family from France. The visitors learnt about the school through the school website and were inspired to visit the school. They were warmly welcomed by the Founder Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya and the Headmistress who took them on a tour of the school. The family, pupils and staff then congregated in the school playground where the students proudly performed a presentation. The visitors then introduced themselves to everyone and shared uplifting and motivational messages of encouragement to the pupils before donating an assortment of supplies which included school stationery, sanitary pads and toiletries.
Visits like this are extremely beneficial to the children. The school community are deeply grateful to the family for their kindness in taking the time out of their busy schedule to visit the school and for donating such thoughtful gifts.
The family from France introducing themselves to the children. October 2024
The donated items included school stationery and toiletries. October 2024
World Sight Day event held at Patmos Cottage School.
On the 10th October in honour of World Sight Day 2024, the Kenya Association of Opticians in collaboration with their healthcare and corporate partners visited Patmos Cottage School to provide free eye screenings for students and staff.
In total 180 pupils and 20 members of staff participated in this event. The opticians worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure any potential vision problems were identified early. In addition to the screenings the pupils were briefed in their respective classes on the importance of proper eye care and of having regular check-ups. Children requiring corrective lenses were fitted with free glasses. For those in need of follow-up care, arrangements were made to ensure they receive the necessary treatment.
Members of the Kenya Association of Opticians visited Patmos Cottage School to carry out free eye screenings. October 2024
Children were fitted with free glasses. October 2024
Visit to Nairobi Trade Fair
On the 26th September, 2024 a group of children from Patmos School accompanied by teachers visited the Nairobi Trade Fair.
Whilst there the pupils had the opportunity to visit various stations including The Kenya fisheries Service, The Military, the Public Land and Administration Service as well as the Judiciary where they were able to ask questions about careers related to law.
At the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre Stand they were taught about the benefits of high-quality animal germplasm and the relevance of this in productivity, they also learnt about the important research that is taking place by the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
Patmos School children and teachers visit the Nairobi Trade Fair. September 2024.
The children visiting one of the many stations at the Trade Fair.. September 2024.
Founder visits School Maize Farm
During the school break in August the Founder of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, travelled to the school maize farm in Kitale, Trans Nzoia District. He reported that the maize crop was doing well and that the harvest is expected in November.
Lessons have now resumed at Patmos Cottage School. This is a particularly busy term for the teachers and children, and especially for those children in Grade 3 and Grade 6 classes who, under the new school curriculum, will be studying hard for the National exams they will be sitting in October. We wish them all well!
The maize crop at the school maize farm in Kitale will be harvested in November. The maize is used in the School Feeding Program. August 2024
Home Visits for Sponsors during Medical Mission Camp
During the two day Medical Camp household visits were conducted by Yatima Outreach in partnership with Patmos Cottage School for donors who participated in the Medical Camp in Mathare. The visits aimed to connect the donors with the families they support through the Yatima Outreach Sponsorship Program at Patmos Cottage School.
School social workers in collaboration with the sponsorship officer carefully selected 8 families to participate in the visits. Prior to the visits a needs assessment was conducted of the families and it was determined that a food package would be the most beneficial gift for the families due to the rising cost of living. The package included maize and wheat flour, cooking oil, sugar, salt and bars of soap. These visits provided a personalised experience for the donors allowing them to witness first-hand the challenges faced by families living in Mathare and the positive impact and changes the sponsorship program brings.
Essential food items and soap were delivered to families during the home visits. June 2024
Vacation Bible School run by Medical Mission Team USA
During the two day Medical Mission Camp held in June, the medical team from the USA and their friends also helped run a Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Patmos Cottage School. Each day had many activities led by dedicated facilitators, aimed at making sure every child had fun and learned valuable lessons. The sessions used Bible stories and topics to help children understand the June VBS theme of "God answers prayers”. Through storytelling, discussions, and creative exercises, children were encouraged to connect the theme to their own lives. The VBS welcomed an average of 220 children each day where there were interactive games such as tug of war, balloon races, dancing and singing. The event aimed to create a fun and memorable experience, helping children understand their faith and moral values better. Through the dedication of Patmos Cottage School staff, our visitors from the USA and the enthusiasm of the children, the VBS was a resounding success.
The VBS lessons were fun and interactive. June 2024
Medical Mission Team from USA visit Patmos School
Yatima Outreach, in partnership with Patmos Cottage School, conducted a comprehensive two-day medical health check camp at the school on 28th and 29th June 2024. The Medical Mission team was led by Dr. Pike Roper and he was assisted by colleagues from across the USA. Dr. Daniel Busela, the local school doctor, was also present at this event as the team were keen to work with local people. Dr. Daniel has been supporting the school for many years.
The medical team provided free services to all pupils and staff which included a full health check. A dedicated medical team of 18 specialists, 2 clinical officers and 2 nurses from the USA carried out health examinations on a total of 221 children and adults who received general consultations, eye sight tests and dental examinations. Blood tests where necessary were also carried out and medication prescribed and distributed.
The Medical Mission team from the USA who provided health checks for pupils and staff at Patmos Cottage School. June 2024.
Dr. Daniel Busela, the local school doctor, assisting the medical team from the USA. June 2024.
Patmos School and Yatima Outreach help families
Patmos School has now reopened after providing help and assistance to families affected by the floods. Over the last few weeks the school has been used as a shelter for some of the many school families and staff who sadly lost their homes. The school has also provided safe storage areas at the school for families to store what few possessions they were able to salvage from their homes.
Founder and Director of the school Richard Wanjala Manya also invited homeless families to shelter in his church as they looked for houses to rent and relocate. Patmos School management partnered with Yatima Outreach and supported 60 of the most vulnerable households and have funded their rental payments for a period of two months.
If you would like to help families in Mathare who have been affected by the floods please visit the Orphan Outreach website where they are running a Care for Kenya appeal. https://orphanoutreach.org