Our School News Log
Recent news + school activity
over the years.
Visit by County Regional Director of Education
On the 10th May, 2023 the County Regional Director of Education (RDE) visited Patmos Cottage School for an important meeting. The meeting was attended by Directors and Heads of APBET schools (Alternative Providers of Basic Education and Training) within Mathare. Also present at this meeting were the Nairobi Region Director of Education and the Nairobi Region Director for Quality Assurance as well as the project officer from Yatima Outreach. The main agenda was focused on discussions and concerns raised by the APBET schools concerning school management and the proposed establishment of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in every primary institution.
The Directors and Heads of APBET schools attended the meeting at Patmos Cottage School. May 2023
Patmos Cottage School - Maize Farm Project
On the 10th April, 2023 Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya visited the school maize farm. He reported that beans had been interplanted with the maize. The first weeding of the fields has now commenced and is expected to take two or three days to complete, this process will then be repeated in about a month’s time. Once the weeding has finished eurea will be spread to help nourish the maize crop. Eurea is primarily used as a fertiliser and is a chloride free ice melting salt. The first crop of beans are expected to be harvested in June when a second season bean planting will take place. The maize and beans grown at the farm are used to supplement the School Feeding Program.
The farm worker busy at work carrying out the first lot of weeding. The maize has been intercropped with beans this year. April 2023
Donation of Solar Lanterns
On 31st March, 2023 the Founder and Administrator of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, received a donation of 17 solar lanterns from Japanese NGO First Access. First Access is a Non-governmental non-profit making organisation. They support children in Africa and are committed to provide continuous support to off-grid children with donations of solar lanterns. Patmos Cottage School were donated 10 solar lanterns with the remaining 7 lanterns designated for families in the rural Mount Elgon region.
Children at Patmos Cottage School and in the remote Mount Elgon region received solar lanterns. April 2023
Patmos Cottage School Healthcare Program
Under the Patmos Cottage School Healthcare Program, (SHP), on the 21st and 22nd March, 2023 the children received the first of their biannual health checks. Dr. Daniel Busela has been supporting the school for the past ten years and during that time he has provided the children with half yearly health checks, de-worming treatments and oral vitamin supplements.
A total of 220 children were seen by the doctor over the two day period. Dr. Daniel commented on the good health of the majority of the children which in no small part he attributed to the School Feeding Program.
Dr. Daniel Busela carrying out health checks on pupils at Patmos Cottage School. March 2023
Visit by Orphan Outreach Programs Director
On the 13th March, 2023 Mr. Mortimer Jones, Orphan Outreach Programs Director, visited Patmos Cottage School. He was given a guided tour and briefed on the history of the school by Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, Founder and Administrator. Mr. Jones interacted with staff and pupils and also met with post graduate students who transitioned from the school and who are now attending university. During his time at the school the guest was taken through specific programs implemented at Patmos Cottage school aimed at giving a holistic development approach to the pupils and employees, e.g. the school feeding program, psycho-social support, sanitation, library sessions during holidays as well as games and Vocational Bible studies for all students over the holiday periods. Mr. Jones was very impressed about the implementation of (CBC) curriculum-based competency and its expected outcome for the pupils.
Mr. Mortimer Jones playing with the children during his visit to Patmos Cottage School. March 2023
Yatima Outreach donate text books and teachers' guide books
On 23rd Feb 2023 Patmos Cottage School received new copies of text books from Yatima Outreach for the Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils. The school librarian has been busy cataloging and stamping the books prior to entering them onto the library data base.
Teachers’ guide books for various subjects were also donated. The librarian aims to cover the books with protective coverings to prolong the shelf life of these books as soon as the material has been procured.
Patmos Cottage School is very grateful to Yatima Outreach for these much needed books.
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The Headmistress, Mrs. Peragia Masinde, with some of the donated text books and teachers' guide books. February 2023
Donation of Reference Books
On Monday 20th February, 2023 Patmos Cottage School received a donation of reference books from Lyons Tutorial College courtesy of its proprietor, Madam Lucy Gakundi.
The books have since been classified according to learning areas by the school librarian. The Head teacher Mrs. Peragia Masinde was extremely grateful for this donation and took Madam Lucy on a guided tour of the school. Refreshments were then served in the school office.
Headmistress Mrs. Peragia Masinde with Madam Lucy Gakundi from the Lyons Tutorial College. February 2023
Student Council Elections held at Patmos Cottage School
On 17th February, 2023 Patmos Cottage School held the annual student council elections. Those elected to the council were the President, Vice President, Senators and Governors for the various classes.
Pupils had previously been notified of the vacant positions and were encouraged to apply for those roles within a specified time frame. The following day the deputy Headteacher and departmental heads briefed the newly elected council members about their specific roles. These elections are aimed at capacity building.
Voting at the Student Council Elections which were held at the school. February 2023
Patmos Cottage School welcomes new Teacher
On 16th Feb 2023 the Patmos Cottage School fraternity welcomed a new member of staff. Teacher Rebecca Barrazza will be responsible for facilitating the upper primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) learning areas such as English , Home Science and Agriculture.
We wish Rebecca all the very best in her new job.
The Headmistress and teaching staff at Patmos Cottage School. February 2023
Orphan Outreach member of staff visits school.
0n the 7th and 8th February, 2023 – a member of staff from Orphan Outreach USA and her friend John also from the USA visited Patmos Cottage School. The lady sponsors a child at the school and during her time there she was given a tour of the new school building. She was also able to interact and play with the children and meet with staff.
On the second day the visitor accompanied by two of her friends made a home visit and met with the parents of a child at the school where she donated food items and other essential household products. During her time in Kenya she also visited two other projects that are supported by Orphan Outreach.
The visitor from the USA playing with some of the children at Patmos Cottage School. February 2023
Students from USA visit Patmos Cottage School
In late January 2023 a group of 4 students who were on an academic tour visited Patmos Cottage School.
During their time at the school the students interacted with teaching staff and children and took part in lessons in the classrooms. They also made a home visit to a family in Mathare where they donated food and other items to a family who live there.
The group of students from the USA donating bags of shopping to a family during their home visit in Mathare. January 2023
School Conservation and Ecology trip.
On Tuesday January 31st, 2023 a total of 48 children accompanied by 1 teacher and 1 school social worker went on an Ecology and Conservation trip to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Each year the education department at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (Kenya) AFEW, allocate places free of charge to school children who would not otherwise be able to take part in such trips.
The AFEW (K) has been supporting Patmos Cottage School for several years now and many children from the school have benefitted from being able to go on these educational visits.
Patmos Cottage School children at The Giraffe Centre. Jan 2023
Orphan Outreach Mission Group visit Patmos Cottage School
On Tuesday 17th January, 2023 a Mission Group organised by Orphan Outreach visited Patmos Cottage School. During their time there they were given a tour of the new school building and took part in the launch of the school library. They were able to interact with pupils and teachers in the classroom as well as in VBS activities.
The group revisited the school on the 20th January where they were able to go on home visits to families of some of the children accompanied by members of staff.
The Orphan Outreach Mission Group outside the school. January 2023
Maize and Bean Harvest 2022
In late December, during the Christmas school break, the Founder and Director of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, visited the school maize farm. The harvest in 2022 yielded 71 x 90 KG bags of maize and 2 x 90KG bags of beans. Some of this food will be used in the School Feeding Program whilst the remainder will be sold to raise funds to purchase other items of food.
Because of the current high cost of fertiliser and for land rental, Richard has only rented 4 acres of land for the 2023 season.
Founder of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, with some of the bags of maize. December 2022
Outstanding Results in the KCPE Exams
In November 2022 pupils in the Grade 8 class sat their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. We are delighted to report that all 12 students did exceptionally well in those exams with many of them attaining scores above 300 which is well above the national 250 mark average score. The mean score for all 12 pupils who sat these exams was 300.67. Well done Patmos Cottage School children and teachers!
In March 2022 another group of Grade 8 pupils sat their exams and achieved equally remarkable results.
The 12 pupils from the Grade 8 class who achieved amazing results in their recent KCPE exams. December 2022
Patmos Cottage School Christmas Party
On Friday 9th December, 2022 Patmos Cottage School held a very colourful end of year Christmas party for pupils, staff, invited guests and community elders. In total 206 pupils, 30 staff members and 14 elders attended this event.
For many children living in disadvantaged communities and informal settlements like Mathare, they will never have received a Christmas or birthday gift or been treated to a special meal. Their parents/guardians who are often living on subsistence incomes simply would not be able to afford it. Therefore, the school Christmas party provides an opportunity for them to experience the joy and spirit of Christmas.
Patmos Cottage School Christmas Party. December 2022
Vocational Bible Study Event December 2022
Between the 5th and 8th December, 2022 pupils at Patmos Cottage School attended a Vocational Bible Study event at the school. Vocational Bible Study, (VBS) is a fun-filled program many churches offer, usually during the summer months or at the end of the school year, to connect with the children and families in their communities. It is an outreach event and the purpose is to incorporate themed activities that entertain children with the chance also to learn about God. VBS is a popular end of term activity for Christians and non-Christians alike.
Graduates attending a teaching session at the VBS event. December 2022
Kind sponsor from UK donates funds for party.
A kind sponsor from the United Kingdom donated some funds to go towards the school Christmas party. With those funds Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya (Founder of the school), was able to purchase soft drinks as well as cooking oil and other food items.
This sponsor has been a dear Friend of Patmos Cottage School for many years and during that time she has sponsored a young girl through her primary and junior school studies at the school and is now continuing to sponsor her with her secondary school fees. Thank you Viv!
Refreshments and other food items bought for the Christmas party. December 2022
Two Day Team-Building and Leadership Skills Event.
Yatima Outreach held its annual team building activity on the 1st and 2nd December 2022. It brought together Yatima Outreach employees from all its centres within and outside Nairobi. Patmos Cottage School was represented by Heads of Department and also included the school Director/Administrator Mr Richard Wanjala Manya, the Assistant Administrator, the Head teacher, Mrs. Masinde, as well as the head of the social work department and colleagues from the accounts department.
Mr. Tom Wambulwa, Country Director, and Yatima Outreach colleagues at the Two Day Team-Building event. December 2022
Grade 6 Pupils sit their National Exams in November
On 28th and 29th November, 2022 pupils in the current Grade 6 Class at Patmos Cottage School sat their national exams.
The Ministry of Education in Kenya are implementing a new educational system which commences January 2023, whereby the 2022 Grade 6 pupils and all Grade 6 pupils in subsequent years will sit a national exam. The current Grade 6 pupils will then transition to a government ‘junior secondary’ school in January 2023.
We wish all the Grade 6 pupils well in their exams.
The Grade 6 pupils who sat their National Exams on the 28th and 29th November, 2022
Grade 8 Pupils sit their KCPE exams in November
On the 28th and 29th November, 2022 the 12 pupils in the Grade 8 class sat their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams.
The results of these exams will determine which secondary schools these children will be able to attend next year. The teachers have worked extremely hard to prepare the children for these exams and the children are determined to do their very best. We wish them all well!
The Grade 8 pupils who sat their KCPE exams on 28th/29th November 2022
Prayer Day Ceremony for Grade 8 and Grade 6 pupils
On 27th November 2022 a Prayer Day ceremony took place at Patmos Cottage School for the class 8 pupils who would be sitting their KCPE exams and for the current Grade 6 pupils who for the first time would be sitting a national exam.
The ceremony was presided over by the Founder of Patmos Cottage School, Pastor Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya of the Evangelical Bible Ministry Church and it was attended by parents, teachers and the children.
Founder of Patmos Cottage School, Pastor Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya led the prayers for the Grade 8 and Grade 6 pupils. November 2022
Graduation Ceremony for PP2 children at Patmos Cottage School
On 25th November 2022 Patmos Cottage school held a graduation ceremony for PP2 pupils. The event was to celebrate these children transitioning to Grade 1 in January 2023 and was attended by parents/guardians, teachers and all the school children.
As well as performances from the current PP1 and Grade 5 classes, there was a celebration cake and each of the graduates received a certificate of achievement. The event was organized by PP2 Class teacher Madam Resquiter Imali.
Class teacher Madam Resquiter Imali with the PP2 pupils who will be transitioning to Grade 1 in 2023. November 2022 .
Parents' Meeting at Patmos Cottage School
On 24th November, 2022 at the close of the school year, a parents’ meeting was held at which over 100 parents/guardians were in attendance. The meeting lasted for 2 hours during which the head school social worker and the school academic master encouraged the parents to create a good learning environment at home for the children during the long school break.
The Director and Founder of Patmos Cottage School, Mr Richard Wanjala Manya, then addressed the parents and gave a school progress report, he also highlighted all the events and developments that had happened at the school during the 2022 school year.
The Founder and Director of Patmos Cottage School addressing parents/guardians at the parents' meeting. November 2022
School Healthcare Program 2022
On the 17th and 18th November, 2022 Doctor Daniel Okal Busela , together with his nurse, carried out health checks on the children at Patmos Cottage School as well as administering deworming preparations at his clinic on the respective dates.
Whilst the majority of the children were reported to be in good health, some children needed treatment for fungal and intestinal worm infections.
Dr. Daniel Okal Busela carrying out health checks on children at Patmos Cottage School. November 2022
KNEC National Education Projects
In August children at Patmos Cottage School participated in Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) national education projects. These included a music project where parents and guardians were invited to attend the event as well as an agriculture project which entailed the children rearing chicks and learning about the importance of good husbandry resulting in healthy chicks.
The home science projects focused on teaching the children the method of stewing foods such as potatoes and green bananas.
Patmos Cottage School children learning about the method of stewing during a Home Science class. August 2022
Footprints Program (KIOTA) for parents held at Patmos Cottage School
On the 26th August, 2022 the KIOTA Footprints program was held at the school for parents and guardians of the school children. The KIOTA program is a grassroots initiative meant to encourage youth civic responsibility and leadership development among young people in vulnerable communities. Working within different schools within Mathare they are able to engage with young children and focus on reshaping the mindsets of these children. Through 'change talks' they prompt young people to think further on how to individually contribute to change in their community. Chess is also taught to the children and continuously used to mentor them and nurture critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Parents and Guardians attending the Footprints Program which was held at Patmos Cottage School. August 2022
Patmos Cottage School - solar panels cleaned.
Periodical cleaning of the solar panels on the school roof commenced last year to help reduce dust accumulating on the panels. During the month of July a comprehensive clean of the panels was completed.
We are pleased to report that this has resulted in improved lighting of the school premises and a good supply of water from the school bore hole.
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In July the solar panels on the school roof were cleaned.
July 2022
Patmos Cottage School receives stationery supplies
In July 2022 Patmos Cottage School received a donation of stationery supplies. Those children in Pre-School received pencils, rubbers and sharpeners and the Primary school children were issued with biro pens.
The school is grateful to Yatima Outreach for this kind donation.
Patmos Cottage School children receiving pens and pencils at the start of the new school term. July 2022
Visit by County Regional Director of Education
On the 13th July a preparation meeting was held at Patmos Cottage School ahead of the visit by the County Regional Director of Education (RDE) on the 15th July. The meeting was attended by Directors of APBET schools within the Hospital ward Mathare.
APBET schools (Alternative Providers of Basic Education and Training) are a significant provider of education in Kenya; particularly in urban, informal settlements.
The Founder and Director of Patmos Cottage School, Mr Richard Wanjala Manya,was the school host for this meeting. July 2022
School Maize Farm -Update
In July the maize farm manager reported that this year due to insufficient rains, the bean crop has only just been planted. The cost of fertiliser has risen significantly and is now double last year’s price. Therefore, in an attempt to get the best results from fewer bags of fertiliser, the farm worker has had to space the maize crop out this year. The beans will be intercropped with the maize. The Founder of Patmos Cottage School plans to visit the school maize farm in mid August.
The maize and beans grown at the school maize farm are used in the School Feeding Program. July 2022
The Day of the African Child
On the 11th July, 2022 two pupils from Patmos Cottage School represented the school at The Day of the African Child event which was hosted by The Alliance Francaise in Nairobi. The theme of this event was 'Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children : Progress on Policy Practice since 2013 and promoting children's rights and welfare issues'.
The Day of the African Child (DAC) is celebrated at the same time every year and is a time for the world to reflect on the progress made towards children's rights, as well as the barriers they continue to face.
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The Day of the African Child event hosed by The Alliance Francaise in Nairobi. July 2022
End of Term Assembly and Awards Ceremony
On the morning of 1st July, 2022, during the end of term school assembly, an awards ceremony took place for those pupils who had significantly improved their academic performance during the term.
In the afternoon, parents and guardians of the children were invited to attend the school where they were updated on school matters and were given the opportunity to ask questions.
The Founder and Director of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, presenting the awards. July 2022
School Head teachers and Directors Seminar
On the 30th June, 2022 the Headteacher of Patmos Cottage School, Peragia Masinde, alongside other school teachers, attended a seminar organised by Plan International in conjunction with AstraZeneca. The seminar focused on awareness and the prevention of non-communicable diseases among school children.
In 2010 Plan International partnered with AstraZeneca, a global, science-led pharmaceutical company, to become a founding member of Young Health Program. The global program empowers young people to live healthier lives and create change in their communities.
The Head teacher, Mrs. Peragia Masinde, attended the Head teachers and Directors seminar organised by Plan International. June 2022
The President of Orphan Outreach USA visits School
On the 28th June, 2022 the President of Orphan Outreach USA, Mr. Rey Diaz, and the Vice President of Programs, Katherine Cheng visited Patmos Cottage School. They were accompanied by Breann Schwasinger who works alongside Katherine as well as Yatima Outreach corporate staff. The guests were given a guided tour by the Founder of the school, Mr Richard Wanjala Manya, and the Head teacher Peragia Masinde. The visitors were very impressed with the school and the efforts of the staff to provide good educational and pastoral support to the children. Orphan Outreach have been supporting and working alongside Patmos Cottage School since 2012.
In June the President of Orphan Outreach, Mr. Rey Diaz, visited Patmos Cottage School. June 2022
Student Council General Elections
On the 10th June Patmos Cottage School held elections to appoint pupils to the Students’ Council. Among those elected were the President, Vice President as well as Senators and Governors for the various classes.
Thereafter, on the 14th June an induction session was held by the deputy Headteacher when the roles of the incoming prefects were outlined.
In June Student Council Elections were held at Patmos Cottage School. June 2022
National Research Foundation Consortium
On the 3rd and 4th June, two senior teachers from Patmos Cottage School attended the State House Girls’ Secondary School, Nairobi where a National Research Foundation (NRF) Consortium event was held.
Patmos Cottage School had previously participated in a collaborative research project with NRF on enhancing mental health and psycho-social support to address the effects of covid-19 among primary and secondary schools. Feedback from the research project was provided to the teachers and they were empowered to support pupils going forward based on the findings.
Two senior teachers from Patmos Cottage School attended a National Research Foundation event. June 2022
School Healthcare Program 2022
On the 7th and 8th June, 2022 Dr. Daniel Busela, a local doctor in Mathare who has been supporting the children at Patmos Cottage School over many years, carried out health checks on 210 children at the school.
The children were also given oral vitamin supplements and deworming preparations.
Dr. Daniel Busela and his nurse carrying out health checks on the children at Patmos Cottage School. June 2022
Patmos Cottage School welcomes Mr. Stephen Spencer
On Friday the 3rd of June 2022, Patmos Cottage School was delighted to receive a very distinguished guest. Mr. Stephen W. Spencer, who donated the funds for the construction of the new school building, visited the school and met with the staff and children.
Mr Spencer was accompanied by the Director of Yatima Outreach Mr Tom Wambulwa and the Founder of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya.
Mr. Stephen Spencer being presented with the plaque by the Founder and Director of Patmos Cottage School, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya. June 2022
Library Books donated by Yatima Outreach.
On the 13th May, 2022 Patmos School received a consignment of Grade 6 text books from Yatima Outreach. These books are for the pioneer Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) program.
There are seven core competencies in CBC. These are: communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, imagination and creativity, citizenship, learning to learn, self-efficacy and digital literacy. The competencies are embedded in all the learning areas at all the levels.
The donation of Grade 6 text books for use in the Competency Based Curriculum at Patmos School. May 2022
Visitors from the USA
On the 28th April, 2022 two visitors from the USA , David Hamitton and Mark Nsimbi spent time at Patmos School during a recent trip to Nairobi. They are already working with a local organisation and were very interested to see the infrastructure at the school and to learn and understand more about working with vulnerable children.
Guiding the visitors through the school curriculum and programs were Tom Wambulwa of Yatima Outreach, Richard Wanjala Manya, the Founder and Director of Patmos School, and the Headmistress Peragia Masinde.
The visitors from the USA met with the Founder and staff at Patmos School and spent time with the children. April 2022
The Start of the new School Term - April 2022
In Kenya, schools resumed on 26th of April for the 2022 academic year after a 7 week school break that the government declared. During the long holiday, Patmos school organised several non-academic activities that were aimed at keeping children productively occupied during the school break. This included a mentorship and graduate program as well as a Vacation Bible School event amongst other activities
Patmos School also continued to provide daily meals for the children under the School Feeding Program.
The start of the new school term. April 2022
Congratulations to Vivian!
A 14 year old girl from Patmos School who in April scored the highest grades in the school in her KCPE exams, has been offered a place in one of the most prominent girls’ schools in the country.
We are also delighted to report that all 13 children from Patmos School who sat their KCPE exams attained the requisite grades and were offered places in secondary schools. We wish Vivian and all the children all the very best for their future studies.
This young girl from Patmos School has just been awarded a place at a prestigious secondary school in Kenya. April 2022
Maize Farm Project 2022
During the April school break, the Founder of Patmos School, Richard Wanala Manya, visited the school maize farm. He reported that he had been able to secure a new area with fallow land and had negotiated a cheaper rental payment for this land. The soil is arable and good for agriculture. As the cost of fertiliser this year has doubled it was decided to rent only 4 acres of land in 2022.
The maize and beans grown at the farm help to support the School Feeding Program.
The 4 acres of land at the school maize farm bring prepared ahead of planting. April 2022
Vacation Bible School
During the last week of March 2022 Patmos School children attended a Vacation Bible School (VBS). This is an outreach event and the purpose is to incorporate themed activities that entertain children with the chance also to learn about God.
Vacation Bible School is a popular end of year/term activity for Christians and non-Christians alike. Churches generally run VBS for a week, and each program has its own theme that children can explore in a fun way through lessons, games and activities.
Children of all ages from Patmos School attended the VBS event held in March 2022.
Patmos School children achieve outstanding KCPE results!
In March 2022 children in the Grade 8 class at Patmos School sat their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams (KCPE).
It is with great pride that Patmos School can announce that these children achieved amazing results in those exams and Patmos School an unprecedented mean score of 322.64
The pupils who in March 2022 sat their KCPE exams and achieved amazing results!
Graduation Ceremony for pupils in PP2 class
The Graduation Ceremony took place on 9th March, 2022 at 11.00 am. with a procession marching from outside the school compound all the way to the playground on the second floor of the school building. It was led by the graduates, fellow pupils, parents/guardians and teachers.
The 19 graduates were aged between 6 - 7 years.
Pupils graduating from the Infants to the Juniors at Patmos School. March 2022
Orphan Outreach donate funds for stationery
In February with funds provided by Orphan Outreach (Yatima Outreach) pencils, rubbers and exercise books were distributed to some of the children. The children are allocated these items as and when they are needed rather than distributing a full set of stationery to each child at the beginning of every term as used to be the case.
This has proven to be a more cost effective way of ensuring best use of funds that are donated to the school.
Patmos School children receiving pencils and rubbers with funds provided by Orphan Outreach.
Parents/Teachers Evening at end of term.
At the end of term, the Head teacher and staff at Patmos School organised a Parents/Teachers evening for the parents and guardians of Patmos School children.
Present at that meeting were the Founder of Patmos School Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya together with the Head teacher Mrs. Peragia Masinde and heads of departments. The head of the school social work department was also in attendance as well as the Yatima Outreach High School Sponsorship officer and the local village Elder.
A parents/teachers evening was held at Patmos School at the end of term.
End off Term School Ceremony
On the 4th March, 2022 Patmos School children had a fun day at the End of Term Closing Ceremony.
Staff had organised lots of activities for the children including poetry recital, dancing and singing.
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Patmos School children had a fun day on the last day of term.
Prayer Service held for pupils sitting KCPE exams
In February a Prayer Service was held at Patmos School for those pupils in the Grade 8 class who were sitting their KCPE exams. The service was attended by parents and guardians of the children. The children expressed confidence and had high hopes of performing well in the exams.
To help best prepare the pupils for these important exams, teachers have been running Saturday classes at Patmos School. This was to ensure that the pupils had all covered the syllabus in full and to allow for revision of subjects.
A Prayer Service was held for those pupils sitting their KCPE exams.
Orphan Outreach donate funds for school uniforms
In February with funds provided by Orphan Outreach (Yatima Outreach) school uniforms and warm sweaters were distributed to those children who were most in need of a new uniform.
In total 15 dresses, 9 shirts, 6 pairs of shorts and 22 woollen sweaters were given to the children. All these items of uniform were made by local people in Mathare.
Some of the Patmos School children wearing their new school uniforms. February 2022
Officials from MOE carry out Covid 19 impact survey
On the 17th February, 2022 officials from the Ministry of Education in Kenya attended Patmos School to carry out a quality assessment exercise. This was in connection with Covid 19 impact data they are collecting from schools in the Nairobi region.
Pupils and staff were all asked to participate in the assessment procedure and were encouraged to give their experiences of how the covid 19 pandemic impacted them.
Officials from the Ministry of Education engaging with pupils at Patmos School during their quality assessment visit.
Strategic Planning Workshop February 2022
On the 10th February, 2022 a Strategic Planning Workshop (School Strategic Plan, Development and Methodology) was held at ACK Guest House in Nairobi. Leaders and Heads of Departments from ACK Madeleine School in Bungoma, The Naroshi Foundation in Narok and Patmos School (Yatima Outreach) in Nairobi attended this workshop.
Mr. Ombado who is an expert and consultant in strategic planning for community organisations presided over the event.
Bishop George Mechumo, Leaders and Heads of Departments who attended the Strategic Planning Workshop in February.
The Start of a New School Term - January 2022
The new school term commenced on the 4th January, 2022. Patmos School children and staff were happy to be back at school after a short break.
Because of the disruption to the normal school calendar as a result of the covid-19 pandemic these past two years, this term will be slightly shorter than usual with schools closing on the 4th March. The end of term exams will take place at the end of February.
We wish all the pupils and staff well for the 2022 school year!
Patmos School Children happy to be back at school in January 2022.
School Maize Farm Project 2022
In November 2021 a total of 87 x 90Kg bags of maize were harvested at the school maize farm. The maize and beans which are grown at the farm are used in the School Feeding Program at Patmos School.
This year the school will continue to rent 5 acres of land and the maize will be intercropped with beans.
Founder and Administrator of Patmos School, Richard Wanjala Manya, with some of the sacks of maize.
End of Year Staff Meeting and Party.
On 17th December 2021 Patmos School staff held an end of year meeting at which each member of staff was encouraged to share their thoughts, observations and recommendations.
There were closing speeches from the Headteacher, deputy Headteacher, Head of Social Work, Assistant Administrator and the Head cook.
All staff were served with snacks and lunch to celebrate the end of the school year.
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Patmos School staff attending the End of Year Meeting and Party.
End of Year Parents Meeting and Staff Awards
On 17th December, 2021 Patmos School held a parents meeting at the school from 2pm-4pm.
As well as discussing matters of school policy and pupil and school academic performance, awards were presented to members of staff in recognition of long service and dedication to the school.
Parents and Guardians attending the Parents Meeting and Staff Awards at Patmos School.
Kenya National Education Council organise Projects
During the last week of term various activities and projects were organised by the Ministry of Education through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) country wide for Grades 3, 4 and 5.
The projects included cultural activities outlining the importance of a wholesome diet, this was done using traditional songs and dances and improvised market scenes.
Patmos School children enacting a traditional market scene.
Patmos School Christmas Party 2021
On Saturday 18th December, 2021 Patmos School held the Christmas party. In total 206 children attended this event as well as school staff.
A wonderful day was had by everyone and events included face painting, singing, traditional dance and dance competitions and culminating in a lovely meal.
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Children and staff at Patmos School enjoying the Christmas party.
Patmos School Healthcare Program December 2021
On Thursday 9th and Friday 10th December, 2021 Dr Daniel Okal Busela, a local doctor in Mathare, carried out the second of the twice yearly health checks on children at Patmos School. In total the doctor and his nurse examined 181 pupils.
The children were also given oral vitamin supplements and deworming preparations.
Patmos School children receiving health checks from Dr Dan and his nurse. December 2021
Orphan Outreach supporters donate funds for text books
On the 30th November with funds donated by Orphan Outreach supporters a supply of text books were purchased. There were sufficient quantities of text books to ensure every child in each of the Grades were able to access a copy. Story books were purchased for children in the younger classes. We are delighted to report that the school library is now well stocked and children and teachers have no problem accessing school text books.
Headmistress of Patmos School, Mrs. Peragia Masinde (right) receiving text books from Yatima Outreach staff.
Two day Team-Building and Leadership Skills event.
On Friday 26th and Saturday 27th November, 2021 there was a Two Day Team-Building Event which was organised by Yatima Outreach for the Management and Heads of Department at Patmos School. The event took place at Ufungamano and Oak place respectively and members consisted of a team from Yatima Outreach and Patmos School and Yatima Corporate office staff and ACK Madeleine School from Bungoma.
Staff from Yatima Outreach, Patmos School and ACK Madeleine School, Bungoma attend two day Team-Building Event.
Daystar University Nairobi run Two Day Training event
In October a team from Daystar University, Nairobi visited Patmos School and conducted a two day training event focused on Child Protection in the interest of safeguarding the school children from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. The target group for this training was Patmos School teachers and social workers.
The event ran from the 4th – 6th October 2021 and the sessions comprised of lectures as well as practical sessions. A total of 20 staff attended this training event.
Teachers and Social Workers from Patmos School with their Champions of Child Protection Certificates.
Children receive new school uniforms
On the 30th September, 2021 Orphan Outreach supporters kindly provided funds for school uniforms for some of the children who desperately needed new school sweaters, dresses, shirts and shorts.
In total 35 pairs of shorts, 20 dresses, 12 shirts and 20 sweaters were distributed to children.
Orphan Outreach supporters fund school uniforms for some of the children. September 2021
Women in Action visit Patmos School
On the 24th September, 2021 a team from Women in Action (WIA), an organisation which is based in South Africa, visited Patmos School.
The month of September was 'Cancer Awareness Month' and the team from WIA were visiting schools and colleges throughout the region with the aim of promoting cancer awareness with a particular focus on cervical cancer.
