Baobab Branch Educational Programmes
Any review of education services in Kenya shows a great deal of support – both government and NGO – focused on primary education and child services. Attempting to meet the great lack of programmes available for these students once they reach high school and university level ages, Baobab Branch was founded. A recently founded grassroots organization, Baobab Branch Educational Programmes, provides numerous support programmes to youth finishing high school or university and are attempting to enter society equipped holistically and vocationally.
The education centre currently provides a library, laboratory, computers, and offers tuition, exam practices, directed learning studies, support for students out of school, and seminars in response to academic or vocational needs and interests.
Appeal for Help and Support
Baobab Branch works to operate in a self-sustained manner – admitting paying students who can afford the services to subsidize for those who cannot pay for themselves. This approach allows for the basic programmes to run successfully and independently, not requiring further aid to operate.
The visions and potential for Baobab are still great, with future possibilities for expanding each of these services to different areas in Nakuru and other regions of Kenya. Volunteers and financial support can go towards expanding these projects or increasing the number of free services offered to the public. Hopes for offering college accredited vocationally valued courses, and microfinance services to select graduates are two programmes that Baobab Branch hopes to receive support for in establishing.
International Volunteer Involvement
Due to the nature of Baobab Branch, which promotes community involvement and interaction, and already holds the basic infrastructure for seminars, tutorials, library creation, and educational local trips, international volunteers can involve themselves quickly into one of many different roles to match their skills and interests. Baobab Branch operates as an educational organization, but can utilize volunteers of a broad spectrum – from hands on teaching, camp planning, business development, or computer training. Volunteers skilled in certain areas can be advertised locally in advance to establish courses they feel prepared to lead.
Who is Qualified to Join?
Volunteers coming should have some basic experience in teaching, tutoring, or camp involvement. As programmes offered target a youth to young adult audience, it is encouraged that volunteers have at least begun undergraduate studies. The degree of qualification and experience will have bearing on the activities available to volunteers.
Materials and Donations
As Baobab is working primarily in higher education, material donations that are most valued and appreciated include educational books and textbooks from a grade eight level to college standard. Donations of computers, LCD projectors, or funds to expand classrooms and regional offices may enhance opportunities for faster expansion of programmes into other areas of need. Interest in sponsoring an individual through any particular programme of interest may be accommodated through contact.
Further Info
Baobab Branch Educational Programmes
Amos Otieno, Executive Director Nakuru, Kenya
baobabbranch@gmail.com