We are delighted to announce the commencement of a meaningful and far-reaching initiative: the construction of our Richmond Park Nursery School in Kenya, a project that underscores our school’s commitment to global citizenship, service, and educational equity.

This initiative is lead by the NGO Vipeike which is raising awareness about the  pressing need for access to early childhood education in Kenya. While primary and secondary education are provided by the state, nursery education is not part of the free public education system. As a result, the establishment and funding of nursery schools often rely on private entities and community-based efforts. Recognising this gap, our school community together with Vipeike (Inicio – Fundación Vipeika) has come together with the shared goal of supporting children in Kenya by helping to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment during these early formative years.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our students, families, and staff, several fundraising activities have taken place this year. These include a reading challenge, the collection of donations during the International Fair, and contributions gathered at the annual Family Day. We are pleased to report that these efforts have been successful and have generated the resources needed to begin construction.

A plot of land has already been designated for the new school, and construction began two weeks ago with the building of a secure perimeter fence — a vital first step to ensure the safety of future pupils. Once completed, the Nursery School will serve approximately 150 young children, who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to begin their educational journey.

This project also presents an exceptional opportunity for our Sixth Form students as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme. CAS is a core component of the IB Diploma, designed to enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. Through their involvement in this initiative, our students will be able to contribute meaningfully to the project, develop a deeper understanding of global challenges, and cultivate a spirit of empathy, initiative, and service.

Supporting Both Education and Nutrition

 The importance of early years education cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that high-quality early learning experiences lay the foundation for lifelong academic and personal success. In Kenya, the shortage of nursery schools in many rural areas has a significant impact on children’s preparedness for primary education. Through our involvement, we hope to support efforts to close this gap and provide children with the opportunities they deserve.

In addition to meeting the children’s educational needs, the Nursery School project will also address a critical and often overlooked aspect of early development: nutrition. Many children in this region attend school on empty stomachs, which greatly affects their ability to focus, participate, and thrive in a learning environment.

This initiative will provide daily meals to all pupils, ensuring they have access to stable and nutritious food throughout the school day. Furthermore, the programme will include the distribution of food parcels for children to take home, helping to support their families — many of whom face severe malnutrition. For these families, the assurance of regular meals is not only essential for the child’s wellbeing, but also a significant factor in encouraging consistent school attendance and community engagement.

A Call for Long-Term Commitment

While the initial phase of construction is now underway, it is essential to recognise that this is not a one-time effort. Building the Nursery School is only the beginning. To ensure its continued success and sustainability, we will require ongoing support from our entire school community. This includes long-term commitments to help fund the maintenance of the school, support teacher training, provide learning materials, and potentially expand the facility as the needs of the children and community evolve.

Our goal is to establish not just a building, but a thriving, well-resourced educational environment that can grow and adapt over time. With the continued involvement of our school community, we can ensure that the school remains a lasting source of opportunity and learning for years to come.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all members of our school community for their support and commitment to this project. Your donations, time, and encouragement are helping to turn a vision into reality — one that will have a lasting impact on many lives.

We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of the Nursery School and to continuing this journey together.

With heartfelt thanks, we reaffirm our commitment to building and supporting this school in Kenya and to fostering a spirit of compassion and responsibility among our students. Together, we are making a difference.