Kenya Lpus Leluai School

Lpus Lelaui School in Westgate, Samburu County, Northern Kenya, already had school buildings when we visited it in 2008, but it did not have much more than that.

The school had no lights, so with the help of some generous guests we were able to install a solar lighting system. Over the years, this donation was followed by beds for the dormitories; sanitary towels for girls; mirrors; stationary and food supplies; gutters and a water collection tank. Then, when some guests heard that children at the school were being chased by elephants, they sponsored the construction of an electric fence around the school, which our crew very willingly helped to construct.

Then a real light came into the school, in the form of a supply teacher called Patrick.

Patrick had previously worked with one of our crew members Uhuru to set up an organisation that helped street children in Kawangware Slum in Nairobi to get an education. Uhuru encouraged Patrick to join Lpus Lelaui school as a supply teacher and he did.

At this point, the school had no extra-curricular activities for students so Patrick set to work starting up wildlife clubs, boy scouts clubs and music competitions. The numerous benefits of extra-curricular activities for students have been well documented, but in this community, the wildlife club was particularly impactful. These students live alongside wildlife, and the club gave them a better understanding of the benefits wildlife create for them. A few years later, Patrick was tragically killed by a crocodile while rescuing a child during a flood. Nevertheless, his legacy at Lpus Lelaui School still continues to this day.

To anyone who helped contribute to this school, thank you. Thank you for investing in this community who are the custodians of Westgate Conservancy’s wildlife.