Albany community continuing to build hope for Kenyan school

A life-changing school in Kenya made possible by generous Albany residents is continuing to expand and improve education resources for underprivileged children.

Local philanthropists Don and Lorraine Pink have been crucial fundraisers for the Schield Centre Kindergarten and Primary School near the town of Isinya, about 50km south of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

The Pinks’ daughter Trina Mboya is the school’s administrator, who led from the front to get the school up and running after she married her Kenyan husband.

Mr Pink said since the school was forced to close at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, three extra classrooms had been built to accommodate more students.

At the end of the last year, the school had up to 170 young children enrolled.

“It’s been very positive,” Mr Pink said.

“We understand our daughter has a massive job, things don’t go smoothly for a white person in Kenya.

“But we’ve just started school again for the new year.

“It’s been a very interesting ride and wouldn’t be here without Albany.”

In November last year, the Pinks hosted a fundraiser at Birchwood Gardens raising $8000 in total.

The funds will go towards buying a second-hand bus to help with getting students to the school that is situated 7km from the town site.

The primary school has 19 staff which includes 14 teachers and two cooks.

Mr Pink said plans for 2022 were still being finalised, but more building was in the pipeline.