End of year party 2025

 Jambo Happy Day family,  

We have come to the end of the third and last term of 2025. 

We had a good and enjoyable day with our pupils and teachers. 

We were also privileged to have the British army training unit in Kenya ( BATUK) who visited unannounced.  

They brought very many story books sweets, biscuits and juice. 

We too had bought ours for the end term party and so we made merry and rejoiced together. 

We are very grateful for the support extended to us from all. 

We wish our families and staff a very enjoyable Christmas holiday.

Updates from Happy day end of September 2025

 A MEETING HELD AT HAPPY DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL ON 26/09/2025 @ 2PM.

MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Margaret
2. Mary
3. Kellis
4. Mercy

ABSENT WITH APOLOGY
1. Bernard

AGENDA
1. Preview of the previous minutes and confirmation
2. Matters arising
3. Current occurrences
4. A. O. B
5. Adjournment.

Min 1.
The meeting started with a word of prayer from tr Mercy.
Previous minutes were read by tr. Margaret and confirmed by tr. Kellis.

Min 2.
-it was observed that the feeding program was going on very well and that the kids now looked happy and healthy. 
-it was also observed that the staff kitchen duties were going on well and the coordination between the staff was good. 
-it was noted that the availability of teaching and learning materials was making academics go on smoothly. 

Min 3
- on Monday this week we had visitors from the global horizon school which is sponsored by Fanny ( a German citizen).
- we discussed and explored ways that can help us all especially in partnership.  It was agreed that we can hold a joint fun day, or any other activity. 
- we also talked about transitioning of our needy pupils to new horizon after they reach our highest class. This will help us ensure that the kids continue with their education unlike before where some had to stay home for lack of funds.
- we will visit global horizon school on Monday  to do some benchmarking. 
- On Wednesday 24/09/2025 we received visitors from BATUK ( British army training unit in kenya).
- they brought some sweets, soda, juice , milk, food stuff,  clothes,  duvets and duvet covers.  We gave the kids the snacks and made chapati for lunch.  We also made chai ( tea) for all of us. 
- the clothes were equally distributed amongst the kids.
- each staff member received a duvet,  a duvet cover, a packet of milk and some clothes. 
- some duvets were left in the school for use at a later date when we start a day care.
- We received 70 spring files for our pupils from a friend of tr. Margaret.  This will help us keep each child's exam papers well.

Min 4.
No any other business was raised and the meeting ended with a word of prayer from tr Mary 

Updates on how the demonstrations in Kenya affects the Happy day family and minutes from staff meeting

A MEETING HELD AT HAPPY DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL ON FRIDAY 12/9/2025 AT 1PM.

MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Margaret mueni
2. Mary mbocha
3. Kellis kageni
4. Mercy kerubo

ABSENT WITH APOLOGY
1. Bernard Ndolo

AGENDA
1. Preview of previous minutes
2. Matters arising
3. Current affairs
4. A.O.B
5. adjournment. 

MIN 1
The meeting started with a word of prayer from tr mercy.
Tr. Margaret read the previous minutes.  The minutes were proposed by tr. Mary and seconded by tr. Kellis.

MIN 2:  MATTERS ARISING
It was noted that there had been an increase in the attendance of pupils since the re introduction of the feeding program.  This week we had 3 new admissions from an immigrant family ( Burundi nationals) who are living in very very needy and poor conditions.
They are now assured of free education and two meals a day for five days in a week.
Availability of Learning and teaching materials has also made it easy and smooth for both educators and learners.
-The premises is direly in need of renovations and a face-lift.  The paints are peeling off, the iron sheets are torn and a danger to all, the doors on our iron sheet classes are worn out too( will post pictures on Monday).

MIN 3:: CURRENT AFFAIRS
-It was agreed that the school was doing great and on the right track.
- It was agreed that we need an interactive session between our parents and teachers to chart the way forward.
- it was agreed that the kitchen duty roaster was going on very well and that if the person on duty needed any assistance they were free to ask from any of us.
MIN  4:: AOB
it was noted that the water cartels in the area keeps on interfering with our pipes ( especially in our absence) and that we need to find a lasting solution to this. It was suggested that we find the area community chairman and get to know what we need to do to stop the menace.  ( we will try to find him this week).

MIN 5.
Having no other business,  the meeting was adjourned with a word of prayer from tr.  Mary. 

Due to the recent gen z demonstrations against the government,  education in kenya has been greatly affected because of:::;
- disruption of learning.
- distraction of properties and businesses leading to loss of income for parents. 
- hard economic times


We currently have 42 learners and 4 teachers.

Almost half of the learners lack basic learning materials including  books.
Luckily we are now able to provide them with pencils,  crayons, modeling clay,  erasers and sharpeners. 
They lack books and uniforms , however we keep our hopes high and take one day at a time.

We are sincerely grateful  and we appreciate all the support and input given to us by all our well wishers....
Be blessed always. 

And as we say in swahili,  Asante sana 

Minutes from staff meeting

A MEETING HELD AT HAPPY DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL ON  5. SEPTEMBER 2025 @2pm

MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Margaret mueni
2. Mary mbocha
3. Kellis kageni
4. Mercy kerubo

ABSENT WITH APOLOGY
1. Bernard Ndolo


AGENDA
1. PRAYER
2. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
3. REACTIONS TO PREVIOUS MINUTES
4. CURRENT OCCURRENCES AND OBSERVATIONS
5. ADJOURNMENT


MIN 1.
The meeting started with a word of prayer from tr. Mary.

MIN 2
Tr. Margaret read the previous minutes which were proposed by tr. Mary and seconded by tr. Kellis.

MIN 3
It was agreed that some of the raised concerns had been taken care of and the school fraternity was grateful. 
We now have the most essential items and learning and teaching has become smoother.
It was also observed that due to the meals provided , there has not been any cases of absenteeism. 
It was also observed that the school has had enquiries from parents on how to have their children at our school.  This was attributed to the re start of the feeding program. 
We expect the number to increase by the coming week.
It was agreed that we will stop the new admissions immediately we reach our target of 50 children.

MIN 4

Having observed the current occurrence and situation,  it was agreed that the school was in good progress and trajectory. 

MIN 5
On any other business,  it was suggested that we request the eco safi dealers to change our cookers when we order for pellets next week.
This was because the stoves are in need of replacement or repairs ( this is done for free).

MIN 6

Having no other business,  the meeting was adjourned with a word of prayer from tr. Mercy. 

NB:: We will keep on updating here every Friday 

August 2025

Greetings every one. 

We are very grateful that you are showing an interest in Happy day junior school! During all these years since we decided to start a school in July 2009 and opened the doors in January 2010, we have been relying on support from family, friends,  and random donations to provide a service that pays a dedicated staff to care for and educate marginalized kids in Maila Saba in Nairobi. Our income has fluctated enourmously, and for the last few years we have barely been able to pay the staff for the loyal effort they are providing. The food programme that we managed to provide earlier, has been absent for a long time. We are trying to make it a permanent programme again, but we are depending on the monthly income here in Norway to be able to do that. The kids needs to be fed! We also lack stationaries and funds to maintain the building which gradually falls apart. 

There are now four dedicated teachers who try their best to secure a safe, caring and educational environment for the kids.  We are so grateful for their commitment!

We hope our income will pick up so that we can provide neccessary support to this project who has a big place in my heart. If you have anything to spare, please contribute <3

DNB bank: 1503 91 06091
VIPPS: #104265

Do you have any questions, contact Annelene Rør at annelene.ror@gmail.com 

Here is the minutes from staff meetings held recently:

A MEETING HELD AT THE HAPPY DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL PREMISES ON 25/08/2025 @ 11AM.

MEMBERS PRESENT.
1. Bernard Kawinzi
2. Margaret mueni
3. Mary Mbocha
4. Mercy Kerubo
5. Kellis  Kageni


-The meeting started with a word of prayer from teacher Mary. 

Bernard chaired the meeting and he started by asking every member present to do a review of last term. 

Tr. Mary said that there were many challenges which affected the project as a whole.  This includes::

1. Low turn up of learners which she attributed to:
- absence of the feeding program
- Lack of essential stationaries like.... books, pencils,  pens, crayons,  modeling clay,  chalk etc
- Infrastructure ( our premises are run down and in need of renovation)
- Water.... there has been interference with our pipes and we need a plumber to come and do a lasting repair)
- emerging new school projects with scholarships. 

2. Tr. Kellis and Tr.  Mercy agreed that what Tr.  Mary had said is what was in their mind too..
3. Tr. Margaret also agreed that she was in agreement with what had been raised by the other teachers.  She also added that we should ask ourselves very critical questions as to why some parents had not brought back their children.  She posed the following concerns:

- what do we think we should have done better to avoid the mass exodus?
- Did we do a follow up to know why some kids didn't come back.
- could we have mishandled either parents or children

The above concerns were discussed and it was agreed that we should all improve on week areas that we had identified.  She also raised a concern about the absence of a cook. She said that the teaching staff cannot double up as the cooks too. It was agreed that the school is in need of a cook as we open tomorrow. 

4. Bernard started by saying that the management was grateful to the staff for their dedication to the children at happy day.  He added that the management was aware of the challenges and concerns raised by the staff and that there was a lack of funds which had made it impossible to accomplish the needs, however,  whenever possible the management will tackle the needs one by one.  He cautioned staff to be mindful of each other's welfare and well-being.  He gave is piece of advice at length.
5. Tr. Mary stated that she has always been filling the gap as the deputy leader whenever teacher Margaret is not at school(like recently when she was taken ill for a long period of time before the end of last term) , the teachers recognized that she has been doing a good job in making sure the school was operating normally even when Maggy isn't around
6. We contacted the plumber and he came and did a quotation which is captured below.
7. Having no other business the meeting was called to adjournment.
8. We are also happy for the resumption of the feeding program as we reopen the school tomorrow, this will go along way in ensuring parents have the kids at school thus making teaching/learning more enjoyable

WE WILL BE HAVING A STAFF MEETING EVERY FRIDAY FOR REVIEWS AND WE WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED. 

BELLOW ARE OUR CURRENT REQUIREMENTS.  

1. Pellets.... 3280

2. Exercise books 

3. Pencils 

4. Biro pens 

5. Crayons 

6. Modeling clay 

7. Plain papers 

8. Full scap 

9. Office glue

10. Padlocks (4)

11. Chalks 

We are grateful for all the help you give us.

 MEETING HELD AT HAPPY DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL PREMISES ON FRIDAY  29/08/2025 @ 2PM.

MEMBERS PRESENT.
1. Margaret Mueni
2. Kellis kageni
3. Mary mbocha
4. Mercy kerubo.

ABSENT WITH APOLOGY.
1. Bernard Ndolo.

Min 1....
The meeting started with a word of prayer from tr. Margaret. 

Min 2...
Tr. Margaret chaired today's meeting.  She appreciated the staff for work well done and for their dedication towards the happy day kids. She also opened the floor for any review on the week's occurrences. 

Min 3.....
It was noted that their had been a slight increase of learners ( this week we have 4 new learners).
This was attributed to the reintroduced feeding program. 
We have been providing porridge for breaktime and hot meals for lunch.  We all agreed that we are extremely grateful to all who made it possible to restart the feeding program. 

Min 4....
It was suggested that due to limited finances, the existing staff should take part in making meals for the kids. It was agreed that we do a rotation duty in the kitchen. 
Our timetable is as below:::
1. Week 1.... tr. Margaret
2. Week  2..... tr. Mary
3. Week 3.....tr. Kellis
4. Week 4..... tr. Mercy

And back again to the first one.

Min 5....
It was noted that their was a dire need of the following essential items to enable smooth learning..
1. Chalk
2. Pencils
3. Biro pens
4. Erasers
5. Sharpeners
6. Plain papers
7. Crayons
8. Modeling clay.

Min 6...
Having no other business,  the meeting was adjourned with a word of prayer from tr. Mary.


OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY NEXT WEEK. 

June 2025

Jambo Happy Day family,  

We trust this finds you well. We at Happy day junior school are doing fine. 

We started this term on very low turnout as we reported in our previous newsletter.  

This was caused by unavoidable circumstances that included our lack of the feeding program and other external factors.  However, the turnout has slowly began improving especially when we re- introduced the breaktime porridge. This made parents who trust us with their kids to bring them back. We are hoping for more to come back as the days go by. Our teachers are a dedicated lot and many parents trust our school as a safe space for their children for both academics and social life. 

This term we have not engaged in any extra curriculum activities due to financial limitations.  

We were planning to take our pupils for an educational trip to the animal orphanage and the giraffe center for them to learn more about wild and domestic animals. We were alternatively having an option of going for fun trip ( like we had last year).  This requires money for logistics and even food. It also requires that we buy uniform for some of our kids who were left behind during last years trip for lack of the uniforms.  Uniforms help in identification during such events because incase a child goes wondering from the group they can easily be located. This and other unavoidable circumstances have made us to hold the plans until our facilitators can afford to finance the events for us. 

This term too has seen us operating without the very important stationaries. We have been buying items like Chalk, pens and pencils from our pockets and so at times we have even gone without writing on the board.  

It is our hope that things will get better and that we can at least have the feeding program running and the stationaries in place. 

Most important stationaries that we require include : 

- Chalk 

- pencils 

- crayons 

- water colours 

- plain papers

- marker pens

- office glue

- stapler

- Staples 

- exercise books ( for the kids who do not have them because the families cannot afford). 

Porridge flour

Sugar

Cooking pallets.  

We hope some, even if not all of the above will be affordable soon. 

However, it is not all gloomy at Happy Day because we keep our spirits high and out motivation to give the kids a better and safe space is always good. 

We love working with the families and doing a follow up on our kids immediately we notice a problem.  Recently we had a 8 year old girl child ( name withheld) who had been molested by the father and the teachers noticed her gloomy and isolated self from others. They immediately took action and wanted to know if she was sick or hungry only to find out that it was a bad situation.  They took action and informed the local authorities and action was taken against the father. We have very dedicated and observant staff. 

We keep on keeping on despite the hard times and we pray that things improve worldwide.  

We also are about to sit for the midterm exams for this term and then go for a 1 week break.  Our mid exam requires 1850 shillings.  We therefore ask for the above money so that we can buy the exams. This exams help our teachers to identify pupils weak areas and improve on that. 

This year we haven't renewed our licences and we just hope that the inspectors do not come knocking. Especially the county askari and the ministry of education personnel.  

This 2 licences are the most essential ones . 

The government read the budget this week and this is the time they follow up on those who haven't paid their taxes so that they can finance their budget. 

It is our sincere hope that life improves everywhere.  

We are forever grateful for the continuous support that you give to us. We do not take it for granted.  

Be blessed always.

(Written 13 June, 2025)

April 2025

Jambo Happy Day family,

We closed school on Friday 4/04/2025 for the Easter holiday. We will open on 29/04/2025 for the second term of this academic year.

As we had reported before the attendance this term was fluctuating due to unavoidable circumstances which may include our lack of the feeding program. This is because most of our families cannot afford to bring food for their kids and so they opt to stay home with them and eat whatever they get or even go with them to look for help.

We have had a non-eventful term and we hope second term brings good tidings with it. There was a planned fun day which didn't take place. (The organizers didn't inform us in advance) We are informed that in second term we will be given the details early so that we can prepare.

In academics our staff is very dedicated in ensuring that the children get the best education in cbc (competency based curriculum). Despite us not having all the necessary items and teaching aids required for the cbc system, we try and improvise the ones we can. The cbc system is very very expensive for the parents especially when the school is unable to provide for the materials.

Teachers and kids need (mostly):
1.   Plain papers
2. Scissors
3. crayons
4. water paints
5. Brushes
6. White chalks
7. coloured chalks
8. counters
9. Balls
10. Toys (as teaching aid)
11. exercise books
12. Textbooks
13. Activity books (for teachers)
14. registers
15. Staples
16. manilla papers
17. Pencils
18. Biro pens
 
And some other items which are required from day to day. We have been asking the parents to provide their kids with the items but unfortunately most of them cannot afford. We therefore hope that we will afford some of the above items next term for easier learning.
 
Meanwhile our walls are worn out. The paint has faded and looks very dull and dirty. The wall need a repainting as soon as possible. A few repairs are also needed on the iron sheet class walls so that the wornout ones can be replaced. They are very dangerous to the kids and even adults.
 
However, it's not always gloomy here. Kids are angels and little cuties who brighten our days and we always look forward to having them in school every day. We always get concerned when they miss school. We miss them so much when schools are closed and we are very happy when we meet them during the holidays. We have asked the staff to follow up and know why some very vulnerable kids didn't report to school this term. We hope they come back next term.
 
Amongst our kids there are a couple of siblings from a very very needy family and their grandmother, who was their guardian, died before we opened for term one. We are doing a follow up to know their whereabouts.
 
Another kid’s house was swept away by the floods and she didn't report back and we are optimistic that we will find them and bring them back.
 
We wish you all a happy Easter season.
 
We wish our staff and children a happy and safe holiday.
 
See you on 29/04/2025 as we open for the second term of 2025 academic year.