Assumption High School in Nairobi, Kenya

During his recent visit to the United States, Fr. Jacob Barasa, AA came to Brighton an shared with us his work at Assumption High School in Nairobi, Kenya. A member of St. Monica’s Parish, Fr. Jacob is the director of the school which serves both mixed boarders and day students, with seven teachers and five support staff.

It was originally the idea of Fr. Wilibrand, AA and a visionary project of the congregation, before he returned to Belgium. Giving witness to the charism of the Assumption, this successful year will be expanded next year with exciting plans for growth.  For this to come to fruition, mobilizing fund raising efforts is critical, according to Fr. Jacob.

The school is particularly concerned in reaching out to the poor, especially children from the slums and from single parent homes who need to beg for food and clean water.  Large numbers suffer from poor health and prostitution is a problem among the youth. Hopefully, it is education that will significantly help to break this cycle hopelessness and despair.

Another challenge is the retention of teachers who are in need of on-going professional development and the increase of salaries and benefits as a matter of just employment.

Seeking resources therefore to support the many needs of this endeavor is essential.  In addition to the human needs of these children, including safety, it is a primary goal to provide opportunities for faith formation.

Yet, with all these challenges, Fr. Jacob, with the support of the congregation and the help of God and generous people, is moving forward with life saving efforts in building the Kingdom in this part of Africa.