Who We Are

In early 2004, ten community members saw a pressing need for educational opportunities for the local children of the Ngando slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

In March 2005, Hope Streams Academy opened its doors for 11 students, providing one teacher in two rented classrooms. The entire operation was run through community donations and support. Since then, the school has grown to serve 180 students in 8 classrooms, providing teachers, supplies and meals to needy children.

Hope Streams serves many students who

- Wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity for an education through local private or government institutions

- Have severely financially handicapped parents or are orphans

- Are not able to eat regular meals at home

Where We Have Gone

The school is blessed to have come to the attention of Vivien Prince of As You Like It Safaris. She has brought many tour groups to visit our school. Through their donations we have been able to purchase fundamental school supplies, food for lunches, and pay minimal teacher salaries.

We have also been able to construct temporary classroomson a plot of land loaned to us by Kids for Tomorrow.

After five years of consistent growth, Hope Streams Academy has reached a point where future growth will require some changes to be made and some new strategies implemented to ensure the continuity of the school.

Thus, a strategic plan was developed to support Hope Streams in achieving this further growth and development. It is evident from our strategic planning that Hope Streams is weakest in the areas of:

~ Financial sustainability,
~ Providing adequate facilities
~ Nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit amongst its students

The strategic plan was developed between February and March 2009 by staff members under the direction and facilitation of Jessica Patrick, an intern from Canada, and with input from the teaching staff.

Click here to view the entire Strategic Plan in PDF document form

Hope Streams Academy Picture

Hope Streams Academy featured in newspaper

Hope Streams Academy was featured in the Sunday Nation newspaper. Click here to see the article.

In 2008 we received donations from clients of As You Like It Safaris to purchase concrete block slabs for the floors of the classrooms. The classrooms are more comfortable now, especially in the rainy seasons when the children and teachers would have to stand in mud.

Click on the picture below to open a slide show of the slab installation

If the slide show doesn't play, you may have to enable ActiveX content in your browser

The song on the video is by Steve Cottrell singing John Denver's I Want To Live. Steve is also one of the persons who donated the funds to purchase the slabs.

Hope Streams Academy students

Where We Are Going

Our Growth Goals:

Provide a complete primary and secondary education
Build a permanent school building on the current site to replace the temporary structures
Add a playground

Our Objectives:

To provide quality primary education for poor local children

Offer classes from Standards One to Eight as well as Pre-, Nursery and Baby classes
Supply adequate text books and supplies for the classrooms
Provide talented and qualified teachers and support staff
Allow students to learn important life skills to carry forward
To enable students to have a seamless transition into continued education

To provide nourishment for hungry children

Employ a cook and have the necessary facilities to prepare meals
Offer adequate nutritious food to support their growth and development

To provide a “Home” and community for children who need support and encouragement

Create a positive learning environment for students
Build motivation and confidence in the children
Develop friendships and provide mentors
Promote opportunities to participate in other local initiatives (e.g. self-reliance, AIDS awareness, poverty reduction and environmental stewardship) through a network of organizations
Provide recreation options for students and community members

To provide employment for local Ngando residents

Employ teachers, cooks, administrators and security guards at the school
Help to establish co-operations among parents to take advantage of microfinance opportunities for self and community advancement

At Hope Streams Academy it is: