JOOUST Donates Boat Engine to Boost Learning Access at Maduwa Primary School
JOOUST Donates Boat Engine to Ease Access to Education at Maduwa Primary School
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), through its VLIR Project, has donated a boat engine to Maduwa Primary School located at Osieko Beach in Bunyala Sub-Location, in a move aimed at improving access to education for learners in the area.
The donation was inspired following a site visit by a team from Belgium, who witnessed firsthand the transport challenges faced by pupils and staff at the school. The situation is particularly dire during the rainy season, when flooding significantly disrupts learning.
The handover ceremony was attended by a JOOUST delegation led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Administration and Finance), Prof. Aggrey Thuo. The team was received by the Area Chief, Mr. Godfrey Amolo, and the Assistant Chief, Mr. Samuel Oduma, alongside members of the local community.
Maduwa Primary School was represented by the Headteacher, Mr. Samuel Onyango Oloo, who expressed deep gratitude for the donation. He noted that the boat engine would greatly ease transport challenges that have long hindered consistent learning at the school. He highlighted the severity of the situation, especially during the rainy season, when the school environment is often flooded, making access extremely difficult.
Also present was the immediate former Headteacher, Madam Caroline, who was instrumental in initiating the proposal that led to the donation. She expressed her joy and appreciation, noting that previous attempts to secure similar support from various government bodies and non-governmental organizations had not been successful. She commended the University for responding to the needs of the school and the wider community.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor applauded the school community for boldly speaking out about their challenges. She emphasized that the University remains committed to working closely with communities to address real-world problems, noting that meaningful impact can only be achieved through collaboration. While indicating that the boat engine is valued at approximately Ksh 170,000, she underscored its significance in addressing a critical need by enabling learners to access education more reliably.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aggrey Thuo, reiterated that the donation will support the government’s agenda on 100 percent transition by ensuring that learners are not left behind due to access challenges.
Prof. Denis Ochoudho, the VLIR Local Coordinator and Director of Research, Innovation and Extension, also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to continued engagement with the community in identifying and addressing development challenges.
The donation marks a significant milestone in JOOUST’s efforts to strengthen community partnerships and enhance educational access through practical, locally responsive solutions.
