A cultural exchange initiative brought a wave of excitement and renewed hope to learners in Makueni County after a delegation from a non-governmental organization, Path to Russia,PTR, visited two local schools for workshops and community engagement.
The team conducted the Russia themed Cultural Workshops in Makueni first at Marwa Comprehensive Primary School and Marwa Secondary School, engaging a total of 786 students in interactive learning and cultural exchange sessions.
The non-profit organization took the chance to outline their mission of fostering cultural exchange and development partnerships, with the community expressing appreciation for the outreach.
At Marwa Comprehensive Primary School, which has an enrollment of 466 pupils, learners welcomed the team with enthusiasm, participating actively in sessions that introduced them to basic Russian greetings and cultural practices.
At Marwa Secondary School, home to 320 learners, students also took part in interactive discussions and received academic supplies distributed by the team to support their studies.
Beyond the cultural exchange, the visit also highlighted pressing challenges facing the two institutions. School administrators pointed to acute water scarcity as the most urgent concern, noting that both schools rely on privately owned boreholes that are costly and unsustainable.
Leaders observed that reliable water access would not only improve sanitation and learning conditions but also enable agricultural projects to support sustainable feeding programmes and income-generating initiatives.
Infrastructure gaps were also raised, including the urgent need for a girls’ dormitory at the secondary school, renovation of latrines, expansion of kitchen facilities, and the establishment of ICT laboratories in both schools. Marwa Secondary currently operates with only one science laboratory serving all subjects, while staff housing and electricity supply remain inadequate.
Community members acknowledged that financial constraints among parents, many of whom pay school fees in kind through firewood and supplies, continue to strain school operations.
Despite these challenges, the visit was marked by lively engagement, curiosity and a spirit of unity. Students described the sessions as memorable and inspiring, with the cultural exchange fostering a sense of global connection.
Local leaders expressed hope that such partnerships will not only enrich learners culturally but also attract long-term support to address infrastructure and resource needs, strengthening education in Makueni County.
