Siaya County Cultural Workshops - June 2025

Objectives

The June Siaya visit introduced Russian culture and language in public schools where foreign-language teaching, digital learning, laboratories, and feeding programmes remain limited. It was an exploratory round, separate from the later Siaya second edition, and focused on understanding each school's readiness for future cultural and educational cooperation.

What Happened

On 9 June 2025, the team visited Oseno Komolo Primary and Junior School, Ng'ura Primary and Junior School, and Siaya Central Primary and Junior School. Each visit included a formal introduction to school leadership, a tour of facilities, a Russian language and culture session, and discussion about integrating Russian language, cultural exchange, digital literacy, and STEM-oriented support into future programming.

At Oseno Komolo, a school serving 700 learners, the session included Russian traditions, language basics, and discussion with Principal Mr. Oye and Deputy Principal Mr. Paul. At Ng'ura, a 450-learner school with solar power, a borehole, and community support, the team explored how language and cultural learning could build on existing strengths. At Siaya Central, a large school of 2,508 learners on only 0.18 acres, the visit highlighted the pressure created by overcrowding and limited land.

Key Moments

Students were eager to ask about Russia, food, geography, and future exchange opportunities. Headteachers were equally open, pointing to practical gaps that shape daily learning.

Oseno Komolo reported no student feeding programme, overcrowded streams of up to 84 pupils, damaged floors, leaking roofs, only one functioning toilet for more than 400 girls, unreliable water, no computer lab, unstable internet, an understocked library, and a stolen projector that needs replacement.

Ng'ura showed stronger basic systems but still needs more classrooms and latrines, a completed science laboratory, a computer lab, a proper library space, and support for literacy in the lower grades. Siaya Central faces severe overcrowding, incomplete labs, no computer classes, no school bus, parent-funded feeding that leaves vulnerable learners exposed, and no foreign-language programme despite clear interest.

Why It Mattered

The visit built a bridge between cultural curiosity and educational planning. Across all three schools, the same themes emerged: committed leadership, high student interest, openness to collaboration, and a gap between the CBC curriculum's ambitions and the infrastructure schools currently have.

The report recommended repairs and expansion, sustainable school feeding, ICT and science-lab investment, teacher support for foreign languages, and stronger partnerships with NGOs, county leaders, and private-sector partners. Media coverage from Radio Lake Victoria, Jabali TV, Hope TV, and Radio 47 helped the needs and ambitions of Siaya schools reach a wider public audience.