Island of Hope

On the grounds of the Island of Hope, there is a hospital accessible to all residents of Rusinga Island, a primary and secondary school, an orphanage, as well as a large kitchen, dining hall, sanitary facilities, a fish farm, and agriculture.

The Hospital

The hospital offers medical care seven days a week, around the clock. According to the current census, around 8600 people live in the clinic’s catchment area. The clinic is particularly full on Mondays. Malaria is treated most frequently, but schistosomiasis is also a major topic at the clinic. HIV treatment is also of great importance. Since HIV treatment is supported by the US government, it can be offered free of charge. Basically, the prices for treatment in the clinic are very low, as many of the patients cannot afford any other treatment.  At present, the hospital employs 15 people.

Primary School and Orphanage

The primary school is attended by about 230 children, divided into eight grades (classes). All children get their lunch at school. The approximately 90 orphans who live in the Island of Hope also receive breakfast and dinner.
The orphans live in three different houses: there are two boys’ dormitories and a more recent girls’ house.

High School

After primary school, students can attend high school, which is currently attended by 120 students (60 boys and 60 girls). All students also sleep on the Island of Hope. In addition to the three meals, the high school students get tea and Mandazi, a typical Kenyan fatty biscuit, in the morning. In addition to the four classrooms for the four grades of the high school, there is also an advanced chemistry laboratory where classes are taught.

Kindergarten

About 80 children aged three to six years go to the kindergarten. They come in the morning between 7.30 and 8 am and stay on the premises until 3 pm. In the morning the children play until lunch is served. After lunch, most of the children take a nap until they go home at 3 pm. Similar to Germany, the kindergarten is a mixture of playing and learning through play. In addition, there are also two classes that the older children attend in preparation for primary school.