A parade in 2006.

ESTHER WANJIKU comes from a broken family; she is now in Form 2. This is what she has to say about her experience in BCC: " Our parents divorced in1989 when I was still young. My mother has had a lot of difficulties bringing us up. I dropped out of school due to poverty. I felt very neglected and sad, but one day a good samaritan told my mother about BCC. My mother took me there... When I joined Bahati I got hope for my future. Bahati has changed my life very much because when I was at home, I was very desperate and ignorant, even people in the village were talking about me. But now I have become a very good student. I have learned to relate with other students and to share my problems with fellow students; this makes my problems bearable. The teachers in Bahati are very nice and understanding. I would like to be a doctor so that I can help patients, especially the poor and neglected. I like playing football very much."

JUDITH ADHIAMBO ODINDI was once involved in domestic child labour, but now her life has changed. "I sometimes used toI wash clothes for people in order to get money for food and other basic needs. And then I heard about BCC and came to enquire from the administration whether I could get a chance. My admission to BCC marked the happiest and turning point in my life. Now I am in Form 3 and doing very well academically, socially and spiritually. My dream is to become a doctor." She says.

MAXMILLA KASANDI is an orphan and was once an abused housegirl. She is now in Form 2. This is her testimony: "Whenever I did things the wrong way, the woman I was staying with used to beat me up so badly. My body is full of marks of her brutality; this mark on my shoulder is a healing wound where she bit me last month for waking up late. Yes, I was once an abused house girl, but with God’s mercy, one Good Samaritan called Ann came at our place one day and found me carrying water and tears falling from my eyes. When she asked me what my problem was, I told her I had no hope of going to school. She told me there was an Orphans centre where children like you can are assisted. The following day, Ann took me to Bahati Community Centre. I was so desperate, but now I am full of hope. Bahati Community Centre has changed me from a hopeless desperate housegirl to a happy smiling Form 2 school girl... now I have hope...I would like to become a doctor and help orphans to live a better life in future. My hobbies are reading, telling stories, and singing Gospel songs. "

NICHOLAS KASYOKI MWANIA, who comes from a broken family, and who was once a construction siteworker says: "... I encountered very many difficulties because my parents separated when I was in standard seven. At that time, I lost hope of ever of continuing with my education... I had no hope of continuing with my education. I have worked at the construction sites to earn a living. One day while we were at home someone came to visit us with some good news. She told my grandmother that there is a centre called BCC, which helps children with special needs. She told my grandmother to take me there. My grandmother took me there the following day. As I heard that I was as happy as Sir Isaac Newton when he discovered the force of Gravity. To be sincere, I even jumped up and down several times like a Maasai cow when it gives birth to identical twins. Tears of joy flowed down my cheeks like two streams. That was on 4th February 2004. After joining BCC, I have worked so hard to achieve my goals and now I am in Form 3."

ANNE ATIENO

She says of her experience in BCC: "I met a friend of mine who introduced me to BCC in 2005 where I joined Form One. I have one sister and three brothers. Our parents died sometime ago of HIV/AIDS; my father died while I was still very young, then my mother followed later. I have suffered a lot; I have been in and out of many schools because of fees problems and I was forced to engage in many social evils due to these hardships. Despite all my suffering, I sincerely confess that BCC has drastically changed my life because I was a very bad and promiscuous girl but BCC has changed my life by teaching me more about life and the fear of God..."

LINET ANYANGO

This is what Linet Anyango, a former school drop out has to say about BCC: "...I now feel so blessed and happy because I once was a dropout but now am learning; once I was hopeless, but now I have hope for my future life. BCC has changed my life totally and I am asking God to bless even the well-wishers who by His grace, are able to help others. I would like to become a doctor in future so that I treat the sick and take good care of those that are living with HIV/AIDS among us."

The diabolic brand of Domestic Violence. Mercy's left eye was pierced and completely destroyed by her stepmother. Mercy Kiende, is aged 14 and in Class 7. Her mother passed away and her father married a second wife. Her step mother has abused her for a long time: physically(assault) and psychologically. But the worst abuse was when the step mother pierced and completely destroyed Mercy's left eye; the doctors from the Lions Eye Hospital in Kenya have done what they can but all has been in vain. Now they have reffered her for special operation abroad. The father and stepmother are both Hiv/Positive. In fact, the stepmother is in her latter stages of the scourge. But through BCC, Mercy was able to get sponsors and wellwishers for her special operation in Texas USA. "I thank God for bringing me to BCC," She says.

RAYMOND OTIENO

This is what Raymond, a Form 2 student has to say about BCC:

"... after KCPE, I was not able to join high school, instead, I became a farmer and herds boy for six years ...then I was admitted to BCC. That was the happiest day of my life. I couldn’t believe that I had gained entrance to high school. "

Images of domestic child labour in the poverty-ravaged Soweto Slums, Nairobi. In this slum, abject poverty drives parents to send their children out to help in making a living instead of sending them to school. The little girls are selling fruits and vegetables; the small boy is hawking groundnuts and the girl is fetching water. This is against the Narc Government policy on free and compulsory primary education, and the Millennium Development Goal for universal education for all by 2015. BCC's main goal is to fight these socio-economic ills that dehumanize the children.

Madam Isabella from UDP (Urban Development Programme) based in Ireland on her visit to BCC on Saturday 12th November, 2005 to assess BCC's progress. UDP is a partner of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. BCC and UDP network on poverty eradication through education. UDP sponsors orphans' education in BCC's Secondary School. Next to Madam Isabella is Mrs. Lucy Irungu, UDP's Nairobi Area Co-Ordinator. The rest are BCC staff. Here, they watch a performance by BCC students.

Abject poverty is the leading cause in illiteracy and crime in Soweto slums. Youths whose parents or guardians fail to take to school due to lack of fees turn to many social evils such as juvenile deliquency, drug taking and trafficking, pre-marital sex, illicit brews, and prostitution. Some parents whose families are ravaged by abject poverty give out their children in domestic labour and prostitution. Poverty accounts for the large number of school drop outs. Students are forced to leave school for some time to go and work to raise fees; girls perform many domestic chores such as washing and ironing clothes, fetching water for people, cooking, etc. Boys work at construction sites, fetch water, etc.

Out of the 45,000 people who live in the slum, more than 50% are youth and children. BCC assists more than 200 children at its Bahati Community Centre in Soweto. BCC rescues, rehabilitates and educates victims of child abuse, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and juvenile delinquency.

PRIZE-GIVING DAY 19TH MAY 2007 Today was one of the greatest prize-giving days in the history of BCCSS. The momentous ceremony was attended by more than 400 Bahati Students, 100 parents, and 20 guests. Among the Guests was the Chief Guest of Honour, former Nairobi Mayor and aspiring Embakasi MP John Ndirangu. Students in their various achievements were awarded; both academics and talent were awarded. Even discipline was not left out. The most striking aspect of the accasion was Pastor Moses Omondi from TFC (Teens for Christ) who after giving the opening sermon, awarded the naughtiest boy and girl in the school; these two turned out to be Edwin Mushambala (Form 2) and Margaret Kilonzo (Form 3). The most creative boy was Chris Ragwar (Form 3) while the most creative girl was Emily Anyango (Form 2). The best boy was Francis Ouma (Form 3) while the best Girl was Catherine Maina (Form 3). More in the photos. In this photogaraph, all the prize-winners pose for a photo with the Chief Guest of Honour Mr. John Ndirangu.
Mrs. Lucy Irungu of UDP and Embakasi SDO were also present at the ceremony.

EMBAKASI SECONDARY SCHOOLS LITERATURE SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9TH 2007: ORGANIZED BY BAHATI COMMUNITY CENTRE This momentous event was hosted by Bahati C.C. Secondary School and it drew the participation of over 6 Embakasi Secondary Schools. The following schools participated: St. Mathew Secondary School Joismo Secondary School Embakasi High School Sparkle High School Bahati C.C. Secondary School Glory Light High School. The main objective of the symposium was to promote literature in the participating schools. Under the Theme: Taking Literature to the Next Generation, the symposium attracted an attendance of over 500 students, mainly Upper Forms Three and Four. Presentations in the various setbooks were discussed: The Merchant of Venice: St. Mathew and Embakasi High. Half A Day and Other Stories: Bahati C.C. Sec. and Sparkle High Poetry: Embakasi High Coming to Birth: Embakasi High. The Best Overall Presenter (Schools): St. Mathew High School The 2nd Best Overall Presenter: Bahati C.C. Sec. School The 3rd Best Overall Presenter: Sparkle High School The 1st Best Presenter (Students): Isaac Keya: Sparkle High School 2nd Best Presenter: Catherine Maina: Bahati C.C. Sec. School 3rd Best Presenter: Christine Onimbo: St. Mathew High. There was also ample opportunity for talented student musians to display their talents as they entertained their colleagues.

CLASS ACTIVITY AT BCC FORM ONE EAST: During Preps time, Term III 2005. Front Row: Janet Mwongela, Esther Wanjiku, Kinuthia, Anna Kanini, Kimani: Middle Row: From Left: Wycliff Omondi, Maximilla Kasandi, Terry Monica, Teresia Wanjiku, Alfrine Akuku: Backrow from left: Patrick Njoroge, Felix Munyao, Samuel, David Muhando.

BAHATI COMMUNITY CENTRE: BAHATI COMMUNITY CENTRE

BAHATI COMMUNITY CENTRE: Bahati Community Centre was initiated in Kayole Slums in 2003 as a CBO (Community Based Organization) with the prime objective of helping bright students whose parents/guardians are not able to raise fees. When the Centre was started there were only about fifteen (15) children and three (3) teachers. Over the past six years, the Centre has grown into a full education facility with education, games and sports, feeding, cultural and academic programmes helping children and youth of diverse backgrounds to achieve their dreams.

BCC's First Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Candidates (KCSE)2005: Back Row(from left to right): Philip Kioko, Samuel Wanjohi, Josephat Kimari, Kevini Safari (Teacher), Lazarus Ogembo (Principal) James Muruga, James Kimani (Teacher), Peter Gikonyo, Patrick Wafula(Director), John Omondi (ex-school Captain), Nathan Mburu. Middle Row(Leaning: Letf to right): Gorge Okwiri, Abraham Kiema, Roseclares Musyimi. Front Row(Squatting:left to right) Peter Theuri, Peter Kimani, Tabitha Mugo, Virginia Kasalu, Benard Omondi, Hellen Adoyo, Mary Mwangi, Jane Mwikali, Samuel Manyeki, and Sospeter Odindi(forefront) THE FIRST BCC Secondary School K.C.S.E(KENYA CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EXAMINATION) CANDIDATES: This year, BCC Secondary School is among the Secondary Schools in Kenya that are hosting the Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Examination candidates. The exam commenced on 21st October and will end on 15th November. To BCC, this is an auspicious and historical moment because these are the first such candidates since its inception 4 years ago. The 23 candidates are among the 260,000 candidates sitting this exam country wide. There are other peculiar aspects to this year's KCSE candidature. One of this is that the university entry points and grade were raised to a strong B+ with 68 points. The other aspect is that this year's candidates bring to an end the old syllabus, thus ushering in a totally new academic era with new exam formats. The challenge is, no matter what happens, the candidates are aware of the hard fact that it will be impossible for one to repeat Form IV (Grade 12). In order for one to repeat Form IV, they have to go back to either Form One (9th Grade) or Form 2 (10th Grade). In BCC Secondary School, the students have so far exuded confidence and compos mentis. We wish to extend our hearty gratitude to all our Sponsors locally and internationally whose tremendous and indispensable help made it possible for our orphans to achieve the fantastic dreams of their lives. Special thanks go to World Vision Kenya, Nairobi All Saints CathedralUDP, Uzima Foundation, Iris Groebe & Friends(Germany), and all those who did something for these wonderful children of Soweto including the entire BCC Secondary School Management and Staff, who have patiently stood by the children in good and bad times. We all hope that when the KCSE results come out early next year, we will all realize that every single cent spent on the children was worth it and we shall all be part and parcel of the winning team that will send more than 10 students to public universities. KCSE Results: February, 2006 Out of the 23 candidats, three gained entry to public universities while the rest have either joined tertiary insititutions or are serving in leadership positions in the community.

Bahati Students (Form 3)Perform an experiment in the New Science Laboratory (July 2007).

KCSE Certificates 2016 available

Hello Bahati 2016 Candidates, this is to notify you that your KCSE Certificates2016 are out and available at our Head quarters in Soweto for your collection. Ensure you come and confirm and confirm your details if there are errors to be corrected within 60 days effective from the day they were received in the Deo's office. Failure to do so, will attract a Kshs 5,000 penalty payable into Kenya National Exams Council account.

ABOUT BAHATI
Bahati is a Swahili word that means 'good fortune'. The name was chosen by the founders in 2003 to mean that children who come to Bahati are fortunate because they fall into caring hands. Bahati Community Centre Secondary School is one of the most successful Projects of Bahati Community Centre.

Bahati Community Centre Secondary School is made up of bright children who see education as the way to a better future for them and their community. Parents of these children do not have enough to pay for their children's secondary education. Therefore, a group of young people in the community, who counted themselves fortunate for having been able to complete their secondary education, decided that their calling was to make this possible for others too. They were some of the youngest people ever to found a new school in Kenya, and they are grateful that their idea took off, and that the community has been prepared to contribute in terms of human resources, skills, material and finances to make the centre run.

Students perform an experiment in the new science laboratory built from funds successfully raised in 2007.










BAHATI'S ACHIEVEMENTS
In its six years' experience, the school and centre has achieved the following:

a) Created Forms 1 to 4 (age groups approximately 14 to 18), right up to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
b) Recruited 18 new Members of staff (teaching and non-teaching staff).

Bahati Community Centre Staff (teaching and non-teaching staff)

c) Enabled students to sit for their KCSE examinations from 2005 onwards and achieved good results.
d) Feeding Programme:The Centre also cares for the children by providing them with a hot lunch at low cost. Each child gets one meal a day to give them energy to study.
e) The Centre has recently established two simple hostels in the community to house the homeless. The homeless children fall into three main categories:

• Vulnerable Children: Those who live under difficult circumstances such as child abuse, neglect or abandonment.
• Orphaned Children: These are children rendered orphans either by HIV/AIDS or natural causes and have no relative to take care of them.
• Displaced Children: These are children who were affected by the post-election violence. They were displaced from the Rift Valley, Kibera, Mathare and Kariobangi slums where the violence was extreme. Some have gone through very traumatic experiences and require specialized attention to return to normal. Some of these traumatic experiences include witnessing murder, loss of parents and family, being attacked or insulted on ethnic lines, loss of property and being completely displaced from home and school.

VISION
Make education affordable, community-based and accessible to all children and youth, to empower them economically, socially, spiritually and intellectually for a holistic life.
MISSION
Educate, empower and impart orphaned and needy children with life-long social, spiritual, economic, practical and technical skills that will make them self-reliant.
MISSION STATEMENT
"Produce holistic, practical individuals."
CORE VALUES

• Godliness.

• Pragmatism.

• Initiative.

OBJECTIVES

• Cater for bright students who fail to join Secondary School due to lack of school fees.
• Provide quality and affordable secondary and technical education to students from poor or orphaned families.
• Create an educational centre where OVCs (Orphaned and Vulnerable Children) can be cared for, rehabilitated through guidance and counselling to make them successful, acceptable and productive members of the community.
• Provide after-care programmes aimed at equipping the youth with practical and technical skills e.g. tailoring, carpentry, masonry, dressmaking, knitting, hairdressing and technical and electrical courses that will provide students with self-employment.
• Enlighten and train youth in matters pertaining to personal hygiene e.g. basic health care and environmental cleanliness.

WHAT BAHATI IS DOING
Bahati works with relevant ministries, NGOs and CBOs to achieve its objectives. So far, Bahati has made the following landmark achievements:

Bahati Girls during an outdoor activity

a) Registration as a KCSE Exam Centre: This was achieved in 2007 through the Ministry of Education. KCSE Candidates 2007

b) Adaptation of Bahati Building: The School is in the process of buying the school building for expansion and modernization of the centre.

c) Recruiting new teachers: Every year, Bahati employs new teachers and staff to cope with expansion.

d) Expanding the classrooms : Funds were successfully raised to build a laboratory recognised for KCSE purposes, install electricity, and modernise the school facilities.

A student performs an experiment in the Laboratory Hall.

e) Increasing student intake : Students in 2008 number: Form One (110), Form Two (150), Form Three: (130) and Form Four: (134), i.e. a total of 524 compared with 470 in 2007. The latest student numbers include 35 internally displaced children, who sought refuge in Kayole during the post election violence in early 2008 and will be remaining in Bahati.

f) Increasing non teaching staff, such as cooks and caretakers.

g) Accommodation for homeless and displaced students : Hostel facilities for these were found in the community at short notice in early 2008. It has become necessary to improve and expand these facilities, and fund-raising is required for this purpose.

h) Increasing visibility of the school through :

• Culture and Academic Exchange Programme: Bahati is registered with the Globalgateway in Scotland as one of the schools in the world that engages in Cultural and Academic Exchange Programmes that promote global culture and understanding among children. This year 2008, Bahati is one of the schools that were invited to attend the International Children and Youth Culture Festival in Ankara,Turkey.



• Games and Sports: The Bahati Boys and Girls Football Teams are registered with the Nairobi Secondary Schools Premier League and are leading in their Group.



• Christian Union: Bahati has a strong Christian Union supported by the Global Youth Ministries (USA), Teens For Christ Kenya and The Eagles Landing (USA). Every year, the Christian Union, in conjunction with these partners, conducts Discipleship and Evangelization Programmes to promote the Gospel in Kenya.



• Haiku Club and its Activities: The Bahati Haiku Poetry Club ( known as the 'Bamboochas' ) started in January 2006 as part of the Kenya Saijiki Initiative, has already gained an international status, and has successfully encouraged neighbouring schools to join in the movement. Below, the Moderator of Kenya Saijiki awarding prizes to the winners at the Nairobi Arboretum ginkoo on Saturday 29 March 2008. In March 2008, the Bamboochas were invited to facilitate sessions on Haiku at the Embassy of Japan, Nairobi, during the Japanese Culture Week. More information here :
  
  http://kenyasaijiki.blogspot.com/2006/12/kenya-haiku-clubs.html
  

WELL-WISHERS' CONTRIBUTIONS
Bahati Community Centre Secondary School is grateful to the individuals and organisations which have been supporting it for the past few years.

UDP Team visit Bahati Community Centre, Novermber 2005

Above all, we wish to thank World Vision Kenya, and the Urban Development Programme (UDP) of All Saints' Cathedral Nairobi, who have at different times supported the school with project funding, with student fees and with its building programme.

The following projects currently under way would benefit greatly from your support:

1. Purchase and adaptation of the Bahati school building, which the landlady is willing and anxious to sell to the school. Cost : KShs. 2.2 million, of which KShs. 800,000 remains to be raised.

2. Purchase of neighbouring plots to expand the school, as student numbers are growing rapidly.

3. Sponsoring children : There are many. The cost per child is about KShs. 14,000 per term for fees, accommodation and food. This corresponds to about EUR 150 per child per term, all included.

More information on each of these issues can be provided via the following contacts:

CONTACT US:
+254 721 991413
+254 721 205397
e-mail: bahat934@yahoo.com

Bank Account Details:
Bahati Community Centre Secondary School
Co-Operative Bank of Kenya
Account Number: 0110039834900
Branch: Nacico
Branch Code: 11040
Country Code: KCOO-Kenya