Aquiline Tarimo Jesuit School (ATJS): In line with the Jesuit dedication to education, our parish in 2024 launched a small kindergarten/early childhood center named Aquiline Tarimo Jesuit School. It currently caters to about 100+ children (ages 4–8) from the community, many from poor families who might not afford quality pre-primary education. The school operates on parish grounds (using a repurposed old structure for classrooms and some tents/shade outside for play and lessons). We have 3 volunteer teachers and a volunteer head teacher. The goal is to provide a solid educational and spiritual foundation to these kids, bridging them into primary schooling with confidence. The curriculum covers basics of literacy and numeracy, taught in creative ways, plus catechism for Christian pupils and human values for all. We keep fees extremely low (a token Ksh 500 per term, mainly to cover a daily porridge/lunch for the kids)[21][22], and even then we waive it for those who cannot pay, relying on donor support for sustainability.
In August 2024, we held a wonderful end-of-term ceremony[23] graced by Fr. Damas (Director) and Sch. Kanenje. Parents were invited and many expressed joy that their children could attend a school in the vicinity with caring teachers[21][24]. At that event, we also took time to introduce parents to the broader Jesuit vision and future plans for the school[22]. They responded enthusiastically, pledging support and even forming a parents’ committee to help with school improvements[24].
Our dream is to expand ATJS: securing more land or building a permanent block so we can add classes up to at least Grade 3. We also plan to enrich the program with Montessori training for teachers, and incorporate gardening and sports for a holistic approach. Education in this impoverished area is a game-changer – by giving kids a strong start, we hope to break some of the cycles of poverty and set them on a path to success. We named the school after Fr. Aquiline Tarimo, SJ (a beloved Jesuit educator who served in East Africa) to inspire us to run it with excellence and compassion.
St. Vincent de Paul Nursery (Feeding Program): Before ATJS, the parish ran what was informally called St. Vincent de Paul Nursery School – essentially a charity daycare and feeding program for children 4–7 who weren’t in any school. This project, started in 2019 by the Justice & Peace volunteers and named after the patron of charity, provided basic lessons and a daily meal to about 60–90 children (numbers fluctuated). It was staffed by 2-3 volunteer caregivers/teachers from the community. The main objective was to keep these little ones off the streets during the day (some used to roam as parents went to look for casual work) and to ensure they got at least one nutritious meal (usually porridge in morning and a simple lunch). A token fee of Ksh 500 per term was asked, but many paid in kind (like bringing maize or doing some cleaning) or not at all.
With the establishment of ATJS, we have essentially merged this initiative into the school. However, we continue to ensure the feeding program aspect remains strong – thanks to donor support, all children at ATJS get a cup of fortified porridge at 10am and lunch at 12:30pm. The school also identifies those with health issues (malnutrition, jiggers, etc.) and through St. Vincent de Paul Society we address those – e.g., arranging clinic visits or clothing donations. So, in effect, ATJS runs with a social mission at its heart, not purely academic.
Scholarships and Education Sponsorship: Through the parish, a number of needy children and youth have found sponsors for their education. Currently, about 15 primary and 8 secondary students receive some financial help with fees/uniforms from parish-linked donors. We coordinate this by vetting the need (through J&P or SCC recommendations) and then connecting to a willing sponsor (some are parishioners giving monthly, others are friends abroad). An Education Committee monitors their school progress and ensures funds are used for intended purpose. We celebrate that one of our youth from a humble background completed high school in 2023 through such sponsorship and is now in college studying nursing – a success story of parish solidarity.
Community Health Initiatives: While not a full project, our parish engages in health outreach. During COVID-19, we actively distributed sanitizers, masks and did health education, collaborating with the Diocesan Justice & Peace office[24]. We also have held medical camps: e.g., in September 2022, partnering with a local clinic and volunteer doctors from Malindi Hospital, we organized a free health camp at the parish. Over 200 people got checkups, eye screenings, deworming for kids, etc. and referrals for further treatment as needed. The CWA cooked food for the medical team and patients, making it a caring community affair.
Another ongoing program is HIV/AIDS support: our J&P members help run a small support group for people living with HIV, offering spiritual counseling and sometimes material support (nutritional supplements). We remind all of God’s love and the Church’s embrace for those suffering or stigmatized.St. Vincent de Paul Society: Though not highly formalized yet, a group of parishioners essentially function as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, focusing on direct aid to the poor. They organize collections of clothes, foodstuffs, and emergency funds whenever a pressing need arises (like a family’s house burning down, or a member needing surgery). For instance, last year when a single mother in the parish had a difficult childbirth and high hospital bill, this group mobilized to pay the bill and stocked her home with food upon return. Truly living Matthew 25:35-36, they feed, clothe, and care in quiet ways. We plan to formalize this society with a spiritual advisor and membership drive to strengthen this critical ministry of charity.