Preschool
In 2001, there were no preschools (kindergartens) in the nomadic areas of north eastern Samburu. The Thorn Tree Project began by raising money to help the Samburu start a series of preschools in the outlying nomadic communities. These preschools would allow parents to experience the benefits of schooling firsthand.
Finding a location for the preschools was easy. Teachers identified the largest, shadiest thorn tree in the area, and propped a blackboard up against the tree trunk. Today, we still utilize these thorn trees as the site of our preschools.
Against the thorn tree trunk blackboards, a classroom of about 30 children (between ages 3-6) learns to add, subtract, write the alphabet, and sound out basic phonics. An active committee of Samburu men and women, elected by the communities, manages the preschools, ensuring that the schools are part of Samburu culture.
In 2002, two preschools opened. These preschools proved successful at sending students into primary schools, so more were established. There are now 14 preschools throughout northeastern Samburu.
Each preschool is supported by a sponsor who donates $1,000 a year. This donation covers the cost of the teacher’s salary, blackboards, writing materials, books to teach with, as well as food and a cook to prepare the children’s lunch.