On February 7, 2025, Ms. Jayne Maquard, in collaboration with the Rotary Club Germany Chapter and eMentoring Africa, led a heartfelt initiative at Naivasha Prisons to support inmate students in their educational journey. This visit marked a decade of commitment to providing educational resources and opportunities to incarcerated individuals, reinforcing the belief that education has the power to transform lives.
Upon arrival, the team was received by James Mwaura, the school principal, alongside Joseph Kariuki, the ICT personnel and prison superintendent. Their warm welcome set the tone for a meaningful day ahead. The team then proceeded to meet Deputy Commissioner Wanyonyi, who officially welcomed them on behalf of the prison leadership.
The persons present took turns to introduce themselves, stating their joy for being present to be part of this impactful initiative. Ms. Jayne Maquard took a moment to reflect on how this initiative started, sharing her passion for ensuring that even within the prison system, education remains a beacon of hope. The Chief Commissioner, Mr. Saitoti, later joined the meeting and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support extended to the prison’s educational center.
This visit carried even greater significance, as Jayne dedicated it to celebrating her 60th birthday. A decade ago, when she turned 50, she and her sister, eMA’s CEO, Ms. Esther Muchiri, embarked on this journey of giving back, and this milestone reaffirmed her unwavering dedication. The team officially handed over a generous donation of learning materials, including books, pens, a laptop, a projector, and set books, among other essential resources. The donations were received with great appreciation, symbolizing yet another step towards ensuring quality education for all.
After the handover, the team met with the inmate students in the school hall. Former inmates Stitches and Principal shared their powerful stories of rehabilitation and personal growth, emphasizing that education was the key to their transformation. Their words inspired the students to see beyond their present circumstances and to embrace learning as a tool for a brighter future.
Moses, the former Naivasha Prisons welfare officer shared a few words of encouragement as he also reminisced on his time at the prisons when he served as their welfare officer, he later on introduced Mr. Andrew Gichure, the Managing Director of eMentoring Africa, who then took the stage to introduce Esther Muchiri, the CEO of eMentoring Africa.
Ms. Esther Muchiri, introduced her former school headmaster, who shared additional words of wisdom and motivation. Team members Ms. Chao and Lilian further reinforced the message of hope, urging the students to stay dedicated to their studies. She then delivered her message of encouragement, reminding the inmate students that education is a continuous journey that offers endless opportunities.
A Commitment to Continued Support
Ms. Jayne Maquard concluded the session by reflecting on her previous visit to Naivasha Prisons and the promises made to support the school. She reiterated her commitment to the cause and expressed her hope that, with continued collaboration, inmate students would receive the education they deserve.
As the session drew to a close, an inmate representative shared a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the profound impact of the initiative. The gathering ended with a word of prayer, followed by a photo session to commemorate the day.
Before the team departed, Chief Commissioner Saitoti, Deputy Commissioner Wanyonyi, Superintendent Joseph Kariuki, and School Principal James Mwaura once again expressed their gratitude and extended an open invitation for future engagements.
This visit was a powerful reminder that education is not confined to traditional classrooms; it is a transformative force that can break barriers and create opportunities, regardless of one’s circumstances. Through the dedication of individuals like Ms. Jayne Maquard, the Rotary Club, Germany Chapter and eMentoring Africa, the journey of inmate students at Naivasha Prisons continues to be one of learning, growth, and renewed hope.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of education. Together, we can continue to empower lives; one book, one lesson, and one opportunity at a time.