	Overseas Mission

The Kenyan Connection

'Jambo" from Meru (means "How do you do?")

Three years ago I accompanied Marjorie Kerr (PT, Geography) to Meru in Kenya to set up a global partnership link between Meru High School and Grove Academy. The vision we shared then of a programme of exchange visits between pupils has become a reality in the autumn of this year when 2 boys and 2 girls currently in Grove's S5 attended Meru HS and stayed in a student hostel there with Marjorie and Fiona Mclntosh.
Those of you who have been reading the blog the pupils set up entitled 'grovemeruvisit' cannot help but feel inspired by their enthusiasm for the whole experience. I am sure this will be conveyed in the presentations the pupils give to our congregation, to school assemblies and staff, and to Abertay Rotary.
The ripple effect of this link has had a significant impact on the lives of young people in Meru and in Broughty Ferry. Our youngsters have witnessed the value given to education as a route to a better life in Kenya. They have experienced a lifestyle based on Christian values.
I couldn't help but be impressed by the sincerity and friendship of the congregation of St Stephen's in Meru and was very happy to be the conveyor of their greetings to our congregation. This has resulted in our funding, aided by the jewellery sent by the Kenyan congregation, and a contribution from my son and daughter-in-law's wedding, building a kindergarten in the grounds of the church in Meru. This is a single storey structure with electricity and water which the congregation hope to extend.
Limbine Primary School has benefited from a link with St Mary's PS in Dundee established through this Grove Partnership, and a classroom for 50 now has new desks. The Moira Stewart trust endowed to Grove is funding the education of 3 orphans through secondary school and has built 2 much needed classrooms at a local primary school. The recycled bead project between Grove and Meru pupils is funding further pupils through secondary school.
The Rev Elijah Mwrigi, whom some of you met in July of this year with his wife Priscilla, has been instrumental in making this happen in Kenya. Elijah and Priscilla entertained the Grove school party on two occasions during their visit to Meru and the entire St Stephen's congregation prepared a lunch for the Grove ambassadors. The Kenyan congregation would be delighted to welcome any of us to their church.

The Principal of Meru High School, with the Head of English, will accompany 4 Kenyan pupils to Broughty Ferry in the Spring of 2012. The Kenyan pupils will be hosted by Grove pupils. There is a steady traffic of pupil letters being exchanged and curricular projects on global issues.
I am very grateful to you all at Stephen's and West for embracing this project and involving the pupils of Grove in the youth group and Sunday School as helpers. Long may this partnership prosper!
Sheila McLuckie