My name is Maria Mursoi, the Headteacher of Marigat Boarding Primary School. I have had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable transformation at our school, thanks to the incredible support we have received from Dandelion Africa.

In 2022, our school faced significant academic challenges. Our students were doing their best, but we lacked the resources necessary to provide the quality assessments needed to help them prepare for national exams. Our mean score was 220, a grade D. We knew our students were capable of achieving much more, but without the proper tools, their potential remained untapped.

That’s when Dandelion Africa stepped in. They provided us with high-quality exams that were crucial not only for assessing our students but also for thoroughly preparing them for the national exams. These exams were a lifeline for us. They allowed us to identify our students’ strengths and weaknesses and tailor our teaching to meet their needs.

The impact was almost immediate. Within just one year, our mean score jumped from 220 to 264, a solid C. This was a significant improvement that filled our school with hope and pride. For the first time in our school’s history, we had a student score 394 marks, earning an A-. This student, along with the second and third top students, were all admitted to national schools. It was a moment of immense joy and a testament to what our students can achieve when given the right support.

These students were also part of the ‘Girls for Leaders, Boys for Change’ program established by Dandelion Africa. Through life skills training, career talks, and behavior change initiatives, the program has made a profound impact on our students.

Our students are now more confident. They can express their concerns, share ideas, and engage in discussions that were previously unheard of in our school. We have also seen a significant reduction in drug use among some students, a problem that had troubled us for a long time.

The program has truly changed the culture of our school, creating a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.