15th July 2024….The Finlays Community Trust has today commissioned a new dormitory block at Gelegele Girls Secondary School, courtesy of an educational infrastructure initiative that will benefit over 120 secondary school students in Bomet County.  The new facility will provide a quiet and stable environment for students to rest, essential for effective learning and better academic results.

The dormitory block is part of the Trust’s infrastructure pillar to support development and improve the lives of communities in Bomet and Kericho Counties. Since 2010, the Trust has invested over Ksh. 316.15 million in infrastructure projects within the two counties.

“Our goal is to empower young girls by addressing their basic needs through this vital infrastructure project. Providing a safe and conducive living environment is paramount to their academic success and personal development. It is attendance and that a stable and secure place to live significantly enhances students’ ability to focus on their studies, boosts their attendance, and fosters a sense of independence and responsibility. By commissioning this dormitory block, we are not just building a structure; we are building futures. The Finlays Community Trust is committed to creating an environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential,” said the Finlays Community Trust Chairman Bishop Alfred Rotich.

Research by the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) indicates that improved learning infrastructure can lead to higher attendance rates, better academic performance, and reduced dropout rates. When students have access to secure accommodation, they are less likely to miss school due to safety concerns or long commutes. As a result, students who reside in well-maintained dormitories often achieve higher grades and demonstrate improved learning outcomes.

The Trust has implemented over 78 infrastructure projects within Kericho and Bomet counties. Some of the projects include the construction of a fully equipped secondary school at a cost of Kshs.110 million, 21 laboratories, 13 classrooms, 13 libraries, six dining halls and six dormitories amongst others. Additionally, The Trust has also invested in a mentorship program as well as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program to support students in developing their skills and advancing their careers.

The Finlays Community Trust was officially launched in 2021 as an independent charitable trust to replace Finlays Charitable Trust. The Trust aims to empower communities and nurture sustainable growth in Kericho and Bomet Counties. To achieve this, the Trust has been guided by its mission to create sustainable, long-term impact by supporting a variety of projects and initiatives across the strategic pillars of education, infrastructure, health, and disaster relief. The Trust is funded collaboratively by both Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays Tea Extracts Kenya Limited.

ENDS.

About the Finlays Community Trust

The Finlays Community Trust is an independent charity that empowers communities and nurtures sustainable growth in Kericho and Bomet Counties. Funded by Browns Plantations Kenya (previously James Finlay Kenya) and Finlays Extracts Kenya Limited, the Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental, and economic benefits by taking a collaborative approach and appointing trustees who represent local communities, thus creating shared value. By partnering with the community, we ensure the Trust invests in and supports the projects and initiatives that have the most meaningful and enduring impact.

Contacts:

Zackayo Ochieng

Communication Officer Browns Plantations Kenya,

zackayo.ochieng@brownsplantations.co.ke or 0796438556

For further information please visit https://www.finlayscommunitytrust.co.ke/