Uniforms
Uniforms are more than clothes.
A school uniform to many people is something a student wears if they attend a private school. It can symbolize belonging, discipline or a religious belief. To some a uniform can symbolize prosperity, where only certain students, meeting specific social requirements, are accepted. However in Kenya, school uniforms are worn by students attending private and public schools. For students living in the city some of the symbolism might equate to prosperity or meeting specific social requirements. But to a student attending a school in the slums, the uniform is much more. The school uniform becomes:
- A necessity because it is the only clothing many children attending school have to wear.
- An important method used to identify a student after school. Identifying crimes against children; prostitution, rape or crimes committed by children.
- A social leveler – students from wealthy and poor schools all wore uniforms.
Gallery
Because of these issues, in 2011, we started a school uniform program at Mirera Primary School. To involve the student body and community, a school uniform committee was formed, comprising of 8 class coordinators, 2 parents, 2 students and the deputy head teacher. The criteria for student selection are based upon need:
- Orphans
- One or more terminally ill parents
- Single parent
- Both parents but destitute.
The students and families attending Mirera Primary School are not the only ones who benefit from this program. Because we formed a partnership with a local trade school they benefit as well. We pay them to make the uniforms, supporting there garment class, and they provide us with quality uniforms at a price lower than a retail store.
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