FORGE's Meheba Preschools consist of two preschools in the Meheba Refugee Settlement that serve children ages six and younger. Both preschools provide basic education in literacy and arithmetic, as well as lessons in song, dance, and crafts. The name “Kunachi” was chosen by the Kunachi Parent Teacher Association because it means “illumination” and “growth.” The Dufatanye Preschool serves children specifically from the Rwandan community in Meheba, and is named after the Rwandan word for “togetherness.” To get parents involved in sustaining the school, FORGE devised an innovative goat-lending project, through which all Dufatanye families are required to raise one goat at a time to be sold for a profit at nearby markets. All profits from the goat-lending project go directly to supporting the Dufatanye Preschool.
In Meheba, children aged 5 and younger comprise a significant proportion of the total population. Without preschool, these children would have no opportunities for formal learning before entering primary school. The Meheba Preschools are located in isolated communities with an especially high density of preschool-aged children. Without these schools, none of the children would have access to preschool education. Many of the children have been orphaned by AIDS or left behind by parents pursuing opportunities elsewhere, and they would otherwise enter primary school at a disadvantage to the children who receive informal education in their early years.
Every year the Meheba Preschools directly benefit 300 children ages 3-5 enrolled in the preschools. Indirectly, the preschools lift the burden of childcare from the children’s family and caretakers for much of the day, and bring regular activity to what has been a severely resource-poor community.
• Conducting daily exercises in basic literacy and arithmetic
• Leading lessons that develop play skills, communication, and teamwork tools
• Providing activities involving music, dance, and crafts in a safe and secure environment
• Hosting monthly Parent-Teacher Association meetings to involve families as volunteers and solicit feedback on student progress
• Helping to sustain school through innovative goat lending project
• To prepare the 300 children enrolled for primary education
• To ensure at least 90% of the preschool graduates matriculate at local Basic Schools
• To eliminate the burden of childcare up to 5 hours a day for adults and caretakers
• To provide healthy creative outlets for youth through arts and crafts
