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Several Berlitz employees have long been private supporters of Plan International. Their enthusiasm was one of the reasons why the company management decided to set up its own foundation through Plan International at the end of 2006.
"However, the deciding factor was our social responsibility as a company that focuses on language, culture, understanding, education and learning," says Annette Fuchs, Managing Director of Berlitz Deutschland GmbH.
In the Kisumu district near Lake Victoria in Kenya, the population faces great challenges. Over half the population lives on an income of less than one euro per day. Women and girls face strong discrimination. Children suffer from poor nutrition and contaminated drinking water. Many are suffering from illnesses such as malaria, measles, respiratory infections, diarrhoea and HIV/Aids.
The educational situation in the Kisumu district is particularly problematic. The school enrollment rate is very low compared to the national average. Although preschool attendance in Kenya has been free of charge since 2003, many children still do not go to school, or leave school early, particularly girls.
And support for preschool and nursery school age children is not included in free primary school education. But this is exactly where the foundations for a good education are laid, fostering the children's positive attitude to learning. The "Berlitz Educational Foundation for Children" is therefore building three new preschools. Water tanks and latrines are being installed, the preschools are being equipped with furniture, learning materials and toys, and educators and teachers are receiving pedagogical training. Employees working at management level are also being trained in how to make the running of the schools more efficient. The aim is also to make the community aware of the importance of education.
Current situation
Despite the political unrests in Kenya, the building work for the classrooms has begun without any disruptions. The community is heavily involved in the work. This project will directly benefit 77 girls and 91 boys, who are currently registered to attend the three preschools. As future generations will also benefit from the improved educational environment, it is estimated that around 680 children will be taught at the preschools in the next ten years.
