The Role of Friends African Mission in the historical development Of Lugulu And Chwele Girls Secondary Schools from 1902-1988 in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The growth and development of education in most parts of Kenya are intertwined within mission stations' establishment. This study sought to explore the role of Friends African Mission in the historical development of Lugulu and Chwele Girls Secondary Schools from 1902-1988 in Bungoma County, Kenya. It mainly focused on Lugulu and Chwele girls’ secondary schools. The two girls' schools were selected using the purposive sampling method since they are the oldest and most prominent Friends African Mission sponsored girls secondary schools in Bungoma county. The study was inspired by the urgent need to bridge the gap in knowledge regarding Friends African Mission's influence upon education in Western Kenya. The study sought to achieve the following objectives; to examine the status of girl-child education in Bungoma County under the Friends African Mission., to trace the historical development of Lugulu and Chwele girls’ high schools, and to establish the influence of Lugulu and Chwele girls high schools on the local community. The study was carried out within the context of modernization theory. The target population of participants were sdrawn from Lugulu and Chwele girls’ secondary schools and the neighbourhood, included former and current school administrators, teachers, students, local community leaders, and education officials. The sample size of 43 participants was employed with the purposive sampling technique, utilized in order to identify the key informants. The study being historical in nature, basically used historical methods of research as its research design. The main sources of data informing the study were primary and secondary. Primary sources included historical documents found in Kenya National Archives, such as official school records, official and private correspondence, and minutes of annual church meetings. Apart from written sources, oral testimonies were also used as primary evidence for the study. To this end, different categories of informants were identified using the snowball technique and subsequently interviewed. Their testimonies were critical in either reporting or corroborating evidence from archival sources. After the details had been checked and confirmed, it was acknowledged as empirical proof for the analysis. This proof was then qualitatively examined. This coincided with creating a coding scheme in which those topics covered by the said proof were described. The study unearthed several findings when considered in light of its objectives and theoretical framework. The Friends African Mission played an important role in the Historical development of Lugulu and Chwele Girls High Schools in Bungoma County. The colonial government and the local native council also played a key role in the establishment of the two girls’ school. The study has revealed that the schools have transformed the lives of girls and women in the community and in Kenya at large. In conclusion the study recommended that the government should provide scholarships to needy girls and allow those who become pregnant to go back to schools after delivery, then ensure their safety and security. There should be a review of the curriculum for gender responsive school environment including separate toilets of boys and girls, the two schools should find ways of keeping school records safely because they are vital for understanding of the historical development of the schools. The Alumni of Lugulu and Chwele Girls High Schools should take an active role in management of the two schools to uplift the performance of the schools. The old girls should go out of their way to support and nature young girls at these institutions.