St. Francis Assisi Academy in Marereni has served students through grade three for several years. Since the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth began their ministry at the school, the long-term goal has been to expand it into a full primary school through grade six.
In 2024, with the support of a volunteer group from Malta, the Diocese of Malindi constructed an additional classroom. This made it possible for the school to open grade four.
In 2025, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth committed to continuing the expansion by constructing a new school building. The two-story structure includes a principal’s office, staff room, and conference room on the ground floor. The first floor is designed to hold three classrooms.
Because of limited funding, construction is taking place in two phases. The ground floor was completed at the end of December 2025, along with the basic structure and terrace for the first floor.
On Jan. 9, 2026, Bishop Willybard Lagho of the Diocese of Malindi blessed the completed ground floor. When the school reopened later that month, grade five students began using the conference room as a temporary classroom. They will remain there until the first-floor classrooms are completed, which is expected by the end of 2026 if additional funds become available.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kenya, along with the students and residents of Marereni, express deep gratitude to supporters in the United States. This support is creating new opportunities for children and strengthening the future of the community.
The Sisters in Kenya offer sincere thanks to all who made this progress possible.