What began as a vision for a different kind of learning environment is becoming a growing reality in Kakamega, Kenya.
Earlier this year, we shared Geoffrey Ashiono's journey of establishing a school where children could begin learning in an environment that recognises their strengths, supports different ways of thinking, and encourages a sense of safety and belonging.
At the final teachers meeting for 2026, Geoffrey appreciated the staff members for their commitment and unity. We looked at our strengths, challenges and way forward for 2027.
"We all agreed to engage in creating awareness of our school in the community and providing safe, quality Education."
Since then, so much has happened. Children are learning through practical activities, classrooms are taking shape, and the school has reached important milestones towards becoming formally established.
A New Name and an Important Milestone
Originally known as Kakamega Global Star Academy, the school now has a newly approved name: Global Star School Kakamega.
On 12 October 2026, Geoffrey received the official Certificate of Registration for the school's business name. On the same day, the Ministry of Education's Kakamega Central office issued a Letter of No Objection, confirming that it had no objection to the school using its approved name.
Education and quality assurance officials also visited the school, giving Geoffrey an opportunity to share the work taking place. He was also invited by the Sub County Director of Education to attend a meeting of Kakamega's private school directors, an encouraging opportunity to connect with the wider education community.
These are meaningful steps for a school that began with one person's vision and the support of people who believed in what could be possible.
Moving Towards Full Registration in 2027
Now the business name is now registered, the school is continuing its journey towards full educational registration, with March 2027 as its target.
One particularly encouraging development is that Geoffrey has been informed that the school no longer needs to reach 50 learners before beginning the registration process. Following the education office's visit, this offers a welcome opportunity to continue moving forward while the school develops and enrolments grow.
There is still work ahead, but each step is helping establish a stronger foundation for the children's future.
Geoffrey let us know that the borehole has been completed and they are just waiting for piping to the main tank. Water on its way!
Learning Through Play, Movement and Discovery
Beyond these official milestones, some of the most meaningful progress can be seen in the children's everyday experiences.
In recent shares from Geoffrey, the children enjoy a ball-catching activity, practising coordination and learning through movement. Another activity turns learning about time into a game. As the teacher calls out different times, the children listen carefully, waiting for the agreed signal of "one o'clock" before running back to their classroom.
A lovely moment of the children participating in a prayer together, while other classroom photographs such as the one at the top of this blog show them exploring letter-shaped materials with guidance from their teachers.
These everyday experiences reflect something we value deeply at Growing Choices: learning becomes meaningful when children have opportunities to experience, explore, and discover understanding for themselves safely and with joy.
One Classroom Ready, Another to Prepare
This year marked a wonderful milestone for Global Star School Kakamega, as its first group of learners began their educational journey in a completed classroom.
With tiled flooring, tables, chairs, blackboards, and colourful educational displays, this classroom has become a welcoming space where children can learn, play, and grow.
But as these children prepare to move into their next class in 2027, another classroom is needed.
The existing classroom will welcome a new group of learners, while the children who started this year will need a new space to continue their learning journey.
The second classroom is still waiting to be completed.
It currently needs floor tiles and further preparation, with the hope of having everything ready before the end of 2026.
The floor tiles will be similar to the first classroom (below) that was tiled earlier this year.
Our Second Classroom: waiting for floor tiling.
The second classroom will welcome the school's second group of learners in 2027.
The second classroom: Today
The second classroom is the next room to be prepared. Its floor still needs tiling before it can become a welcoming learning space.
Our Hope for 2027
The vision is to have the second classroom tiled and ready before the end of the year, so the children can continue their learning journey in 2027.
Let's Get This Room Ready for the Second Class Next Year
One classroom is ready, and another is waiting to welcome the children as they continue their learning journey in 2027.
With your support, we can help provide the floor tiles and finishing touches needed to prepare this next learning space.
Every contribution can help bring this classroom one step closer to being ready for the children.
Support the Next Classroom
A Shared Vision for Every Learner
At Growing Choices, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a way that recognises their strengths, develops understanding, and creates a sense of belonging.
This vision is shared by people and organisations around the world, including Master Dyslexia and The Whole Dyslexic Society in Canada, whose commitment to supporting dyslexic learners extends beyond their own communities.
The Whole Dyslexic Society has played a meaningful role in supporting Geoffrey's work through the Kakamega Project, which is particularly special as it represents the Society's first and only international support project outside Canada.
Its involvement also reflects a wider commitment to raising awareness and changing how dyslexia is understood. Through her work with the WHO KNEW film, Sue Hall has helped bring important conversations about dyslexia, different ways of thinking, and the strengths of dyslexic individuals to a wider audience.
Sue's dedication has also been recognised through her selection as a finalist for the 2026 I Am Humanity Prize, following Geoffrey's recognition as a finalist in 2025.
These connections remind us that meaningful change rarely happens alone. It grows through conversations, shared experiences, generosity, and people who believe that every learner deserves an opportunity to thrive.
From Canada to New Zealand and Kenya, this shared commitment continues to create possibilities for children and families who might otherwise have limited access to learning support.
Could We Create Another Christmas Miracle?
There is much to celebrate at Global Star School Kakamega, but as the school prepares for 2027, there are still important needs to meet.
Alongside preparing the second classroom, another priority is supporting the everyday essentials that help keep the school running.
And sometimes, those essentials are things we might easily take for granted.
A warm meal. Water for the school day. Charcoal to cook food for the children.
Geoffrey recently shared that school fees help cover meals for children and teachers, charcoal for cooking, water bills, and payments for part-time teaching and groundskeeping support.
School fee payments for our initial small group are helpful but we would welcome even a small donation via Raisely to support a school that is still establishing itself.
Part of the growth and consolidation is Geoffrey's plan for a new billboard outside the school on the roadside to advertise new enrollments welcome for 2027.
Though we are establishing the main areas such as rent for next year and teacher salaries some playground equipment such as a see-saw and slide would be amazing, too.
We have an opportunity to focus on what we can help make possible.
A Christmas Miracle for Food Security
Imagine being able to contribute towards the charcoal needed to cook meals for the children.
Or helping provide the water and other practical essentials that support their everyday school experience.
These may seem like small things, but together they help create an environment where children can concentrate on learning, playing, and growing.
As Geoffrey helps us identify the most pressing needs and their costs, we hope to create a Christmas Miracle Wishlist, where supporters can see exactly what their contributions could help provide.
It might be charcoal for preparing meals, support towards the classroom floor tiles, or another practical need that makes a difference to the children's daily experience.
Each contribution would be another step towards creating a school that can continue supporting its learners for years to come.
Help Make Another Christmas Miracle Possible
There are many ways to make a difference, and every contribution towards the Kakamega Project helps support the school's continuing development.
Support the Kakamega Project
https://thekakamegaproject.raiselysite.com/#donate
Together, we can help Geoffrey continue building a school where children have opportunities to learn, grow, and feel supported, both in their education and in their everyday lives.
