Learning boost for Kenyan pupils from Knutsford-based Sportive

The proceeds of September’s Knutsford-based Cheshire Cycling Sportive have funded numerous vital primary school learning resources heading to Kenya this month.

The annual cycling event supports the Egerton Schools Foundation, a charity which maintains and strengthens the global learning partnership between Egerton Primary School in Knutsford and Egerton School in Njoro, Kenya.

Sportive organiser Dan Boardman and Egerton Primary School headteacher Alison Hooper presented almost 100 books and learning resources given by The Egerton Schools Foundation to Thomas Momanyi and Miss Linette at the end of their week-long learning exchange visit to their namesake school in Knutsford.

The donation included music, language, literature and science primary-school learning resources

Thomas Momanyi, curriculum lead at Egerton School in Njoro said: “These resources will bring learning alive. They cannot be found in Kenya so will create a lot of excitement from children and teachers.”

At the school Thomas teaches at in Kenya it had become essential to stagger recreation times due to pressure on the sparse library facilities pupils were keen to access.

Improving the infrastructure is one of the key aims of the Foundation along with developing an enriched global curriculum and increasing the impact of the partnership with regular exchange visits of British and Kenyan teachers.

Some of the cyclists waiting to start the Cheshire Cycling Sportive

The donation was thanks to the efforts of more than 150 cyclists who took part in the 2019 Cheshire Cycling Sportive, organised by Dan Boardman, from Knutsford.

Now in its fourth year, the route took in Cheshire’s best lanes and climbs, through Knutsford, Mobberley, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Bollington and Pott Shrigley.

The spectacular route also passed Windgather Rocks, the Goyt Valley, Cat and Fiddle, Blaze and the iconic cobbles of Swiss and Wizard hill totalling 5,500 feet of ascent over 65 miles.

Dan, who became aware of the Foundation as his two daughters attend Egerton Primary School, launched the sportive in 2016.

He said: “The route is my personal favourite and I felt it would make a great sportive.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved. We’re already getting entries for 2020.”

Alison Hooper said: “The money raised has helped to fund face-to- face visits between teachers.

“This year meant we were in a position to support both schools equally by donating £1,000 to each to provide much-needed books and resources.

“I would like to thank all riders who take part as their efforts have resulted in a direct and positive impact on the children in both schools.”