Pembroke School warmed the hearts of many after responding to the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy on May 28, a move described as a show of humanity and compassion.
While responders were working during the rescue operation, Pembroke School’s team quickly became a place of relief, offering supplies and care to those working under the emotional and physical strain.
“We are part of this community, and we cannot let a disaster like this go by and not support and be here; we are devastated for the parents who have lost children,” Mrs MJ Nuijten-Coulson, Special Projects Vice Chair at Pembroke House School, said in an interview with Brygettes Ngana.
Support During the Difficult Moment
From the morning, Pembroke School coordinated with the community to support the rescue teams.
The Pembroke School team, together with members of the community, donated foodstuffs, including bread, biscuits, bhajias, and drinks, for teams at the rescue scene.
When the initial supplies ran out, the school prepared meals on-site, cooking lentils and rice, which helped sustain rescue teams working long hours.
MJ and the Pembroke staff remained at Utumishi Girls Academy until the situation in the school was fully under control.
“We’ll be here until this is finished,” MJ said.
Also Read: Tragedy as Parent Dies While Going to Confirm Child’s Safety at Utumishi School
The Fire Tragedy in Utumishi Girls Academy
Pembroke’s support comes after a fire broke out at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight in the school’s dormitory, trapping many students inside as they slept.
16 students lost their lives, while 79 others were injured in the incident.
Some students were injured while trying to escape, with reports indicating that others jumped from upper floors in a desperate attempt to save themselves.
The fire tragedy left many families devastated, with parents and guardians gathering at the school and nearby hospitals searching for information about their children.
The DCI, Forensic Teams, and the National Police Service (NPS) launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire, amid speculation of an arson attempt.
Pembroke School: Who are They?
Located in the vicinty of Utumishi Academy, Pembroke House School is an institution located in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
Founded in 1927, the school offers both day and boarding education for boys and girls up to the age of 13, following the British curriculum.
Pembroke School mainly emphasizes values such as kindness, responsibility, and teamwork; principles that are reflected in how it has responded to this crisis.
Also Read: Utumishi Girls Academy Closed for Investigations
Public Reactions to the act
Their gesture to extend support to its neighbouring school on Thursday has sparked reactions from Kenyans on social media, with some praising the act.
“The small acts of humanity in a crisis. God bless them. The situation is a very grave one, but such acts of kindness bring hope to humanity,” an X user MauMauGrandson commented.
Others, like Erick Gitobu, also on X, wondered who had an appetite for the food but called the act a good gesture.
Arif, another X user, questioned whether parents would have an appetite at the time when their children were missing.
The Utumishi Girls fire tragedy shocked the country. Messages of condolence poured in, while others made renewed calls for improved school safety.
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