Parklands School Nairobi was renamed Dr. Ribeiro Parklands School in a ceremony held at the school on Friday 16th January, 2015.   In attendance were Trustees of the Esther Ribeiro Fund,  Rene Ribeiro de Sousa, grandson of Dr. Rosendo Ribeiro, Corrine Remedios,  David Fok, Ribeiro Trust Fundattorney,  several Kenyan VIPs including the Guest of Honour, Ms Leah Rotich the Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Education,  Christopher Khaimba the County Executive Secretary of Education and several DRGS alumni, including some from abroad.  

During the ceremony, Rene de Sousa, as one of the Executors of the estate of his late mother Mrs Esther Fausta Ribeiro de Sousa, who was one of the daughters of Dr Rosendo Ribeiro, symbolically presented a cheque to the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the School, for the sum of Ksh 5 million, as a donation towards the cost of building a new classroom block and library at the school. The actual amount of the Estate's donation will be remitted to the school shortly, and will be USD 63,500 (approximately KSh 5.74 million).

Mrs Esther Fausta Ribeiro de Sousa attended the school herself, and it was her very dear wish that the school should once more bear the name of her late father after whom the school was originally named (and renamed to Parklands School in 1965). This donation continues the legacy started by her father.

The ceremony was extremely successful considering that there was a Teachers’ Strike on which thankfully ended the days before.  It was marvelous to see teachers, students, parents turn up for the ceremony. The committee and teachers worked tirelessly  in preparation of the event.  A commemorative brochure was prepared by a sub-committee (see link below).  The cerebral palsy unit has been a great addition and is a great achievement, being supported by the Young Jains Group, Nairobi.   

Entertainment was provided by the Dr. Ribeiro Parklands School students. There was a hilarious poem from primary school students to their parents. One of the cerebral palsy students recited a moving poem about herself. The ceremony ended with a sumptuous lunch.

Support for the school from DRGS alumni  has also been gathering momentum.  Recently, following the DRGS Class of 68's fund raising efforts,  the 2012 Toronto and 2014 UK DRGS Alumni committees made donations to a separate Dr Ribeiro Parklands School Renovation Fund and many Kenya based students have also generously donated funds and their time to the school.

Programme and Brochure: