The Kenyan government had already taken steps to improve schooling. Two years ago it scrapped school fees, and a free-meals programme was already in place in Sauri.

Since the Millennium Village started life, the free-meals programme has been extended. Enrolment has doubled, and the village�s Bar Sauri school now has 500 pupils. Almost half are orphaned � mostly, it is believed, by Aids.

There are still obstacles to getting to school. The children�s families must provide uniforms, which not all of them can afford.