Human development is heavily reliant on education. Article 43(1) of Kenya's 2010 Constitution provides the right to free education. Articles 53, 54, and 55 underscore the importance of young people, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities' right to education. Article 56 emphasizes the importance of affirmative action for marginalized groups, such as those in Kenya's arid and semi-arid areas (ASAL), female children, and women. Access to education for children has the ability to combat climate change, eliminate malnutrition, reduce poverty, boost social development, and improve the quality of life.
According to the KNBS report , A total of 39% of Kwale County residents have no formal education. Lunga Lunga constituency has the highest share of residents with no formal education at 45%. The average literacy rate is 57 percent. However, only 47.4% of women are literate, vs 66.6 percent of men. It is therefore critical to focus on eliminating illiteracy in Kwale County, lest the county slips behind in terms of economic, technological, and social advancement.
It is in the backdrop of such glaring statistics that G for Girls a community based organization that fosters safe spaces for girls to support girls’ education was borne. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we have implemented the KWEMA project for the last one year in a bid to bridge the education gap in Lunga Lunga Subcounty. KWEMA is a Kiswahili word meaning keep safe.
Here are some of the highlights of the program:
· 365 girls received 1200 hours of mentorship and safety
· A Total of 17 children secured high school scholarships for the next 4 years translating to 5,000,000ksh worth of investment in Education. G for Girls Initiative has adopted 3 girls.
· Further 500 girls have received dignity packs in a bid to curb period poverty, this has tremendously reduced school absenteeism
· 6 sexual predators arrested and arraigned in a court of law.
· Gender and safeguarding embedded in the organization to guide our day to day programming.
· Angaza Elimu mobile library with 500 story books where girls borrow, learn to read to boost their literacy skills.
· With the good community relationship, the Kiwegu community has donated a piece of land where we intend to build a Community Resource Centre that will host a library and digital space.
If you would love to add a book to our growing library, please reach out!
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In honour of #InternationalWomensMonth, we're celebrating our community of young leaders and partners who are breaking barriers and investing in the future of women and girls. Meet four inspirational women who are driving change and empowering the next generation of future leaders:
1. Regina Honu, CEO of Soronko Academy
2. Priscah Mongera, Executive Director of GforGirls Initiative
3. Claire Uwineza, CEO of Resonate Workshops
4. Hajia Dr. Salamatu Garba, Founder of Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN)
Partnership & Public Affairs I Senior Advisor I Diversity I Gender Equity I B-Multiplier I Non profit organisations
5dGracias por el apoyo Marina y por dar visibilidad al estudio!