quality education
How It All Started: Meeting Education Needs In Rural Kenya
Written by Greg Baird, President, The Kilgoris Project
Quality education is recognized as a fundamental human right by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." However, in many Kenyan rural communities, access to a good education remains a challenge.
For two decades, The Kilgoris Project (TKP) has partnered with communities to establish schools and provide holistic programs that support children's education from preschool to primary school and beyond.
TKP’s proven model is based on a commitment to providing inclusive and equitable quality education to all students.
“TKP recognizes that education is more than just academics; it is also about nurturing a child's mind, body, and spirit. Early childhood education, or preschool, is crucial in laying the framework for a child's future success. The TKP preschool program gives children access to caring, compassionate teachers, a community of friends, and a safe place to learn and grow, resulting in an inclusive environment in which all children may thrive,” says TKP’s Education Officer, Sabina Lenkarie.
Children in the TKP school program are not only exposed to language, communication, and math concepts at a young age, but they also have the opportunity to acquire crucial social skills. They learn to interact with their peers, express themselves, and have a sense of belonging in their community. Furthermore, nutrition and health services are provided in TKP schools, ensuring that children are healthy and ready to learn, which aligns with SDG 4's emphasis on supporting health and well-being as part of quality education.
Early childhood education has ramifications that go beyond the preschool years. It establishes the foundation for a child's primary education, which opens the door to secondary school, university, and beyond. TKP has a strong track record, with 100% of its students qualifying for high school, illustrating the organization's dedication to provide equitable access to quality education for all children, regardless of socioeconomic position. In addition to academics, TKP emphasizes the value of enrichment activities in encouraging lifetime learning and instilling a love of learning in children. TKP helps children to explore their talents and interests through activities such as scouts, dancing, poetry, field trips, e-readers, and others.
Teachers Make the Difference
Don’t we all remember our favorite teacher? TKP is fortunate to have campuses filled with well-trained and loving “favorite teachers.” They are the collective heartbeat of our campuses–they swell with pride when our students succeed and surround them with love and resources when circumstances call for it. Teachers like Madame Janeffer face struggles in their own lives. Life in rural Kenya presents challenges–personal safety, access to food, financial security, the list goes on. But our dedicated teachers shine day in and day out in TKP’s 50+ classrooms. Our investment in our teachers is not just an investment in our current 2,000 students, but in the community at large. As part of SDG 4, TKP works together with local leaders, parents, and teachers to develop a sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring that the impact of education is sustained for future generations.
Education is a powerful tool with the capacity to transform people's lives and communities. The TKP model demonstrates that by giving children access to high-quality education from preschool to primary school and beyond, they can break free from the cycle of poverty and reach their full potential. TKP's holistic approach has been successful in providing a brighter future for thousands of children in rural Kenya, and it acts as an example for organizations and individuals committed to attaining SDG 4 and ensuring quality education for everyone.
All of this is made possible by the generous support and partnerships of those who want to make a difference in the lives of children whose families struggle to meet even their most basic requirements. Quality education is central to TKP's goal, and our all-encompassing approach is made possible by people who perceive an opportunity to invest in something bigger than themselves.