#Education Cannot Wait #Kenya #UNICEF #Kilifi County

The Resilience of Education in Kilifi County

In the serene yet tumultuous landscape of Kilifi County, Kenya, echoes of laughter and children's voices are gradually returning to the environment, almost as if to banish the haunting memories of the devastating flood that reshaped their lives a year ago. This community, having witnessed the destruction of their precious school, Tunzanani Primary, is now a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of its children and educators.

Just a year prior, the very grounds where children now play and learn were submerged under relentless floodwaters, a disaster triggered by heavy El Niño rains. Among those affected were 13-year-old Margaret and 12-year-old Gabriel. Their dreams of pursuing careers in medicine and science appeared to be swept away along with their books and learning materials. With the devastation so immense, the flood rendered many families helpless, blocking roads and making recovery arduous.

However, the story didn't end there. In partnership with Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and support from UNICEF, efforts were launched to revive the children's education. This initiative not only facilitated the resumption of classes but also aimed to fortify schools against future disasters, proving that education is an essential pillar in rebuilding lives.

Both Margaret and Gabriel are determined to build a brighter future. Gabriel shared, “When I grow up, I want to be a scientist and work in medicine to create medicines for the people.” With passion steering their aspirations, they resumed their studies, eager to contribute positively to their community. Yet, challenges persisted, particularly for girls like Margaret, who faced additional barriers, including access to sanitary products during menstruation.

Margaret recounted a distressing moment: “When I got my period, I rushed home for sanitary pads, but my mother couldn't afford them.” Fortunately, the support from UNICEF, which included providing essential supplies, allowed her to continue attending school. These seemingly small gestures made a significant difference, allowing her to maintain her routine without interruption.

Educators and school management teams have also benefitted from enhanced training in mental health and psychosocial support. These initiatives aim to provide emotional relief for both students and teachers, showcasing the holistic approach of the programme. With comprehensive support focusing on disaster risk reduction, the hope is that Tunzanani Primary School—and others like it—will be better equipped to face future challenges.

As the community rebuilds, the need for continued support becomes apparent. Kenya is grappling with an ongoing humanitarian crisis—the longest drought in four decades, further exacerbated by flooding. Approximately 50% of school-aged children affected by crises worldwide live in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the urgent need for accessible education.

Deputy Headteacher Peninah Gambo expressed profound gratitude, noting, “We are grateful for this support during these challenging times. This kind gesture has significantly impacted our school, ensuring students have access to essential resources and an uninterrupted education.”

The future shines a little brighter for children like Margaret and Gabriel. Yet, the work remains unfinished. Educators, government bodies, and NGOs must collaborate to ensure education remains a steadfast right amid calamities. In these tumultuous times, education stands as a vital tool for resilience and opportunity, empowering children to navigate an ever-evolving world.

As we observe the progress made in Kilifi County, it's a reminder of the global impact climate change wields over communities. The fight for education and sustainability must persist, ensuring that every child has a chance to learn and thrive, no matter the circumstances they face. The spirit of Kilifi County serves as an inspiration—a beacon of hope that, even amidst disaster, with collective effort, dreams can be rebuilt and futures restored.