#Kenya #Nairobi #Girl Rising #RISE Curriculum

Girl Rising Achieves Historic Milestone in Kenya

In a remarkable feat for gender equity and education, Girl Rising, the international nonprofit organization, has officially received accreditation for its innovative RISE curriculum by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). This groundbreaking approval represents a transformative step towards ensuring that children across Kenya are equipped with essential life skills and a robust understanding of gender rights.

The RISE curriculum is specifically designed for children aged 9 to 15 and spans over 24 weeks. It is intended to complement Kenya's existing Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The accreditation by KICD signals not only recognition but also an endorsement of the curriculum as a valuable resource for enhancing educational outcomes in the region.

Debbie Odenyi, the Kenya Program Manager for Girl Rising, celebrated this accreditation, stating, "The KICD's endorsement of our curriculum is a game-changer. It will directly impact over 10 million children enrolled in public and private primary schools in Kenya. This initiative will encourage both boys and girls to remain in school and instill a passion for lifelong learning."

A Collaborative Approach to Education

The implementation of this curriculum commenced in January and is supported by a coalition of 11 nonprofit partners, including the Sunflower Trust, Big Picture Learning Kenya, and the Drawing Dreams Initiative. These organizations are pivotal in assisting schools with curriculum deployment to ensure effective integration into the education system, further promoting gender equity and leadership skills among students.

Francis Ngunjiri, a Life Skills and Community Service Learning Specialist at KICD, articulated the importance of such collaborative efforts between government and private sectors: "Our partnerships are essential for addressing critical issues like access to quality education for all children. The emphasis on life skills education nurtures core competencies, including communication and decision-making, which are crucial for young people's success in the modern world."

To commemorate this historic achievement, Girl Rising hosted a launch event in Nairobi on January 17. The event attracted key stakeholders and advocates of education, including representatives from KICD and local education offices, as well as students engaged in Girl Rising programs. Among them, 14-year-old Zarika, a participant, enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to develop vital skills that would empower her.

A Vision for the Future

Girl Rising's President, Nidhi Shukla, expressed her optimism for the future generated by the RISE curriculum's validation by the Kenyan government. "This pivotal moment represents an incredible opportunity for young people to grow, challenge existing biases, and effectively work towards their goals," she shared. "The ability to scale RISE Kenya can yield substantial positive transformations not just locally but as a model for advancing global education and gender equity."

In its mission, Girl Rising harnesses the power of storytelling to reshape perceptions of girls and their education worldwide. With programming that adapts to local cultures, Girl Rising strives to uplift millions of adolescents, fostering confidence and agency. Grounded in extensive research showing the impact of girls' education on pressing global issues, such as health and poverty, their work reflects a commitment to changing the narrative for girls globally.

With this exciting development, Girl Rising is poised to make a lasting impact on education and gender equity in Kenya, and beyond.