EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Kenyan Education System Overview
The Government of Kenya has allocated significant budget to education, to implement reforms such as the Competency Based Curriculum and 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school. However, issues such as poor-quality teaching and large class sizes still affect the quality of children's learning. The pupil-to-teacher ratio remains very high in some counties, such as 77 to 1 in the Maasai Mara region.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide enrollment in primary education stood at 93 per cent, but at secondary level was only 53 per cent.
Kenya has made gains in reaching remote areas and disadvantaged communities at primary and pre-primary level. In pastoral communities, high dropout rates reflect a perceived lack of value of schooling, long distances to schools and high rates of child marriage.
In 2020, school closures interrupted learning for over 17 million children, who missed more than six months of formal education. They also faced increased risks of violence, child labour and to their mental well-being.
NASERIAN INITIATIVES
Critical Infrastructure
The Naserian Foundation is launching an infrastructure building programme with the Opalagilagi School in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. A core element of this project will be the renovation of a pre-primary and primary school and the new construction of a secondary school with boarding facilities and associated support elements (kitchen, energy supply, sanitation etc.) The morale and performance of under-resourced school staff and students is often extraordinary and always to be admired. The Naserian Foundation would like to marry that energy and determination with the facilities to allow students’ potential to be fully expressed.
2. Technology
Access to and significant and sustained training on cutting edge technologies is critical to the ability of any 21st century student to engage fully in a contemporary education system. The ability to adequately compete in any postgraduate careers market, or to engage fully with tertiary education will be also greatly increased with complete familiarity with the range of technologies available.
The Naserian Foundation’s partners have incredible capacity on numerous cutting-edge technology platforms which will be made available to the students on the programme. Kenya has always been at the forefront of, especially, mobile technology innovation and uptake. The potential for exciting developments of this technology through the collaborative efforts of partners and students is truly exciting.
3.Tactical Support
Innovative and scalable programmes such as that being applied by Flying Kites in Nyandarua District in Central Kenya allow for the tactical support of under-resources but high potential primary schools, such as within the Opalagilagi school district. Flying Kites’ efforts within its’ support Network are focused on improving student outcomes through upskilling teachers, investing in girls, and launching school meals programs, while bringing together a consortium of partner organizations who are further supporting schools with access to learning resources, school infrastructure improvements, school uniforms and clean drinking water.
