Imagine growing up a young girl in rural Kenya where poverty rates at 67% make your needs dire. Meet Jacinta, a vibrant, optimistic 10-year-old girl. Her dreams of attending a community school are almost within reach. Jacinta and her classmates urgently need a classroom as theirs has been condemned. This project is providing construction materials and electricity for two classrooms at Nangina mixed primary school, which will support the learning needs of Jacinta and 90 children each year.
Nangina mixed primary school is the only public school available to the youth within/surrounding Nangina village. In rural areas, local communities are tasked with building/maintaining classrooms. However, the poverty rate in Busia County is high, making it impossible for the community to sustain this school. The school must cease operations until the physical condition of the building is improved. Without a safe place for learning, many children will lack the option to receive an education.
Having a public school with safe classroom space, desks, learning materials, supplies, and latrines are foundational to all children - especially girls - to achieve their educational dreams. Our goal is to empower the community to be part of this educational endeavor. COCE is raising money to purchase building materials, and community members are donating their time to complete two classrooms. Ideally, children will be able to begin the May-August semester in these classrooms.
Investing in primary education, particularly for girls within Busia county, will have a long-term impact on the entire community. Girls' education is a strategic development strategy. Educated women tend to be healthier, independent, earn a higher income, and are less likely to suffer violence
