Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) under program Girl Excel initiative and Local Implementing partner, the Next Generation are working together to support retention of girls in school particularly in marginalized and arid areas.
Speaking during launch of mobile lab donated by the foundation in Kiptabach Primary School in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, organization program lead Caroline Mbituka said ENAF through its programs are advocating retention of girls through efforts in curbing cultural harmful practices hindering learning among girls in the society.
Mbituka singled out that girls in marginalised areas are prone to retrogressive cultures like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) early marriages and teen pregnancies hindering their quest to continue with their education.
She lauded roles taken by the civil society networks ,local leaders and education stakeholders to curb such cases in the society citing arrest of perpetrators has played crucial role in fighting the vices.
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The Program coordinator noted that the launching of mobile labs in schools with support of School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) is aimed to ignite Science ,Technology Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM) subjects especially among young girls in schools.
She challenged the girls to think outside the box by hugging on different pathways to realize their area of specialty instead of depending on Artificial Intelligence (AI) now new trend in the fast growing technological world.
‘‘ ENAF and The Next Generation through their initiative is not only engaged in the aspect of retention of learners (girls ) in school but also working to embrace STEM pathways to allow them become innovators in future , ‘’said Mbituka.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Education Purity Koima lauded the ENAF and Local Implementing Partner (LIP), The Next Generation for supporting girl child education in the area and challenged the local leaders to team up and stem the vice.
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The CECM underscored significant roles made by leaders especially the chiefs and village elders in fully engaging in the fight against retrogressive cultures.
Soy South Member of County Assembly Jonah Tanui and county officials present at the function lauded the initiative by the two foundations for their integral role in supporting education in the area.
He assured that county assembly was committed in addressing challenges affecting both girls and boys in remote areas through enactment of laws to realize good results in the area.
By Alfred Kimosop
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