Teachers with young children in five schools across Kirinyaga County have received a major boost after the establishment of fully furnished breastfeeding centres aimed at supporting and empowering women teachers to balance motherhood and professional duties.
The initiative, funded by the Wangui Ngirici Foundation in collaboration with the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), was officially launched by KEWOTA Chief Executive Officer Mrs Benta Opande and Kenya Seed Chairperson Mrs Wangui Ngirici.
The beneficiaries include Mburi Comprehensive, St. Paul’s Kutus, Kathaka, Kiburu, and Upper Baricho Primary Schools.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mrs Opande said the initiative will significantly ease challenges faced by breastfeeding teachers who are often forced to leave work to attend to their infants.
“This project will save them time and resources, enhancing teacher well-being and improving student performance,” she said.
She commended Ngirici for the generous contribution, noting that KEWOTA—registered in 2007- continues to work with partners and well-wishers to promote women’s welfare and gender equality in education.
READ ALSO:
JSS teachers suspend autonomy push to honour late Raila Odinga
Recognising the high number of KEWOTA members in Kirinyaga, Mrs Opande announced plans to open a new branch office in Kutus Town to bring services closer to teachers.
“Because we have so many members here in Kirinyaga, we are going to open an office in Kutus so that welfare issues affecting you can be addressed quickly,” she assured.
On her part, Mrs Ngirici emphasised the importance of breastfeeding, saying mothers and children deserve safe, dignified spaces within learning institutions.
“Breastfeeding is not only the right of the mother but also the right of the child. These centres ensure that no one is left behind,” she stated.
She further called on stakeholders, including government agencies and local businesses, to support similar initiatives by providing equipment such as fridges, baby walkers, and play materials.
The project marks a major step toward improving teacher retention, gender equality, and child welfare in Kenya’s education sector.
By Our Reporter
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
