The governments of the United Kingdom and Turkey, on Thursday commissioned newly constructed ECDE classrooms and flagged off learning materials in Hodhan and Barwako Primary Schools in Wajir County.
The education aid implemented through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is intended to assist improve access to early childhood education across the county in partnership with the Wajir County Government.
Speaking during the launch, Wajir County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo thanked the donors on behalf of the national government, noting that their support in the foundational stage of education would yield long-term benefits.
“The foundation of education begins at the ECDE level. Once we create a conducive environment for learners, we reduce early marriages, school dropouts and teenage pregnancies,” said Ngumo.
Ngumo added that the initiative would boost enrollment and instill the value of education among young children.
FCDO Deputy Development Director Eduarda Mendonça Gray said the UK was committed to supporting education in Wajir County through teacher training and learning materials.
“We are here to help children get quality education so that one day they can become governors or even presidents. This partnership is the first of its kind globally, with the UK providing teacher training and TIKA supporting infrastructure,” Gray said.
She said the partnership under the Inspire Programme had trained over 500 teachers and supported 264 schools in Wajir with learning materials.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi on his part said that 368 ECDE centers in Wajir County currently serve 28,686 learners, with 543 trained teachers.
He added that the county plans to recruit 120 more teachers, including 20 for learners with special needs.
Governor Abdullahi called on development partners to continue supporting infrastructure and water access, especially in remote areas.
“We still face challenges in some areas where learners study in harsh conditions without access to clean water. No child should be denied education because of their location,” he added.
The Inspire project, implemented through the Wajir Peace and Development Agency, has also supported the training of 13 instructional coaches and 19 master trainers to mentor teachers across the county.
By Hamdi Buthul
