Education for empowerment and development
If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation -African proverb
Basic education is a right for both boys and girls, however, girls in many countries face challenges in accessing education, yet education is key for socio-economic independence for women. These challenges include but are not limited to female genital mutilation which is followed by early marriage, teenage pregnancies which force the girl to drop out of school if she does not have a good support system. Some cultures do not encourage education of girls and prefer to educate only the boys and then there are also those children whose families genuinely cannot afford to take them to school due to poverty. Essentially, educating the girl should aim at developing their skills and knowledge, both literary and non-literary, which will help them make more informed choices.
Educating children regardless of their gender empowers them to know their rights as well as contribute toward the development and prosperity of their families and community. Educated children become aware of the importance of hygiene and health, and can lead healthy lifestyles. It also gives children a wider worldview and options for career choices.
So important is education, that the United Nations put it as the fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1]. SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This means that all children access education one way or another, including sponsorship. ACLAD responds to this SDG by having an on-going child sponsorship program. This program focuses on enhancing community safety nets for vulnerable and marginalized children in Kilifi, Kakamega and Kajiado Counties through participatory and innovative community processes. We partner with like-minded local and international organizations and community groups for sustained change. Through our partnership with Africa’s Kidz and Bio-Gives/Bio-Gro, we provide access to mentors, skills development, vocational training, livelihoods enhancement, and psychosocial support. By sponsoring a child through ACLAD, their households and community have hope for the future. We ensure that they remain in school through the provision of school fees and scholastic materials, health and nutrition, psychosocial support, shelter and livelihood support, water and sanitation. ACLAD also provides vocational training, coaching, leadership and career mentoring to the sponsored children.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandela
Catherine Muteithia
ACLAD Media Consultant