Education: Stakeholders, Delegates and opinion shapers from Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya recently gathered for a transformative three-day conference at The KCB Leadership Centre in Karen.
They focused on Addressing the persistent issue of educational exclusion, particularly affecting girls living in adversity, across the East African region.
This event not only offered a platform for crucial dialogue but also set the stage for a renewed and invigorated movement to champion girls’ education.
It also marked a significant milestone for RELI Africa, an organization dedicated to fostering educational reforms and innovations across the continent.
The event saw RELI Africa unveil its latest report themed: “Girls Education in the Regional Education Learning Initiative Africa (RELI Africa).”
The report focuses on
Shifting Public Systems
One of the core objectives of RELI Africa’s new program is to catalyze changes within public systems and engage influential actors to become more responsive to the unique needs of children and girls. By advocating for policy reforms and institutional changes, the program aims to create an enabling environment where girls can thrive academically and socially.
Enhancing Movement Building:
Beyond policy advocacy, RELI Africa recognizes the power of community-driven initiatives. The program will focus on empowering local communities through resourceful organizing and action, thereby strengthening the grassroots movement for girls’ education.
Justice Njoki Ndugu, representing Chief Justice Martha Koome, spoke passionately about the significance of the conference and the ongoing efforts to advance girls’ education.
“We are happy to have this timely conversation…it won’t stop here,” Justice Ndugu affirmed. The Chief Justice herself expressed her admiration for RELI Africa’s work and pledged her support as an active member. She also issued a rallying cry to all stakeholders, urging them to collaborate and prioritize the needs of the girl child.
While the conference celebrated the launch of RELI Africa’s new program, it also provided a platform for introspection and critical analysis. Dr. Sheila Wamahiu, Jaslika Director and lead author of a comprehensive report on girls’ education, shared her insights on the challenges hindering progress in the sector.
Reflecting on the aspirations from the 1990s, Dr. Wamahiu lamented, “We had a dream of achieving gender equality in education way before now. However, this dream remains unfulfilled for girls living in adversity in our region.” She emphasized that many of the barriers to girls’ education today—such as poverty, patriarchy, and developmental politics—echo the challenges discussed three decades ago.
Dr. Wamahiu highlighted the exacerbating factors that have intensified these challenges in recent years. The advent of social media, while offering new avenues for advocacy, has also exposed girls to online risks and cyberbullying.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated educational disparities, with school closures disproportionately affecting girls, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Despite these daunting challenges, Dr. Wamahiu remained optimistic about the future. She emphasized that while the issues are complex, they are not insurmountable. With concerted efforts and collaborative action, she believes that East Africa can overcome these challenges and ensure that every girl has access to quality education.
The conference was a clarion call for action. As stakeholders from across East Africa come together, the launch of RELI Africa’s Report signifies a renewed hope and determination to address the multifaceted challenges facing girls’ education.
The success of RELI Africa’s initiative will hinge on sustained commitment, innovative strategies, and inclusive partnerships.
By harnessing the collective strength of governments, civil society organizations, community leaders, and international partners, East Africa is poised to make significant strides towards achieving inclusive and equitable education for all children, especially those living in adversity.
As East Africa embarks on this renewed journey to revitalize girls’ education, it sends a clear message: Every girl deserves a chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
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