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It is widely acknowledged that education serves as the most potent tool for navigating the challenges of the contemporary millennium. In today’s world, the acquisition of knowledge and proficient communication skills is imperative. For Kenya, the nation’s ultimate triumph hinges upon its capacity to ensure equitable educational access for all individuals, thereby furnishing the labour market with well-qualified professionals who can contribute to the realisation of both domestic and global developmental objectives.

Nevertheless, a formidable obstacle to attaining this vision persists in the form of acute poverty plaguing several rural areas in Kenya. Despite Kenya’s persistent efforts to reform its underfunded educational system, encompassing structural and curriculum modifications, it is imperative to acknowledge that substantial challenges endure. While the government has eliminated primary and high school tuition fees, ancillary costs such as school uniforms and textbooks impose a significant financial burden on the most vulnerable families, resulting in a steady rise in dropout rates.

According to a 2010 UNESCO report, Kenya grapples with the issue of one million children and youth being out of school, alongside over 7.8 million young adults and adults who struggle with basic literacy skills. The deficiencies in educational institutions persist, characterized by inadequate teaching staff, subpar infrastructure, limited access to textbooks, and a dearth of essential learning resources. This dire situation is particularly pronounced in remote areas of Kenya.

In response to this critical challenge and in alignment with the developmental goals of both national and county governments, Lewa has undertaken a series of initiatives to bridge the chasm in the delivery of high-quality education within the region. Lewa remains steadfast in its commitment to support the following programmes:

What We Do

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School Programs

The Challenge

The Lewa Education Programme’s main aim is to provide the children on the boundaries of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with access to the best possible education opportunities and effectively create awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation. Support is given through the development and improvement of infrastructure, the provision and training of teachers, and the facilitation of feeding programmes. The programme also provides bursaries and scholarships for young, high-performing students in secondary and tertiary levels of education. The Lewa Education Programme (LEP) partners with 23 public schools that span Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties.

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Bursary programmes

The Challenge

Many children in rural Kenya lack access to quality education. This is a problem because when young people are unable to complete their education, they cannot develop their unique talents, grow with new perspectives, and achieve their dreams. Without access to opportunities that unlock their potential, young people risk relying on livelihoods that depend on finite natural resources. Lewa recognises that good education that leads to sustainable opportunities remain an important part of long-term conservation.  For conservation to be sustainable, young people need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to access gainful jobs in the future, lift their families out of poverty, and make responsible choices as future leaders of their communities and stewards of the environment.

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Adult Literacy

The Challenge

In 2017, UNESCO reported that at least 750 million adults still lack basic literacy skills. Literacy levels in many communities across northern Kenya have remained low due to marginalisation, poverty and other social development challenges. Developing literacy and numeracy skills in adulthood also gives individuals a better ability to reach their full potential. Adult literacy is a critical avenue for those who have missed out on access to formal schooling. Kenya’s current national policies and Constitution recognize that all citizens have a right to high quality education, which is also in line with global Sustainable Development Goals.  However, the provision of adult learning in Kenya faces such challenges as inappropriate learning environments, inadequate instructional materials and the inability to balance career and family demands. To overcome these challenges, Lewa adult learning programme is geared towards providing knowledge and skills that ensure equal opportunities that are relevant to the individuals context.

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Conservation Education

The Challenge

Thousands of learners in Kenya rarely have access to education that empowers them to be stewards of their environment. Yet close to 80% of Kenya’s population is below 35 years, with the median age being 19. Beyond Lewa’s boundaries, northern Kenya is facing a horde of ecological problems. From degraded landscapes to rapidly diminishing natural resources, widespread conservation awareness is required to reverse these negative trends.

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