Would you believe that many children living in the communities around the Land of Hope school in Laikipia County, Kenya, do not attend school? It's true. If you were to drive through the community you would see children as young as 4-years old tending to the family's herd of 30-50 goats. But Land of Hope is slowly beginning to persuade the local community members that education is meaningful. And they are sending their preschoolers to school. You can help us to continue this meaningful project!
In Laikipia and Samburu counties, as many as 40% of school age children are not attending school. The local challenges are significant. Residents make their living raising livestock, yet a dry arid climate makes it difficult to find water. Children are regularly tasked with tending to the goats and cattle, grazing them during the day to find food and water. Survival takes priority over education, meaning an entire generation of children are growing up without schooling.
When the local residents do not trust that there is value in education, our opportunity becomes the chance we have to demonstrate the benefits of education and showcase the advantages that can come as their children gain important literacy skills in both English and Swahili. Over the past year, Kidspire has seen parents become believers in education as they have observed their children thriving while attending school. The children wake up eager for school - often walking 3 miles each way.
Education changes everything. As dramatic as that may sound, it's true. The local community around the school has few adults who received education during their childhood. This has resulted in high unemployment and few opportunities for good wage-earning jobs. First, we need to be successful in getting kids into school. Then, we need to keep those kids in school. But the impact of an educated community will be significantly more employment opportunities and the stability those jobs will bring.
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