Empower and Educate WISER girls in rural Kenya

When COVID 19 struck in 2020, the impact of the pandemic on the Kenya Education system was immense. On March 15, 2020, the Kenyan government announced the closure of all schools and colleges nationwide. The closure of institutions affected learners and teachers. Among those affected are the 52 girls who will be sitting for their final secondary exams, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in October/November this year. The COVID 19 escalated the economic and social challenges among the underserved communities and they were not exempted. These girls had to contend with the interruption and loss of learning, financial constraints on their families, sexual exploitation and lack of basic needs. Moreover, the girls had to wait longer to sit for their final primary school exams, Kenya Certificate of Education (KCPE) leading to increased anxiety and stress. During this period, the girls were also affected by the learning gap as they were excluded from online education due to lack of accessibility to the internet and reliable electricity.

When schools finally opened, the pressure of curriculum coverage saw the government introduce an accelerated program that meant that the students had shortened holidays and increased workload. The 52 girls were among the first students to adjust to a “new normal”, wearing masks, social distancing and an accelerated academic schedule. They will be the first among the first students to complete a 4-year program in 3 and a half years.

Despite all these challenges, the girls were able to settle easily for WISER is more than a school. Its holistic model ensures access, provision of opportunities and resources required to break cycles of poverty and inequality. One of the girls, Sylivia who is among the 52 girls stated, “To me WISER signifies excellence. Sharon on the other hand asserted, “WISER gives an opportunity to be a game-changer of my family. I am closer to achieving my goals at WISER than before”. The girls have enjoyed a safe and conducive environment that have led to them growing and thriving. The mental health component embedded in the school program has ensured that they are supported to cope with the impact of COVID 19. They have excelled in both their academic and extra-curricular activities. We applaud the girls’ resilience and determination. Against all odds they have conquered, never giving up!

Consequently, a new cohort of 52 girls will be graduating at the end of the year, joining the growing network of the largest number of educated women in a rural community.  The education support you have provided has opened new opportunities for them, equipping them with skills to advance their careers and transform their lives and that of their families.  You are part of their success. You have contributed to their resilience, determination and a bright future. Thank you!

Links:

• WISER website

• Sep_2024_photos.pdf (PDF)
  

WISER – Turning Girls Dreams into Reality.

“All dreams are valid” is a common phrase in WISER. This is informed not only by the results demonstrated by the alumni network that has been built over the years but also the current girls who are demonstrating exemplary skills and talents.  WISER believes that no girl is in too remote of an area or too difficult of a situation to be beyond empowerment through education and health. In rural Kenya, we have put this belief into practice and created an evidence-based approach that lifts girls and their communities to heights that were once thought to be impossible. In January 2024, WISER opened its doors to 59 new girls, continuing with its history of building a team of community change makers and transformers.

WISER education model is aligned to the global changing trends, where we have well equipped science and computer laboratories, to promote STEM and ICT among the girls, providing them with a platform to gain skills to compete in the ever-changing world of science and technology. In March 2024, two girls, Faith and Sharon worked together in developing an innovative STEM project for the Secondary Schools Science Fair that is organized annually. They came up with an alternative energy source for light energy consumption, earning them recognition as the best Physics project in Migori region. This is a great achievement for the girls who had never accessed a laboratory or even touched a computer before joining WISER. The girls aspire to venture into the aeronautical engineering.

For thirteen years, WISER has maintained a 0% dropout rate, even among the 3% of our students who are young mothers. We believe that every girl, regardless of circumstance, deserves a chance to pursue education and achieve their dreams. Among the cohort of girls that joined WISER in January 2024, is Nelly, a girl that WISER first interacted with in December 2020 during the COVID period, through its Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR) sessions. At this time, the girl was 3 months pregnant as a result of sexual defilement. WISER provided both material and psychosocial support. In addition, WISER liaised with her former school and she was able to go back to school in February 2021. She took a short break to take care of the baby after delivery and then continued with her studies. She eventually sat for her final primary exams in 2023, performing exemplary well and qualified to join WISER. On her first day in WISER she stated, “I am happy to be a WISER girl and I will make sure that I work hard in my academics to achieve my dream.”

These stories of impact are a proof that with the right opportunities, anything is possible for these ambitious and brilliant young women. There is nothing that is more empowering for girls than providing them with education. Studies have shown that when you educate a girl you increase the economic standing of the entire community and they are able to make more informed choices related to their health and that of their children.  Your support has been instrumental in shaping the dreams of these girls, giving them hope that there is a better tomorrow and that they have all it takes to influence the future. Thank you!

Links:

• This is the Website