This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
On July 2, 2021, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Simon Chelugui toured a life-changing project undertaken by World Vision in Baringo North Sub-County.
The project, aimed at child safety and sanitation, has had a profound impact on the lives of remote villages in the area.
When World Vision invested Sh. 24 million in Moigutwo Day Secondary School in 2013, they never anticipated that their efforts to protect girls would propel the school to its current status.
From a mere eight students, the school now boasts a student population of close to 300, thanks to the 180-bed dormitory facility, two science laboratories, and four classrooms provided by the organization.
CS Chelugui lauded the project and promised government support to work with World Vision and other likeminded actors to protect the rights of children.
“All of us will work hard to protect the rights of children and prevent any abuse or misuse of children in this country,” he assured.
According to school principal Paul Biwott Yano, the project has turned around the challenges and hardships in the area, making the school a centre of choice attracting students from as far as Nakuru and Eldoret.
He explained that the school was previously plagued by issues such as child labour, early marriages, and the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which prevented girls from accessing education.
However, with the upgrade of the school and sensitization on the importance of education, the tables have turned, and children can now concentrate on their studies.
Water projects near the school have also improved child protection, as children no longer have to travel far to fetch water.
Parent James Kipkiror expressed gratitude for the project, stating that it has enabled their children to compete with those in other areas and has given them the chance to go back to school.
Another school that has benefited from the programme is Atiar Mixed Day Primary School, which received a borehole equipped with a solar-powered pump and distributed to 300 households in the area.
According to head teacher Kiptum Thomas, the project has improved access to water, enabling pupils to concentrate on their studies and reducing cases of waterborne diseases.
The two schools have also served as a safe refuge for children from nearby villages affected by rampant cattle rustling.
Resident Rose Kibarendo shared her experience, stating that the village suffered from waterborne diseases and lost children who accidentally fell into seasonal streams.
However, with the project, water has been brought to their doorsteps through pipes, and their children can now attend school without worrying about fetching water.
World Vision Cluster Manager Alexon Mwasi explained that the organization's goal was to protect vulnerable children through the provision of water and safe boarding facilities.
He added that they have assisted in multiplying the project in other villages, drilling eight boreholes, and making 80 out of 89 villages in the area open defecation-free through the provision of toilet facilities.
The organization has partnered with the national government to achieve their goals.
