Operation Come to School: Transforming Education in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements
Operation Come to School: Transforming Education in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements Education is a fundamental human right, yet millions of children worldwide remain out of school due to various socio-economic challenges. In Nairobi County, Kenya, the “Operation Come to School” (OCTS) project, implemented by Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK) and funded by Educate a Child (EAC) through UNICEF, has made significant strides in addressing this issue. This program aims to bring 40,000 out-of-school children back to school and ensure their retention and successful transition from primary to secondary education. Background and Objectives The OCTS project was initiated in response to the alarming statistics from the 2009 Kenya Household Population Census, which estimated that 1.9 million primary school-aged children (6-13 years) and 2.7 million secondary school-aged children (14-17 years) were out of school. Various barriers contribute to this situation, including economic constraints, gender disparities, inadequate school facilities, and socio-cultural factors. The primary objective of OCTS is to provide marginalized children, particularly those in Nairobi’s informal settlements, with access to quality education. By targeting 350 public primary schools and selected Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) institutions across eight sub-counties, the program aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the National Education Sector Plan, and the Basic Education Act of 2013, which emphasize the right to free and compulsory basic education for every child. Key Strategies and Interventions Challenges and Solutions The OCTS project encountered several challenges, including economic barriers, gender disparities, and inadequate school facilities: Impact and Achievements By 2019, the OCTS project had successfully enrolled and retained 40,000 out-of-school children in Nairobi County. The program’s comprehensive approach not only increased enrollment but also improved the overall quality of education in the targeted schools. Key achievements include: Conclusion The Operation Come to School project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing educational disparities. By targeting the most vulnerable populations and implementing a multifaceted approach, WERK and its partners have made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children in Nairobi’s informal settlements. As Kenya continues its journey towards achieving Vision 2030, initiatives like OCTS provide a blueprint for ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
