A Voice for the Girls

Given the social, cultural and economic complexities in Kinango District of Coast Province, Kenya, education for the girl child in the district has been low compared to that of boys. Some of the factors that contribute to this include early marriages, early pregnancies, low attendance and priority for education for boys. Such an environment coupled with lack of female teachers as role models, deters the girl child in accessing education.

In June 2009 Coastal Rural Support Programme (CRSP-K) initiated the girls forums programme with the intention of addressing issues hindering access, attendance and retention of girls in schools. One of the beneficiaries of the forum is one Fatuma Nyale of Mtaa Primary School who has seen a remarkable improvement both in her performance in school work and discussions in forums. Initially Fatuma was a shy girl who could not take part in discussions either in class or in extra curricular activities. However after undergoing trainings and exchange visits organize by the forum, Fatuma has shown great confidence and interest in supporting other girls. The forum provides an opportunity where pupils can discuss and exchange ideas affecting and hindering their education and solutions of the problems are sought within.

During one of the parents meeting, her father talked about the changes and improvements she had seen in her daughter and promised to support her if that would make her perform better in school. “All along I thought that I would look for money to send to school but I have realized that it is not only money that matters, but supporting my daughter in what she is doing. From now I will participate in all school initiatives and urge other parents to do so,” said Fatuma’s father.

Fatuma has also been elected the leader of her group and has organized and led many inter-school forums in discussions. She is eloquent and speaks courageously.

One factor that is critical to success in a school system is involvement of parents. Their low participation has been due to lack of awareness on how and what to support the creation of a good learning environment. It was extremely encouraging to see Fatumas father pledging to support her daughter not just in monetary terms but all other aspects that will make her improve her education. Parents can also be used to educate local people to understand benefits of girl child education.