Making dreams a reality: Ekiru's determination, ambition and resilience

For young Ekiru, starting at a new school was a chance to start over, to have a reboot of his career ambition, and a chance to make new friends.

"I always dreamed of going to school," says Ekiru, his eyes bright with determination. "I love science very much. I want to be a nurse one day."

Today, going to school is a reality, and he is firmly set on becoming a healthcare worker who will help his community. For Ekiru, the school is a safe environment that is protected from various risks, including violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Ekiru's journey began on a rough path in Nyiro ward in Samburu North. From an early age, he stayed out of school to care for a relative's livestock.

His life as a herd’s boy was difficult. Every morning, he looked towards the skies and hoped that soon, the mornings would lead him to school instead of the grazing fields.

Despite being mistreated, he held onto his dreams tightly. When the cruelty became unbearable, he boldly escaped, embarking on a daunting journey by foot, spanning over 150 kilometers to Sarima in Laisamis.

He was optimistic that a helping hand would see his desire to learn and support his return to school.

"I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to keep moving forward," Ekiru reflected.

In Sarima, fate intervened in the form of a Lake Turkana wind power car, which transported him to Loiyangalani. Lost and unsure of his family's whereabouts as he was taken from them  at a tender age, Ekiru wandered the streets of Loiyangalani, searching for a semblance of direction.

In Loiyangalani, Ambrose Lepakiyo, a member of Finn Church Aid’s Loiyangalani Enrolment Drives Committee (EDC), noticed Ekiru, as he was wandering near his home. Concerned for the boy's well-being, Ambrose approached him and attempted to communicate.

However, language barriers hindered their conversation, prompting Ambrose to seek assistance from Paul Ereng, the chairperson of the Titus Ngoyoni Primary School Board of Management, who is known for championing child rights and advocating for education.

"I felt a glimmer of hope when Ambrose and Paul approached me," Ekiru recounted. "They offered me a chance to join the school and they helped locate my family."

Ekiru reminisces about this defining moment.

"They provided me with books, pens, and the opportunity to pursue my education," Ekiru gratefully expressed. "They even offered accelerated learning and mentorship, guiding me through counseling services to heal from my past traumas," he says.

Through a back-to-school program supported by Unicef Kenya and its partner FCA with support from Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and Norway, Ekiru was brought back to school and learning. Today, he has found solace in education, excelling in his studies and nurturing his passion for science.

Ekiru also appreciated the support he got from Ambrose, Paul, the community, and FCA in his back-to-school journey.  Now, Ekiru enjoys his newfound opportunity with gratitude.

"I am immensely grateful to Unicef and FCA for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams," Ekiru expressed, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will work hard to become a nurse and make a difference in the world."

Some of the major factors contributing to children dropping out of school include poor learning environment, low academic performance, poverty, dilapidated school infrastructure, lack of school feeding programmes, poor teaching-learning approaches, and corporal punishment.

To address these issues, Unicef and FCA with the support of ECW work together to make schools safe and inclusive. Teachers and school communities are sensitized on child protection issues and gender-based violence. The programme also provides teacher training and psychosocial services to ensure holistic solutions for children affected are offered.

"Returning to school is more than books. The classroom provides an opportunity to reclaim the child's right to learn, grow, and thrive. Through the ECW program, we safeguard their present and empower their future. Education is not a privilege—it's a fundamental right," said AtsukoNishimoto, Education Specialist,  Unicef Kenya.

Ekiru's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. With determination and support, he has transformed his hardships into hope, paving the way for a brighter future filled with endless possibilities.