Alarm over rising school dropout cases among Garissa girls

The number of girls out of school in Garissa county is alarming, the Forum for African Women Educationalist Kenya has said.

Research conducted in 2022 painted a grim picture on girl child education in the county, which stood at 11 per cent.

Harrison Ochola, Garissa's FAWEK  coordinator said statistics reveal that  only 20 per cent of girls are educated.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a review meeting of the Imarisha Msichana project- an initiative by FAWEK in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation.

Swahili for 'Build her up', the programme is present in 20 counties, including Garissa. The others are Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Narok, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kajiado, Machakos, Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Meru, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori.

The project aims to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy in Kenya during and beyond the Covid-19 crisis.

Ochola said many times girls drop out of school for various reasons, never to return. As part of the initiative, FAWEK have ensured that teen mothers re-enter school.

To achieve this, FAWEK has been working closely with several partners. 

These include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and the TSC.

Additionally, the organisation engages boys and men to address the issue of teenage pregnancy, while ensuring that those who are impregnated continue with their studies.

FAWEK is working with eight schools in Garissa, where they have provided computers and trained students on digital skills.

Ochola said other interventions taken include collaborating with key stakeholders to generate credible and acceptable data on teenage pregnancies that advises on apt solutions.

They also hold sensitisation forums for girls, young women, boys, young men, parents and community leaders on human sexuality and prevention of pregnancy.

Through the Imarisha Msichana programme, Tuseme Clubs were formed in schools to raise girls' awareness on reproduction, their sexuality and prevention of teenage pregnancy.

Ann Kamau, a teacher at Iftin girls secondary school said the Tuseme clubs have been helpful to learners since they are now able to express themselves and raise the challenges they face.

Kamau said the school through the club, which she patrons, has come up with the ‘Sisi Programme’ that helps the less privileged in the society to access items like sanitary pads.

“We really appreciate FAWE Kenya and all the stakeholders and partners, such as the Mastercard foundation, for coming up with such programmes which have truly left a positive impact on our learners especially girls,” she said.

Najma Hajir, a student leader of the Tuseme club at the school, said  among the issues that girls from the region grapple with are teenage  pregnancy, FGM and early marriages.

Hajir said the club has given them a platform where they can speak out without fear.

A student at Saka girls school, Halima Ahmed, said she has been able to interact with others through the club and share some challenges with them.

Sometimes, she said, parents have forced them to do things against their will.

“There are things that we cannot share with our teachers but through this programme we always create time as girls and speak out openly amongst ourselves after which we come up with solutions,” Ahmed said.