Better health through education - The Ganze Girls school project, Kenya
>> View a slideshow of the school and our work.
Similar to neighboring countries in East Africa Kenyan girls face numerous barriers that lead to high drop out rates from school.
In Kenya’s Kaloleni district nearly 80% of girls drop out of high school. This is double the drop out rate of boys from the same district.
Across Africa, girls feel the burden of HIV/AIDS most severely. When a family member falls sick, girls are the sole-caregivers. They also face early marriage, high teenage pregnancy rates, and rampant child labor because of poverty.
Many Kenyan schools lack basic infrastructure such as girl-friendly sanitation facilities. Classrooms are dilapidated and dormitories are overcrowded.
For example, at Kaloleni district’s Ganze Girls School there are 305 students but room for only 150 in the school dorms – leaving 155 students commuting 10 – 20 miles every day.
Student meals are prepared under a tree because there is no kitchen or dining space. There is also no library or science lab.
Access to water and sanitation facilities at Ganze Girls School is also difficult. There are only 6 toilets and no bathing facilities. The only water source is unreliable and untreated which leaves the students vulnerable to serious water-borne diseases.
Education leads to better health
The connection between girls' education and improved community health is undeniable. High graduation rates for girls go hand in hand with reduced child mortality, fertility, and malnutrition. There are also fewer early marriages and HIV infections.
Education promotes peace, social development, and equity – it is an integral part of empowering people to escape poverty and create healthier, fruitful lives for themselves.
Our objectives
AMREF works in partnership with the community and the school’s parent-teacher association to improve infrastructure and achieve better health.
Specific targets include building 4 classrooms, a library, a science lab, a dining hall and kitchen, 2 dormitories, 2 toilets blocks (with 5 stalls each) and washing facilities, and 3 water storage tanks.
AMREF will also provide training and education to students on malaria prevention, sexual reproductive health, and personal hygiene and sanitation.
The project will limit absenteeism, improve girls’ health, and enable them to reach their full potential as students and community leaders.
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