Three Kenyan schools honoured for their efforts to transform education

Three Kenyan schools have been recognized for their outstanding efforts in improving education and expanding access in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) and informal settlements.

Embu Kawa School, Tujisaidie Community Centre in Kayole, and Meta Meta Roses School in Kajiado emerged as winners of the 2024 Opportunity International Global EduQuality Awards.

They were among eight schools selected from Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Ghana in a competition that attracted 3,500 schools worldwide.

Meta Meta Roses School in Kajiado was honoured for its commitment to inclusion, child protection, and community engagement.

Headteacher Jane Mutua highlighted the school's innovative Hygiene Club, which has played a critical role in keeping girls in school.

"The school’s Hygiene Club was innovative in training girls in making reusable sanitary towels, ensuring they don’t miss school during menstruation," said Mutua.

This initiative has significantly reduced absenteeism while equipping girls with life skills and fostering open discussions on menstrual health.

Additionally, the school introduced community engagement programs, including School Community Days, which bring parents and local leaders together to support school development.

"The Community Days have united parents and local leaders in a shared mission to support education, creating lasting change," she added.

This engagement has led to increased student retention, stronger parental involvement, and a more inclusive learning environment.

Tujisaidie Community Centre, based in Kayole, received the award for its transformative approach to parent and community engagement.

Headteacher John Omondi reflected on the challenges the school faced, including low enrollment, poor attendance, and minimal parental involvement due to economic hardships.

To address these issues, the school formed a strong Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and introduced the Shining Joy Group, a parent-led initiative that funds school projects through table banking.

This has supported a feeding program, health services, and a school library.

"Their deep-rooted collaboration with parents and local organizations has led to higher enrollment, improved academic outcomes, and a thriving school environment," Omondi said.

Through these partnerships, the school has witnessed remarkable growth, increased student enrollment, and improved academic performance.

"The impact has been incredible—student enrollment has grown, academic performance has improved, and parental involvement is stronger than ever. The school has become a model of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable change," he added.

At Embu Kawa Academy, a strong focus on lesson planning, teacher mentorship, and innovative teaching strategies has led to outstanding academic performance and student engagement.

School director John Njeru credited the institution’s success to its teacher coaching model and strategic community involvement.

"We developed new practical teaching aids to assist learners in understanding concepts, developed schemes of work, and created lesson plans. Teachers became more innovative, which improved the results in national examinations, hence increasing enrollment," said Njeru.

Njeru further said their innovative approaches, strong community collaborations, and unwavering commitment to education, has proved that meaningful change in education is possible through dedication, innovation, and teamwork.

Miriam Maina, Education Specialist at Opportunity EduFinance, commended the winning schools for their unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in education.

"Their dedication to transforming education is truly inspiring, and I am honored to be part of their journey," said Maina adding that the schools are making education more inclusive and accessible, ensuring brighter futures for their students.

"These schools have proven that when educators, parents, and communities unite, real change happens," she stated.

Renée McAlpin, EduQuality Director for Opportunity EduFinance, praised the praised schools for their leadership and commitment to excellence.

"This award is a recognition of their resilience, commitment, and the lasting impact they have created," said McAlpin emphasizing that the award was aimed to highlight more schools making a significant impact in their communities.

"Great schools aren’t defined by their size or resources but by their commitment to growth and impact. The EduQuality Awards celebrate schools that embrace innovation, empower their educators, and continuously strive to elevate learning outcomes," she said.

The Opportunity International Global EduQuality Awards recognize schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing education quality.

Schools are selected regardless of location, available resources, or size, with a focus on innovation and dedication to improving education.

The award committee reviewed 42 outstanding applications showcasing approaches that engaged and benefited students, families, and the broader school community.

The top prize in the competition was awarded to Colegio Mano Amiga in Guatemala, with Colegio Luz del Porvenir in the Dominican Republic and Crismond Academy in Ghana securing the second and third places, respectively.