EDUCATION

Improved Access To Quality And Equitable Early Childhood Education.

Addressing the Education Crisis and Empowering South Sudan’s Children and Youth

Kenya’s education sector has made notable progress over the years, yet significant challenges remain, particularly for children in marginalized and underserved communities. Poverty, regional inequalities, and social barriers continue to limit access to safe, inclusive, and quality education for many learners. Children in arid and semi arid regions, informal urban settlements, and remote rural areas are especially affected.

Although school enrollment rates are relatively high, many children struggle to stay in school and achieve meaningful learning outcomes. Girls remain disproportionately affected due to factors such as early pregnancy, gender based violence, and cultural practices in some communities. Limited access to quality teaching and learning resources means that many children do not acquire foundational literacy and numeracy skills necessary for lifelong success. Adolescents and youth who miss out on formal education often face limited opportunities for employment and sustainable livelihoods.

In response to these challenges, Grassroots Empowerment and Development Organization GREDO Kenya is working to improve access to quality, inclusive, and practical education opportunities for vulnerable children, adolescents, and youth across targeted regions, in collaboration with partners and local stakeholders. GREDO Kenya’s education programme focuses on two key areas:

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy FLN to strengthen early learning outcomes and improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET to equip youth and adolescents with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and self reliance.

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)

GREDO’s Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) programme focuses on improving early learning outcomes by strengthening teachers’ capacity to deliver effective literacy and numeracy instruction. Through structured training programmes, teachers are equipped with practical teaching strategies that enhance reading, writing, and numeracy skills among learners in early grades. The training emphasizes interactive and child-centred methodologies that make learning engaging and accessible for all children.

As part of this initiative, GREDO:

  • Conducts teacher training on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) methodologies
  • Provides teaching and learning materials to support classroom instruction
  • Offers in-class mentorship and ongoing coaching to teachers
  • Supports vulnerable out-of-school children to enrol or re-enrol in school

The programme also integrates Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) approaches to ensure that classrooms are safe, inclusive, and supportive for children who may have experienced conflict or displacement. By strengthening teacher capacity and improving classroom learning environments, GREDO is helping children build the essential literacy and numeracy skills that form the foundation for lifelong learning.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Recognizing that many adolescents and youth in Kenya have missed formal education opportunities, GREDO Kenya supports Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET as an alternative pathway to skills development and employment. Through partnerships with accredited TVET institutions and training centres across Kenya, GREDO Kenya facilitates access to vocational training for vulnerable youth and adolescents, including those who are out of school, unemployed, or at risk of harmful coping mechanisms. Participants are trained in market relevant trades such as:

  • Carpentry and joinery
  • Tailoring and fashion design
  • Motor vehicle mechanics
  • ICT and computer skills
  • Hairdressing and beauty services
  • Welding and metal fabrication
  • Electrical installation
  • Building and construction

Upon successful completion of their courses, graduates receive start up kits or small capital support to help them begin income generating activities. GREDO Kenya also provides mentorship and follow up support to help young people transition into self employment or other livelihood opportunities. The programme places a strong focus on girls and young women, who often face greater barriers to education and employment.

By creating safe and inclusive training opportunities, GREDO Kenya empowers young women to develop practical skills, increase their economic independence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through the TVET programme, GREDO Kenya is helping young people turn skills into sustainable livelihoods and a pathway toward economic resilience. Through partner supported programmes, GREDO Kenya is not only expanding access to education but also laying the foundation for resilience, dignity, and opportunity for Kenya’s next generation.

Integration to the Youth and Adolescent programming

GREDO Kenya’s education initiatives are closely integrated with its Youth and Adolescent Programme, which provides Mental Health and Psychosocial Support MHPSS services through youth centres and community safe spaces across Kenya. These centres serve as safe environments where vulnerable children, adolescents, and young people can access counselling, mentorship, life skills sessions, and psychosocial support.

Beneficiaries enrolled in schools through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy FLN programme or vocational training through TVET are identified through these youth centres. Before enrolment, each participant undergoes a comprehensive case management process conducted by trained social workers and counsellors.

This process helps assess individual needs, risks, and strengths to ensure that children and youth are referred to the most appropriate education or skills pathway. Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing are central to the programme, as many of the children and youth supported by GREDO Kenya face challenges such as poverty, family separation, violence, or other forms of vulnerability.

By integrating MHPSS into education and skills training, GREDO Kenya ensures that participants receive the emotional and social support needed to successfully engage in learning and rebuild their lives. This integrated approach strengthens protection outcomes while enabling children, adolescents, and youth to transition safely into education, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods.