KE 07 - TODAY IS MY FUTURE: ADU KINDERGARTEN
Project Location
The project is carried out in Adu, a small village located not far from the coast of Kenya overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is a mission opened a few years ago, where the population is mainly Giriama who live on subsistence agriculture, mostly the cultivation of corn.
In recent years, rains in this area are increasingly scarce, putting the population in difficulty because the cultivated fields cannot reach full maturity. With the lost harvest, families find it increasingly difficult to look after their children and parents are moving further and further away to find ways to survive. Children are the ones who suffer most from this kind of situation, often they are left alone and they risk dropping out of school because they have bigger problems than those to solve, such as finding food and looking after the little ones.
The sisters have done an in-depth study to understand the various factors that put children in difficulty and formulated various strategies to each of the identified problems. This project is part of one of the strategies derived to support children in their development.
Project description
This project was born after a context analysis that brought to light various factors which place children in a situation of great vulnerability. The analysis made us understand the urgency of caring for and protecting children in the area of Adu. In collaboration with the priests present in the mission, a kindergarten has just been completed and it has been inaugurated in January 2023.
This kindergarten aims to be an important reference point for these children to reinforce their natural curiosity and get them passionate about education, at the same time give basic knowledge to help them understand and manage, within the limits of their abilities, the change that is taking place in their society, especially climate change. The educational method we would like to use is a holistic approach and proposes to prepare children to face the challenges that the world reserves for them.
Learning includes not only of the cognitive aspect but also social and emotional aspects of the child. Being in a context where parents are financially challenged to provide a regular meal, a snack is given to children every day at the school. The aim is to provide a protected environment, and ideal to activate the natural curiosity of children using creative teaching tools. To educate their ability of communication, begin to appreciate and feel co-responsible for creation. To ignite in them a process of becoming responsible and innovative adolescents and adults who will find solutions to difficulties in which they will find themselves in.
The educational context of kindergarten inevitably leads to meeting the parents and guardians of the children thus we will involve them in training seminars that will help them understand their role in education as well as to appreciate the potential in their children. Many of these parents did not have the opportunity to study. We hope that they will appreciate this opportunity offered and get involved in, and, play their role towards their children and their educational process. The education given to children today will allow them to complete the future they are dreaming of.
Objectives
- Train children to understand and better manage the climate, cultural, social and economic changes of their area
- To help parents appreciate education and its potential for children's future
- To help parents to understand their role towards children and educational institutions
Beneficiaries
Direct: about 300 children with their parents or guardians
Indirect: families and society
Local contribution
A professionally qualified teacher (a Comboni missionary sister) will personally follow the entire educational program for children and family members assisted by the Consolata Fathers. During the meetings the women will prepare the food, and the children's parents will actively participate in creating the activities.
Referent sister of the project: Sr. Magdalena Maria Setlak
Project's costs