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Kakamega County, Kenya
Paul* is eight. He lives with his parents and is the eldest of four siblings. His parents struggled to make a living and Paul lacked the parental attention he needed to thrive.
Paul struggled at school and his behaviour deteriorated. Traditional disciplinary methods, including caning, were frequently used to correct his behaviour, but these measures proved ineffective and left Paul feeling discouraged and disengaged.. He was left struggling academically and emotionally.
When Paul’s community-led school started participating in Pursue’s School Development Programme, things started to turn around. With a focus on teacher training, parental engagement and holistic education, big changes happened in Paul’s school and home life.
His teachers participated in training on positive discipline and effective learning methods to engage and support their students. His parents attended seminars on how to support their children in education. As both teachers and parents embraced these new methods, Paul transformed from a struggling student into a confident and happy learner.
Paul’s love of reading blossomed with the arrival of Pursue’s mobile library. He joined a reading intervention program, gaining confidence in reading and writing. This support nurtured Paul’s imagination and love of books.
I have learned lots of new skills and my confidence has grown. Now I love reading.
Paul
With continued commitment and support, Paul and countless other children can unlock their full potential.
*Not their real name.
In Kakamega County, many community schools operate with few resources and little access to trained teachers or government support. Children are eager to learn, but without foundational literacy skills, their future opportunities narrow dramatically.
One in three young children can’t read a single word. Without urgent support, many students will continue falling behind.
Through teacher training, literacy support, child safeguarding, positive discipline and parent engagement, we can create safer learning environments where children thrive.
