Project profile — Creating Safer Schools in Kenya

The expected intermediate outcomes for this initiative include: (i) increased efficiency of government institutions, the national child helpline, schools and community-based mechanisms to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of early marriage, school violence, child abuse and exploitation; (ii) strengthened systems for universal birth registration; (iii) improved quality, safety, and inclusiveness of school environments, especially for girls; and (iv) child protection integrated in national and county education policies.

Results achieved as of the end of the project (December 2020) include: (1) over 1.8 million children benefited from safe and protective spaces to improve learning in Kwale and Kilifi counties in Kenya; (2) 4,450 students (of which 2,225 girls) and 189 teachers from 90 schools trained in sanitation and hygiene through the Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Education program; (3) 254 teachers (of which 133 women) trained in the Early Assessment Resource Centre guidelines on the identification, assessment and referral of girls and boys with special needs in schools; (4) 7,620 parents and caregivers (of which 5,258 women) and 9,550 children (of which 4,727 girls) trained in the safe spaces program; (5) 358 teachers (of which 180 women) trained on child protection, alternative approaches to discipline and parenting; (6) 520,000 people reached to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices in birth registration, resulting to a 355% increase in birth registration in targeted districts; (7) 39 girl-friendly latrines constructed in partner schools; (8) 40 new classrooms built to Kenyan national standards; (9) completed the construction of the Child Protection Unit in Kwale county and the Child Protection Centre in Kilifi county; and (10) delivered library boxes to 90 schools. These results improved the quality, safety, and inclusiveness of school environments, especially for girls. They also increased the efficiency of governmental institutions, school, and community mechanisms to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of school violence, abuse, and children’s exploitation.