Objective of the Activity
The event was arranged to honor the Day of the African Child, while enhancing community understanding of child rights and the significance of comprehensive education. Additionally, it served as a platform to further the objectives of the current initiative titled “Moving Noretet from Survival to a Model School.”
Community Awareness and Engagement
The teams from VONEK, CSRT, and My Little Thing involved parents, students, and community elders in an engaging educational session. The discussion focused on:
The interpretation and importance of the Day of the African Child in the current context.
The entitlement of every child—particularly girls—to receive quality, safe, and dignified education. The shared responsibility of families, elders, and educational communities in enhancing learning outcomes and ensuring child protection.
Elders reiterated their dedication to protecting children and enhancing education, particularly for girls within a traditionally pastoralist community.
Contributions & Exhibitions
The donations made during the event are as follows:
25 desks: Officially handed over to the school in the presence of the entire school community.
200 Kgs of porridge flour and 40 Kgs of sugar: These items are intended to support the school feeding program. The additional 300 Kgs of porridge flour and 60 Kgs of sugar will be delivered in two weeks after the current stock is depleted.
1000 sanitary towels: Distributed to girls during mentorship sessions. The remaining stock is retained by teachers for future monthly distribution.
A neighboring school also benefited from this contribution.
Underwear (Panties and Boxers): Girls received panties, while boys were given boxers. Younger students in preschool and grades 1–3 received their packs following guided play activities.
Stationery Packs: These were donated by other partners to aid classroom learning for all students.
Food and Refreshments: Provided for all attendees, including learners, teachers, parents, elders, and guests.
Mentorship Breakout Sessions
Participants were divided into breakout groups based on age and gender:
Teenagers & Pre-teens: Engaged in open discussions regarding adolescence, identity, hygie ne, and values.
Girls’ Forums: Addressed topics such as menstrual health, confidence enhancement, and personal safety. Sanitary towels and panties were distributed during the session.
Boys’ Forums: Concentrated on themes of responsibility, hygiene, and respectful conduct. Boxers were provided to them during this session.
Early Learners: Participated in organized play and subsequently received suitable support items (panties and boxers).
Expressions of Gratitude from the Community
During the event, a Maasai elder and trustee of the school expressed a sincere message on behalf of the community:
“We, the elders and trustees of Noretet, wish to convey our profound gratitude to the team from VONEK, CSRT, My Little Thing, and all associated partners. You have instilled dignity, confidence, and happiness in our children. Today, we feel acknowledged. We extend special thanks to the Jeevanjee family for their remarkable generosity towards our school. We look forward to the day when we can welcome and meet them in person, to express our gratitude face to face.”
A representative of the school Board remarked:
“Since the commencement of our partnership with these organizations, we have observed significant transformation—not only in terms of infrastructure and resources, but also in the academic performance of our students, both in the classroom and in extracurricular pursuits. There is a renewed spirit in Noretet. May God bless you for accompanying us on this journey.”
Primary Results
Fortified partnerships between the community and schools
Increased awareness of children’s rights through the celebration of the Day of the African Child
Essential educational supplies (desks, stationery, sanitary towels, food) have been provided to meet urgent needs
Learners have been empowered through mentorship and health education tailored to their age
There is a noticeable growth in community appreciation and ownership.
Subsequent Actions
Ensure the second shipment of porridge flour and sugar is delivered within a fortnight.
Maintain mentorship and the distribution of sanitary towels with the assistance of teachers.
Initiate consistent monitoring of both academic and co-curricular performance metrics.
Persist in collaborating with the nearby school to facilitate peer learning and collective community education.
Organize a community follow-up forum to strengthen achievements and strategize for future initiatives.