The County Government of Wajir has stepped up efforts to improve education outcomes through strengthened partnerships under the INSPIRED Programme, marking a new chapter in the county’s push for quality and inclusive learning.
This follows a high-level visit by a multi-agency delegation comprising representatives from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Education Development Trust (EDT), the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Think Equal, and the Wajir Peace and Development Agency.
The visit underscored growing international collaboration aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector, particularly in marginalized regions such as Wajir County.
A key highlight of the visit was the official handover of newly renovated classrooms and improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at Township and Furaha Primary Schools.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance the learning environment by providing safe, inclusive, and child-friendly spaces for pupils, many of whom have previously studied under difficult conditions.
Speaking during the event, Eduarda Mendonca-Gray, Deputy Development Director at FCDO, emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in transforming education outcomes.
“We believe that every child deserves access to quality education in a safe environment. Through the INSPIRED Programme, we are working closely with local partners to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.
The programme, funded by the British Government through FCDO and implemented by Education Development Trust, is currently supporting 264 learning centres across Wajir County.
Kenan Yigit, Country Coordinator for TİKA Kenya, reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting community-driven development initiatives in the region.
“Education is a powerful tool for long-term development. Our partnership in Wajir reflects our shared commitment to empowering communities through practical and sustainable interventions,” he noted.
In addition to infrastructure development, the delegation also flagged off Social Emotional Learning (SEL) materials funded by Think Equal, aimed at nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience among young learners.
Leslee Udwin, Founder and Executive Chair of Think Equal, highlighted the need to focus on holistic child development alongside academic learning.
“Education must go beyond academics. By equipping children with social and emotional skills, we are preparing them to lead healthier, more empathetic, and more resilient lives,” she said.
“This partnership reflects what we can achieve when communities and global partners work together to create better learning environments for our children,” said Abdinasir Saman, Executive Director of the Wajir Peace and Development Agency.
County officials present at the event welcomed the continued support, noting that such partnerships are key to accelerating progress in the education sector and achieving sustainable development goals.
With improved infrastructure and enhanced learning resources now in place, stakeholders expressed optimism that the INSPIRED Programme will play a critical role in strengthening foundational learning and shaping a brighter future for learners across Wajir county.
