Lodwar- August 6, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The Children on the Margin, Life Skills and Values Project has been launched to equip learners in 80 schools with essential life skills and values.

The project, a collaboration between the County Government and UNICEF, targets children with essential life skills to build personal development, resilience, and social values. It also includes out-of-school children to ensure no child is left behind.

CECM for Education, Sports and Social Protection Leah Audan applauded the project’s inclusive county-wide scope. She emphasized that with clearly defined roles among stakeholders, the initiative could expand to reach more than the initial 80 schools.

“The County Government, especially the ECDE Department, is fully committed. With all stakeholders on board, we can grow this program to benefit even more children,” she said.

Audan emphasized the need to incorporate real-world challenges such as climate change and insecurity into the life skills curriculum, especially for children growing up in remote, high-risk border communities.

“It is my hope that the project will also address emerging social issues, including culturally sensitive topics in an age-appropriate manner, while bridging the disconnect between what children learn at school and at home,” she added.

Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Tom Siele called on all stakeholders to do their part in ensuring the project’s impact reaches both in-school and out-of-school children. He also appealed for continued support from the County Steering Group (CSG) and partners to enhance infrastructure such as desks, toilets, and learning materials.

UNICEF’s Education Officer, Margaret Njayakio, emphasized the project’s holistic nature, involving parents, caregivers, and Boards of Management to reinforce life skills both in schools and at home.

The Life Skills and Values Project marks a bold step toward building a resilient, empowered generation of Turkana’s children equipped not only for academic success but for navigating life’s realities.

The event brought together stakeholders including representatives from the Girl Child Network, Life Skills Promoters, RELLI, Zizi Afrique, Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs), Quality Assurance Officers, Sub-county Education Officers, the County Director of Education, and the County Nutrition Coordinator, among others highlighting the project’s multi-sectoral approach.