First Lady roots for education in eradicating poverty

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Governor Samuel ole Tanui (left) join directors and invited guests during the official opening of WE College in Kisaruni, Narok County on July 17, 2019. [Robert Kiplagat/Standard]

Pastoral communities in Narok have been told to invest in education as a tool of fighting poverty.

Speaking during the commissioning of the WE College in Narok yesterday, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said the only way community livelihoods could be uplifted was by embracing education.

"Education yields returns than any investment and helps break the poverty chain among communities," said Mrs Kenyatta.

She said education of the girl child had been hampered by outdated cultural practices leading to dropouts.

The First Lady, accompanied by Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Kevit Desai, praised the WE organisation for their sacrifice in uplifting lives of the poor.

"The WE charity model focuses on education, health, water and opportunity. We thank them immensely for their sacrifice to ensure they change lives of rural Kenyan communities and across the world," said the First Lady

Speaking at the event, Canadian High Commissioner Lisa Stadelbauer praised Kenyan-Canadian partnership, especially in the education sector.

"WE is an award-winning social enterprise with presence in more than 45 countries in the world," said Ms Stadelbauer.

Craig Kielburger, the Co-Founder of the organisation, said the foundation started in Ontario, Canada in 1995 and began operations in Kenya in 1999.

"This journey started 24 years ago and our main focus is to ensure access to education, health, water and improve livelihoods of poor communities in 45 countries," said Mr Kielburger.

Area Governor Samuel Tunai said the entrance of WE in the country was a major boost to President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four agenda.

"The pillars of WE charity resonate well with our Big Four agenda as well as my county's integrated development plan," said Tunai.