PAINTING POSSIBILITIES: NYEHOTH'S STORY

Education Cannot Wait investments are supporting UNHCR to renovate classrooms and rekindle the dreams of refugee children in Kenya

By Education Cannot Wait

July 30^th, 2024

Adapted story from the field. Special contribution by UNHCR Kenya (Original)

At first glance, Nyehoth Pub Tang seems like any other 12-year-old girl. Her bright eyes and wide smile exude an infectious enthusiasm.

But her journey to this point has been anything but ordinary.

Forced to flee their home in South Sudan, Nyehoth and her family found refuge in Dadaab, a sprawling refugee camp in Kenya that hosts thousands of refugees seeking safety. However, Kenya continues to experience its own crises, including strained resources, deepening poverty and other challenges aggravated by the worst drought in 40 years – which puts millions of children at risk and exposes them to the harmful effects of the climate crisis.

Initially, Nyehoth struggled to find joy in learning at the local school, which was dilapidated and lacked basic amenities.

Thanks to an initiative delivered by UNHCR Kenya with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), Nyehoth and her classmates are finding new opportunities to learn, grow and reach their full potential within renovated schools in Kenya.

Twelve-year-old Nyehoth shows off one of her drawings in class in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya. © UNHCR/Mohamed Aden Maalim

“I love drawing and making crafts.” ~Nyehoth

Nyehoth’s face lights up as she proudly displays her latest creation at school – an homage to the implementing partners who are helping her and her classmates access a safe, inclusive education. The 12-year-old is eager to hone her artistic skills and become even better at expressing herself through painting.

Her drawings are vivid and full of life, reflecting an indomitable spirit that endures despite countless hardships she has already faced in her young life.

Multiple crises are affecting Kenya, including an ongoing drought and under-resourced educational infrastructure that struggles to support refugee and host community children. The needs far outstrip the resources available.

For Nyehoth and her peers, this translated to dilapidated classrooms, where leaking roofs and unhygienic sanitation facilities made for unsafe learning environments

“I used to struggle to concentrate in my previous school because the classrooms were old and crowded.” ~Nyehoth

The turning point came thanks to an ECW-funded intervention, which supported the renovation of classrooms in Dadaab, breathing new life into Nyehoth’s school. Once dull and decaying, the walls are now fortified and painted in bright, welcoming colors, and the school sanitation facilities have significantly improved.

This physical change has not only infused life into the learning environment, but also a sense of hope and determination into students and teachers at the school in Dadaab Refugee Camp.

“Now, I feel inspired to learn and create. The colorful surroundings make me feel like anything is possible.” ~Nyehoth

A student takes notes inside newly renovated classrooms in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya. © UNHCR/Mohamed Aden Maalim

Nyehoth isn’t the only one thrilled with the new state of learning in her settlement. Her classmate, Riak Matim, also touts the impact of the renovations, especially the school’s newly constructed latrines.

“We don’t worry about our hygiene now and we can focus more on our studies. It’s a relief knowing that we have access to clean and safe facilities.” ~Riak, student

The school headteacher, Abdifatah Hussein, stresses the effect of the school renovation on not only their physical learning environment, but on the motivation and sheer spirit of teaching and learning in the camp.

“Seeing the smiles on my students’ faces as they walk into the renovated classrooms is priceless. It motivates me to work harder and ensure that they receive the best education possible.” ~Abdifatah, School Headteacher

A student displays his drawing in front of his school in Dadaab Refugee Camp. © UNHCR/Mohamed Aden Maalim

An estimated 4.8 million children are out of school as a result of armed conflict, climate change and other crises in Kenya.

In Dadaab Refugee Camp, newly arrived refugees from South Sudan and Somalia – like Nyehoth and her family – rely on education to access the tools and opportunities they need to build a better life. Dadaab is home to over 390,000 refugees, including 51,000 students who attend various levels of school, from pre-primary school all the way to secondary school.

At least 4.35 million people in Kenya require humanitarian support as a result of the longest drought in 40 years. In response to this, ECW announced a First Emergency Response grant in the country aimed at supporting partners in providing remote learning resources, improving infrastructure and sanitation in schools, increasing teacher capacity and supporting children with disabilities.

Nyehoth writes notes in the newly renovated classroom in Dadaab Refugee Camp. © UNHCR/Mohamed Aden Maalim

To date, ECW has invested US$4.3 million and reached more than 153,000 children with quality, holistic education support in Kenya.

“My education journey has been filled with challenges. But thanks to the incredible support from UNHCR and Education Cannot Wait, our school environment has undergone a remarkable transformation, paving the way for a brighter future.” ~Nyehoth

In the colorful corridors of Dadaab’s new schools, dreams are nurtured and potential is unlocked, proving that with the right support and resources, every child can look forward to a brighter future. For those displaced by crises, education is not just about learning; it’s a vital lifeline and a source of stability in their disrupted lives.

For Nyehoth, it is also a gateway to her dreams.

“Now that I have more space and resources to explore my passion, who knows, maybe one day I will become a famous artist.”

A student smiles during a learning session in his newly renovated classroom in Dadaab Refugee Camp. © UNHCR/Mohamed Aden Maalim

Access high-resolution photos from this story and our full media library on ECW’s FLICKR

Footnotes

Written by Samuel Arowosafe

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FootNotes

Written by Samuel Arowosafe