“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

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