The programme was initiated by ANPPCAN Kenya in collaboration with Concern Worldwide and the education service providers (schools) in the informal settlements of Nairobi in 2008.  The purpose of the programme is to ensure access and completion of primary education by children in a safe and child friendly environment.

The programme initially targeted 10 schools in 2008 in the informal settlements of Nairobi. The number of schools was increased to 10 at the start of 2009. They include Daniel Comboni Primary School and St. John Catholic School in Korogocho, St. Martin in Huruma, St. James Feeding Programme, Genesis Joy School and Future Kids in Mathare, Oxsic Center and School in Dandora, KICOSHEP Primary School and Laini Saba Primary School in Kibera and Riverside Memorial Primary School in Kangemi.

The Overall objective of the partnership is ‘to enhance the capacity of primary education service providers to present learning environments that enable children access and complete primary education through effective protection frameworks’.

The specific objectives of the programme are for schools in the urban slums to:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of children’s rights and child protection
• Develop and effectively implement child protection standards and policies within all their institutions;
• Have effective mechanisms for networking and collaboration with support of law enforcement officers charged with child protection.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• All the schools were trained on child rights and protection and are currently implementing their action plans which include carrying out sensitizations on child protection in schools and the community.
• The schools management and teachers were trained on development of child protection policies. They developed draft child protection policies with the guidance of ANPPCAN Kenya which will be launched during the first quarter of 2010.
• Review meeting were conducted every quarter to assess and offer advise on the various initiatives of child protection in the schools
• The legal officer and social workers make regular visits to the schools to take-up extreme cases of child abuse including defilement. An average of 10 cases are reported every quarter and filed in court.
• Legal awareness forums are organized in the schools to raise awareness for parents and teachers to understand the procedures of seeking legal redress to achieve justice for children
• An assessment of resources for five schools was carried out and publications on child protection were purchased for 5 of the schools.