Teachers Illuminate Narok Mountains

Teacher Viona Koyie’s classroom in the rugged mountains of Entasikiria, Narok South, Kenya, buzzes with energy despite its humble setup. Surrounded by the rich backdrop of Maasai culture and wildlife, Koyie is not only an educator but also a dedicated member of ‘Operation Come to School.’ Since 2015, this campaign has been tirelessly working to bring out-of-school children back to the classroom, transforming the educational landscape in the region.

The programme, ran by UNICEF, the Government of Kenya and partners, held enrollment drives in the community, where children had dropped out due to cultural or economic pressures.

The walls of Entasikiria Primary School are adorned with Viona’s colorful and engaging educational posters she created herself. Her class size reaches 50 learners, but she knows each student by name and understands their unique needs and challenges.

Teacher Viona is committed to ensuring every learner in this community stays in school and works hard towards a more promising future.

She embodies resilience and passion and uses innovative teaching methods to engage her students through stories, songs, riddles and hands-on activities.

"I encourage the learners to dream big and work hard like me to achieve their goals," she said, reflecting on her own journey from a pastoralist community where few girls could attend school. Teacher Viona acknowledges her parents' pivotal role in defying cultural norms and supporting her education, from primary through to Teachers Training College.

Despite numerous challenges, including limited resources and long hours, Ms Viona's passion for teaching and commitment to her students never waiver.

The power of education has been transformative, because even in a patriarchal society, she now plays a central role in supporting her parents back home.

"I am grateful my parents went against the norm and sent me to school. Today, they are pleased when I send back money to support their everyday expenses," said Viona, who is also married to a teacher.

Operation Come-to-School enrolled more than half a million out of school children in two phases. The first phase of the programme, 2015 to 2019, regitered 349,460 pupils (164,246 girls and185,214 boys) while the second phase registered 246,168 pupils (117,890 girls and 138,278 boys through community enrollment drives in primary school across 16 counties with the lowest enrolment rates, including representative numbers of boys, girls, and children with disabilities.

Teacher Viona's own story is one of resilience, dedication, and shows the profound impact a committed teacher can have on the lives of children in remote areas.

With ongoing support for every learner to remain in school, learn and thrive, her dedication to fostering a positive and inspiring learning environment will encourage learners to dream big and hopefully realize their fullest potential.