The USAID Primary Math and Reading Initiative recently released its findings from impact assessments in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu and Kisumu Counties. 

Students in Primary Math and Reading were between two and three times more likely to meet Kenya National Examinations Council benchmarks in literacy compared with students in control schools. Using a revised cost-effective text book, the initiative was also able to increase the text book to student ratio from one book for every three students to one book per student, without spending any additional Kenya Shillings. 

"Before Primary Math and Reading, my teachers had problems handling lower classes. They used to force the pupils to know how to read and recognize letters. But when Primary Math and Reading came, it became very easy for them to handle lower primary. Teaching has become so easy. Pupils understand and find it easier to recognize letters and even join sounds to read words," said Kennedy Ouma, Manager of Emmaus Education Center in Nairobi City County (pictured below with his students). 

Go here to find out more about the Primary Math and Reading Initiative. 

The USAID Inuka Community-Based Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project marks the first time that USAID/Kenya has directly partnered with a local Kenyan organization to implement orphans and vulnerable children activities.  

Inuka partners with communities to identify vulnerable families with the goal of providing care and support for 11,000 orphans and vulnerable children infected with or affected by HIV in Siaya County. In East Uyoma (Siaya County), the community chief identified Alice Awino Omingo and her family of four children as vulnerable.  Alice, a widow, and her 15-year-old son, Victor, are both HIV positive.  Inuka community volunteers conducted a needs assessment and found that Alice and her family needed better housing. Alice's community built the structure and Inuka provided a metal roof.

USAID orphans and vulnerable children activities foster sustainable systems that help local communities ensure that  vulnerable children and families can lead productive lives instead of being a burden on their communities. It's a partnership.

Photo credit: USAID/Ric Francis

Allen Okode (above) is the recipient of another thriving orphans and vulnerable children partnership. Allen's mother lost her eyesight due to AIDS. With help from the USAID APHIAplus Western activity, she's now on ARVs and leading a productive life. APHIAplus bought Allen new shoes for school; his mom pays his school fees, because she is now well enough to work. APHIAplus helped renovate their home and assisted them to start a vegetable garden. Allen now has more energy to complete his studies. 

USAID orphans and vulnerable children activities are community partnerships - families have to invest. Together, the community, benefactors and USAID lift orphans and vulnerable children out of poverty and help them to become productive members of society.

Find out more about USAID activities that support orphans and vulnerable children.

MP Busia County Hon. Florence Mutua with National Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairlady Beth Syengo - two examples of Kenyan women who are providing leadership. Photo credit: Maureen Daka

According to a USAID-supported post-election gender audit carried out by the Federation of Kenyan Women Lawyers, historic barriers still undermine women's inclusion and participation in leadership.  Women seeking political office still lack critical political connections that would enable them to secure the initial nomination from their respective political parties.  This coupled with inadequate financial resources and irregularities in political party primaries lock women out.

"USAID is starting early to support sustainable initiatives aimed at addressing some of these barriers.  We are supporting the National Democratic Institute and the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association to initiate a women's leadership training and mentorship program.  The program helps women build their leadership and campaigning skills and expand their political networks," said USAID/Kenya Mission Director Karen Freeman at the inaugural training.

Program participants were selected through a competitive process targeting: (1) young and emerging student leaders, (2) women party members, and (3) elected and nominated ward representatives interested in seeking elective office or a higher position in the next elections.  The USAID-supported program targets 150 women from Nairobi, Kisumu, Kiambu, Makueni and Uasin Gishu.  

Send an email to the National Democratic Institute Country Director to learn more.

Stephen Mutiso, Tusuanie Vamwe Youth Chairman, says the partnership has united the group with a shared interest. "Each member in the group has adopted some sort of commercial business practice," said Syngenta agronomist Joseph Wambua Masela.

At full capacity, the nursery can hold up to 30,000 vegetable seedlings. Depending on variety, each seedling can sell for four to seven Kenya Shillings. From October 2013 to March 2014, the group sold a total of 149,469 seedlings earning them more than KSh 600,000 ($7,000). With their proceeds, youth members have invested in cows, sheep, and goats. They have also purchased farms, built homes, paid college fees, and started other businesses. 

USAID supports public-private partnerships to encourage innovation and sustainability.