Our Partnership with Flying Kites

Across Kenya, only 16% of children attend early childhood education classes, and that number is even lower in rural districts like those served by Flying Kites. Investing in early childhood education is one of the best investments available to ensure a child’s future success, and to many serves as a vital first stepping stone out of poverty. Yet the struggling public schools in rural Kenya do not have the resources necessary to properly support their educators, therefore unable to properly support and engage with their youngest students so they can enter primary school ready to learn. 

One Day’s Wages partnered with Flying Kites to complete the construction of an Early Learning Center (ELC), which opened its doors in January 2021, coinciding with the rest of the Kenya school system. This center serves families struggling to provide basic necessities for their children and those who often make immense financial sacrifices to enroll their children in public primary schools. It was founded to promote active engagement and student-centered exploration and learning consistent with Montessori principles. The ELC also serves as a teaching platform for early childhood educators in the area, seeking to improve the undeniable connection between unsupported teachers and underperforming students. Additionally, it was built to be fully compliant with all health and safety standards, including strict requirements for hygiene due to COVID-19. After the first academic year, 87% of the early learners attending exceeded the expected levels of development.