About Laramatak Child Initiative
Laramatak Child Initiative seeks to promote the education of pastoralist children, who often find it challenging to attend school due to the long distances to learning centres, lack of motivation to attend and lack of knowledge of the importance of education. The Laramatak Child Initiative will collaborate with the local county government of Samburu and other stakeholders. Laramatak Child Initiative aims to empower the community of pastoralists through education, thereby raising awareness of retrogressive practices such as cattle rustling and FGM which have had a detrimental effect on the overall well-being of society. Through providing quality education, the initiative seeks to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 – Quality Education.
Due to the effects of climate change, pastoralism has become an unsustainable form of livelihood for pastoralists. This has been exacerbated by the unpredictable weather patterns that have exposed them to severe drought, resulting in livestock losses, plant die-offs, food shortages, environmental degradation, and water shortages. Laramatak Child Initiative believes that education is the only way to ensure the safety and security of these communities. The Initiative is committed to raising awareness among the community of the importance of education in order to combat early marriage, school dropout, menstrual shame, and the rights of women. Ultimately, education is the only tool that can free a society and nation from retrogressive actions. While it may take some time, the results will be significant.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use
to change the world.”
—Nelson Mandela
Our Vision
Education for the nomad children
Mission
Securing and transforming the future of the nomad communities through quality education.
Our Programs
School Development Programme
In its commitment to addressing educational needs where they are most critical, the Initiative has established a school in Wamba, situated in Samburu East within Samburu County. This school serves as a beacon of quality education for young girls and boys from nomadic backgrounds in the region. The overarching goal is to empower these children with the necessary educational foundations to smoothly transition to the next academic levels.
The school boasts a conducive learning environment and well-maintained facilities, ensuring that students have the ideal setting for their educational journey. Recognizing the pivotal role of educators in shaping young minds, the school is staffed with highly qualified personnel dedicated to facilitating a super-fast and efficient learning experience for the students.
A key aspect of the school’s commitment to excellence is the provision of top-tier educational resources. The students have access to the best books, enriching their learning experience and broadening their knowledge base. This commitment to quality education is reflected in the remarkable growth of the school, evident in the enrollment of over 30 students since its launch.
The initiative’s impact extends beyond mere enrollment numbers; it represents a tangible investment in the intellectual and personal development of the youth in Samburu County. Through this educational initiative, the community is witnessing positive transformations that will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on the future of these young boys and girls. As the school continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the Initiative’s dedication to providing quality education where it is needed most.
Children Feeding Program
In addition to the vital educational efforts, the school has implemented a crucial feeding program that ensures the children have a nutritious meal during lunchtime while at school. Recognizing that effective learning is closely tied to well-nourished students, the provision of a daily meal is a strategic initiative to address hunger among the children. This program contributes significantly to creating a conducive learning environment where students can focus on their studies without the distraction of hunger.
The decision to offer one substantial meal aligns with the practicality of the children’s schedule, attending school in the morning and returning home in the evening. This thoughtful approach not only supports the students during their time at school but also has a positive impact on their overall well-being, health, and ability to absorb and retain educational content.
By addressing the nutritional needs of the children, the school’s holistic approach underscores the understanding that education extends beyond the classroom. It recognizes the interconnectedness of physical well-being and academic success. This feeding program not only contributes to the immediate welfare of the students but also sets the foundation for a healthier, more focused, and receptive learning community. Through such comprehensive initiatives, the school demonstrates a commitment to the holistic development of the children it serves.
Scholarship Programme
Get Involved
Are you passionate about changing the life of a Nomadic child through education? Partner with us today
Achievements
The Team
Felix Lemantile
The Director
Mathew Laigwanani
Assistant Director and community Liasom
Ulf Spendrup
Founding Partner
Since 2014, Ulf Spendrup has served as Felix’s guardian, profoundly altering and enhancing Felix’s life. Hailing from the northern regions of Kenya and born into a modest background, Felix is a pastoral child. Ulf played a pivotal role in facilitating Felix’s education, providing unwavering support from university to the master’s level.
Having successfully completed his education with the generous assistance of Ulf, Felix approached him with a compelling idea. The concept was to establish a school specifically catering to pastoralist children in the remote Samburu region of northern Kenya. This initiative aimed to address the challenges faced by pastoral homesteads residing in extremely isolated areas, where the long distances make it difficult for young children to access education.
Ulf, driven by a deep commitment to education, readily embraced and pledged support for this impactful program.